South Bay Echo for Dec 3
Snow at Seaside Lagoon, SAF Project, Toys for Tots and More
Hello friends… Welcome to the 14th edition of South Bay Echo, your source of local hometown news with a real estate angle.
This Substack is brought to you by Rosetree Real Estate, a full service real estate brokerage dealing in residential and commercial properties to both own and lease. For more information visit RosetreeRealEstate.com. DRE# 02145024
Snow forecasted at Seaside Lagoon
We have officially turned the corner into the holiday season, now on the fifth night of Hannukah with Christmas fast approaching. The South Bay is coming alive now with holiday events from tree lightings to holiday strolls, Santa appearances and parties… oh the many parties.
On Saturday afternoon, Dec. 4, real snow will descend on Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach. Get to experience all the fun things about snow such as throwing snowballs and sledding down a small hill.
Presented by the Redondo Beach Police Department, the event will also include a Santa’s workshop and a holiday hat contest. Maybe they’ll add a shoveling contest, teach kids what it’s really like… just kidding.
The event takes place 1 pm to 4 pm, Saturday Dec. 4 at Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach.
Sheehan Adopt-a-Family Project
It’s not hard to notice that the need among many struggling families is great. The homeless crisis is getting out of control. And many people are living paycheck to paycheck right on the fringe of losing it all. This year, giving to charity is more important than ever.
One of the most inspiring charities in LA in my opinion is the Sheehan Adopt-A-Family Project. Founded by South Bay native Melissa Clarkson, the group holds its annual holiday party with the Vikings Charity 11 am to 2 pm Monday, Dec. 6.
After many years at Alpine Village in Torrance, this year’s event will take place at a banquet hall at 2112 Olive St., Los Angeles. The event is open to families with children under eight years old. There is live music, dancing, a visit from Santa Claus, gifts and lunch is provided. Families just need to RSVP to safprojectorg@gmail.com or call/text 310 435 9808 with the names and ages of each child.
Along with its annual holiday event, the SAF Project has expanded into doing so much more. They financed a computer lab at a school that teaches foster kids. They provide school supplies and care packages for at risk youth. And this year they are underwriting a six month internship and housing for homeless children.
To learn more and consider a donation visit SAFProject.org.
Toys for Tots, Ball Drive and More
There are so many ways to give back this holiday season. Might I suggest a few.
The Daily Breeze ball drive supports children of the Boys & Girls Club of LA Harbor. Contribute any unwrapped sports ball at a Big 5 Location or send a sports ball directly to the club at 1200 S. Cabrillo Ave., San Pedro; and 1444 W. Q St., Wilmington.
Catch the 38th annual Holiday Festival at Torrance Memorial Saturday and Sunday under the giant white tent at the corner of Skypark and Medical Center drives. Step inside a wonderland of Christmas decorations like no other.
Redondo Beach Yacht Club’s Toys for Tots drive. Come down and party with the old salts while contributing to a good cause at RBYC’s Holiday Happy Hour 6 pm Thursday Dec. 16. Tickets are $10 and an unwrapped toy.
Join the 11th annual Redondo Beach Pier Holiday Concert and Toy Drive 2 to 4 pm Saturday Dec 11.
In memory of those lost in Manhattan Beach car crash
I want to close this week’s substack in memory of Gabriel Stauring and Katie-Jay Scott, two South Bay residents who committed themselves to helping people in Darfur and elsewhere. The pair was tragically killed in a two-vehicle crash in Manhattan Beach on the night of Tuesday, Nov 3.
LA Times reporter Kevin Baxter went beyond the crime blotter report to bring us the impacts on the lives lost that night. In addition to Stauring and Scott, elementary school principal Christian Mendoza lost his life.
Much of their work centered around sports, using soccer as a way to connect with young people and provide a positive outlet in otherwise bleak refugee camps. Then it expanded into much more, now encompassing multiple countries with an academy that includes an educational component.
To learn more visit iAct.ngo. The Jewish World Watch also recently honored the pair. A series of fundraisers have been launched both for Stauring and Scott as well as Mendoza.
That’s all for now. Thank you for reading and have a great weekend.