Rather than playing hopscotch and tether ball, fifth graders at Pennekamp Elementary have been spending their recess time planning and organizing the 14th Annual Richstone Feast.

Started by Pennekamp fifth grade teacher Mike Warner in 1996, the event raises money for the Richstone Family Center, an organization committed to preventing domestic violence. Each year’s fifth grade class is responsible for advertising the event, selling event and raffle tickets, decorating, and serving food the day of the feast.

“I personally like helping the community and others,” fifth grader Allie King said. “It makes me feel good because others don’t have as nice of things as we do and we can help them.”

Two dinners will be served at the March 18 feast fundraiser at 5:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Tickets cost $5 for attendees fifth grade and under and $7 for those in sixth grade through adult. Burgers will be provided by Tomboys and raffle prizes will be awarded.

“We do a lot in Manhattan Beach to raise money for ourselves, but probably not enough for our students to have an opportunities to give to other children,” said Pennekamp teacher Donna Barney, who has helped Warner plan the event for years. “This is an opportunity to se the other side of life

Businesses interested in donating raffle prizes and other contributions should contact Sue Hefner at (310) 374-0533.

For more information, visit pkpta.org.

Pier Walk

The Richstone Family Center will host its 23rd Annual Pier-to-Pier Walkathon April 24, beginning and ending at the Manhattan Beach pier. Women, men and children of all ages participate in the event, which attracted 1,300 participants last year who raised more than $121,000 for the organization.

Founded in 1973, the center is dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse and preventing violence in schools, families and communities.  

Those interested in taking a few steps to help prevent child abuse can register for $25 before and $30 on the day of the event.

For more information, visit www.richstonewakl.org or contact Allison Tanaka at (310) 970-1921 x137.

Toad the Wet Sprocket, who play at Brixton Thursday night.

by Mark McDermott

In the book of Toad, there are many things.

There are hobbits and Buddha’s, chickens and butterflies, an angry ode to a political prisoner, an upbeat meditation on fleeing nature of happiness and the singularly strange song of a janitor.

“I get around,” said Glen Phillips, the lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket and a prolific songwriter whose body of work continues to spiral into new musical galaxies as a solo artist.

Toad the Wet Sprocket was, and occasionally still is, a rock and roll band. But Toad was also an unusually varied enterprise, an adventure, and a fleeting phenomenon in its own right. The band was formed by Phillips and three high school buddies in Santa Barbara in 1986 and by the mid-1990s had catapulted into national rock stardom, scoring hits with songs such as “All I Want” and “Walk on the Ocean.”

And then in 1998, Toad abruptly went away. The band broke up, somewhat acrimoniously, despite having a large and devoted following and broad critical acclaim. They have reunited sporadically over the years, including tonight, when the band plays at Brixton as a part of a short ten-city tour.

Phillips, who has become a cherished cult figure as a folkish solo performer and collaborator (with members of Nickel Creek) in the band WPA, said he appreciates the opportunity to return to the rock altar.

“It’s cool to come back and play,” he said. “When I really only had the one outlet, I really rebelled against the nature of rock. I didn’t want to be so broad, I didn’t like the idea of doing all these simple gestures – basically, if you told people to get excited, they would get really excited. I wanted to trick people into being really excited, or I wanted to make them think, or get them on all these other emotional levels. Now it’s kind of like, wow, at a rock show you can really push these buttons in a different way. It’s the difference between playing guitar in a parlor and a pipe organ in a cathedral. It’s a different animal.

Phillips was 16 when Toad formed. He essentially came of age in the band. Phillips said he finds it interesting to return to a mode of life he didn’t fully appreciate at the time.

“Unless you really need to be a rock star, it’s an incredibly counterproductive thing to have happen,” he said. “I think there is a fantasy people have that it will somehow feed you and fill you, but the reality of it is a much stranger experience. I mean, there is beautiful access, beautiful experiences and some really wonderful things about it, but it also creates incredibly unconstructive expectations about how the world acts. It’s been great to be out of it for ten years and to be able to step into it again as adults with a little gratitude and a little perspective and appreciation for the bizarre kind of chance to lead a very different life than most people get to lead.”

“We’ve been humbled,” he added. “We have been as humbled as anyone can get. We are working for a living and working very hard, and we have gratitude for how incredibly lucky we were – frankly, how lucky anyone is to even come close at making a living at doing what they love. It’s a really, really rare thing.”

It may be more hip to be an underground star of a sort, but it’s also much more difficult. The bottom line is that indie artists struggle to make ends meet.

“I spent probably a large part of the last 10 years feeling entitled, like I did this thing early on and people really responded well, instead of realizing what a statistically improbable-lottery-winning experience that was,” he said. “I thought that was how life was supposed to work, and I’ve been schooled. We were very lucky, which is not to take away from how hard we worked. And the fact that I think we did some very good work.”

Toad the Wet Sprocket’s biggest hit, “All I Want,” somewhat appropriately, was about the quickly passing nature of happiness itself.

“It sounds like the happiest song in the world, but once again, it’s about how fleeing happiness is,” he said. “I know a couple people who seem to live for the most part in that state, but it’s rare. To me, it’s more of a moment to moment kind of thing…” ER

Toad the Wet Sprocket play Brixton March 11. 8 p.m. See www.brixtonsouthbay.com for tickets and www.toadthewetsprocket.com for more info on the band.

Plunging V ruffle silk halter dress by Amanda Uprichard $193. Available at Katwalk. Ruby zoisite necklace on 14k gold fill chain by Colleen Berg $300. Available at Colleen Berg Jewelry. Champagne quartz reverse chandelier earrings on 14k gold fill wire and chain by Colleen Berg $95. Colleen Berg Jewelry. Hair by A/R Salon.

by Andrea Ruse

Hermosa Beach photographer David D’Angelo gathered our most fashionable BOB winners at Shade, this year’s returning Best Hotel winner, to show off why they are so popular. Voters showed us that when it comes to style, there are a few people and places they trust year after year.

Arnil Pabalan and Rodilyn Wooldridge from AR Salon proved again to be the best hair stylists on the beach. When it comes to bling, Colleen Berg’s unique, personalized designs again rang true with our readers. And voters once again recognized Spyder’s hip beach fashions, claiming this store as the top spot for men’s clothing. Readers did leave room for one newcomer, Manhattan Beach’s Katwalk, naming this trendy boutique Best Women’s Clothing Store.

When it comes to what is the Best of the Beach fashion, both style and loyalty endure.

Best Jewelry Store: Colleen Berg Jewelry

Logan cropped jacket by BB Dakota $73. Available at Katwalk. Racer back Sequin Tank by Eight Sixty $94. Available at Katwalk. Destroyed skinny jean by Divine Rights of Denim $66. Available at Katwalk Coin pearl bracelets by Colleen Berg $70. Available at Colleen Berg Jewelry. Tourmaline ring by Colleen Berg $100. Available at Colleen Berg Jewelry. Hair by A/R Salon. At the Shade Hotel

Colleen Berg puts emotion into her jewelry. Each piece she designs — including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, charms, cufflinks and pendants — has something memorable imprinted into it. Babies’ fingerprints, signatures from old letters, and even puppy paw prints make each Colleen Berg jewelry piece unique and personal. In addition to her “thumbprint” line, Berg also designs a regular fashion line of jeweled accessories.

“My jewelry is about celebrating everyone you love,” Berg said. “People who have passed away, people who are still with you. It’s also about capturing moments in time.”

Her designs have been featured in InStyle and Cat Fancy Magazines, KTLA, and Fox News’ Good Day L.A. Berg is also the official designer for the L.A. Kings Wives Club, for whom she creates necklaces with team colors.

Berg opened her Hermosa Beach store in 2001 and was inspired to create her personalized jewelry after her brother passed away.

“I had the idea of immortalizing his thumbprint for his children’s sake,” Berg said. Since then Berg has worked with thousands of families in the South Bay and beyond to create her meaningful jewelry.

Colleen Berg: 1312 Pacific Coast Hwy., HB

(310) 376-8518

secure.colleenberg.com

Runner-up: Seymour Jewelers, 1212 Hermosa Ave., HB

(310) 379-5401 www.seymourjewelers.com

Madison ruffle lace dress by BB Dakota $99. Available at Katwalk. Coin pearl and silver 3-strand necklace by Colleen Berg $300. Available at Colleen Berg Jewelry. Coin pearl 6-strand bracelet $225. Available at Colleen Berg Jewelry Hair by A/R Salon. At the Shade Hotel

Clients come all the way from throughout Southern California to have their hair cut and colored by Rodilyn Wooldridge, stylist and co-owner of A/R Salon in Hermosa Beach. But our readers in the South Bay are lucky enough to be right around the corner. Wooldridge sees her clients, whether near or far, as more than just customers.

“The difference here is that we’re really good friends with our clients,” Wooldridge said. “It’s about more than just cutting hair.”

Wooldridge graduated from Flavios Beauty School in Carson, CA in 1988 and has been styling South Bay heads of hair ever since. In 1999, she opened AR Salon with her brother, Arnil Pabalan.

A/R specializes in hair cuts for women, men, and children. They also offer Schwarzkopf haircolor technique, formal styling, and the CHI Transformation System. The Brazilian Blowout, a semi-permanent hair-straightening treatment, is one of the salon’s most popular services since it leaves hair silky smooth without the use of harsh chemicals. It’s also offered at about half the price of other salons, according to Wooldridge, which makes A/R not only the best, but also affordable.

A/R Salon: 1046 Hermosa Ave., HB

(310) 374-4896 southbaystylist.com

Runner-up: Arnil Pablana at AR Salon, 1046 Hermosa Ave., HB

(310) 374-4896 southbaystylist.com

Best Men’s Clothing Store: Spyder Surf

Woven flannel shirt by Spyder $47.99. Available at Spyder Surf. Bootlicked bootleg jeans by Insight $72. Available at Spyder Surf. Weapon 86 black high-top skate shoe by Converse $80. Available at Spyder Surf. Hair by A/R Salon.

Sandals. Board shorts. T-shirts. Shoes. The staple of men’s beach cities apparel is captured best by Hermosa Beach’s two Spyder Surf shops, according to our readers.

Surf culture is the driving force behind the prevailing laid back style of South Bay men. The 28-year-old company carries the sweetest array of clothing, hoodies and hats, in addition to boards and other surf, skate and snow equipment.

“The products we carry make us stand out from other stores in the area,” said Gio Gulino, manager of the Hermosa Beach Pier Spyder. “We’re known for being a flagship store for a lot of smaller, unique brands.”

Brands like Insight, Ambission, locally-based Hippy Tree and Coastal City — a label created by a former Spyder manager — can all be found at the store. Shoppers can still find all the big brands too, including Billabong, Volcom, Hurley, Rip Curl, and Reef.

“Our customer service also really stands out,” Gulino added. “We try to know our customers by first name and really interact with them.”

Spyder Surf: 65 Pier Ave., HB

(310) 374-2494

2461 Pacific Coast Hwy., HB

(310) 374-8276

www.spydersurf.com

Runner-up: Fernando’s, 1242 Hermosa Ave., HB

(310) 372-7906 www.fernandoshermosa.com

Best Hotel: Shade Hotel

Our readers went for luxury and beach-community style when asked to pick the best hotel from a variety of impressive hotels in the South Bay. Shade Hotel offers a relaxing respite during the day and a hip spot at which to mingle at night. Located in downtown Manhattan Beach’s cushy Metlox Center, guests don’t have very far to go for a shopping spree or a stroll on the beach.

Rooms feature two-person spa tubs, Tempur-Pedic beds, Mascioni linens, goose down duvets, balconies and “chromatherapy” lighting that can adjust from cool blue to hot red or anything in between.

The open-air Skydeck, a poolside retreat is perfect for swimsuits during the day and eveningwear after dark, is a guest favorite.

Certainly, locals love to troop to the Zinc Lounge with its distinctive wine and cocktail list, and a menu of “seasonable and reasonable” foods, presided over by executive chef Greg Hozinsky. Style magazine named Zinc one of those that “you won’t want to leave.”

The hotel has been named Best Luxury Hotel and Best Business Hotel by Citysearch, has made Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List for 2007, and has earned praise from the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and California Home & Design.

Shade Hotel: 1221 N. Valley Drive, MB

310-546-4995 shadehotel.com

Runner-up: Beach House Inn, 1300 The Strand, HB

(310) 324-3001 www.beach-house.com

Best Men’s Hair Salon

A/R Salon

If a client asks for a hair cut that Amil Pabalan knows won’t make them look their best, he lets them know.

“I tell the truth,” Pabalan said. “By being honest, you get people to stick with you.”

While readers voted Pabalan as the best men’s stylist, A/R Salon also offers haircuts for women and children. The salon specializes in Schwarzkopf haircolor technique, formal styling, Brazilian Blowout and the CHI Transformation System.

Pabalan graduated from Flavios Beauty School in Carson in 1988. Nine years after receiving his cosmetology license, he realized his passion and talent for cutting hair and opened A/R Salon with his sister Rodilyn Wooldridge in 1999.

Pabalan and his staff undergo continual education to keep clients up-to-date on the latest styles and trends.

A/R Salon: 1046 Hermosa Ave., HB

(310) 374-4896 southbaystylist.com

Runner-up: Floyd’s Barber Shop, 828 Pacific Coast Hwy., HB

(310) 372-3240 www.floydsbarbershop.com

Best Women’s Clothing Store

Katwalk

After shopping at Manhattan Beach boutique Katwalk, our readers feel like models ready to work the catwalk.

The boutique carries everything from stylish dresses to the good old basics, like jeans and cute tees, as well as accessories and shoes.

“We carry trendy, up-to-the minute clothing that is affordable and fun,” owner Kat Master said.

Katwalk is located near a dozen other boutiques around the Manhattan Beach Pier, fitting into its posh surroundings without requiring customers to break the bank.

“It looks more expensive than it is,” she said. “We are a high-end boutique with affordable prices.”

In addition to carrying the latest fashions, Katwalk’s employees are happy to help their customers — whether fashionistas or fashionably challenged — put pieces together to create the perfect look.

Locals who venture out of the South Bay bubble can also shop at Katwalk’s Westwood and Santa Barbara locations. They will also make online purchases available on their website next month.

Katwalk 312 Manhattan Beach Blvd., MB

(310) 798-7399 shopkatwalk.com

Runner-up: BKB, 1038 Hermosa Ave., HB

(310) 376-4416 www.shopbkb.com

Photography: David D’Angelo/Two Stray Dogs Art Director: Marco Ciappelli/Two Stray Dogs Set Producer: Jay Hurd/Two Stray Dogs Producer: Andrea Garst/Two Stray Dogs  Makeup: Erica Preus/Two Stray Dogs Models: Olya Milova, Jeremy Buck

Katie Ascher and Jean Paul LeBosnoyani practice kicks at LeBosnoyani’s father’s Nono’s Hapkido gym in downtown Hermosa Beach. Photo by Leah Shoemaker

by Kevin Cody
Hermosa Valley School fifth grader Jean Paul LeBosnoyani readily admitted to having felt nervous on the drive to the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation Pan Kids Championships last month at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
He calmed himself, he said by “taking deep breaths and visualizing coming home with the gold medal.”

Two hours later, when his fight was called, the nervousness was gone, replaced by the centered calm characteristic of gifted athletes. In the moments leading up to the match, while Hermosa Beach Firefighter Captain James Crawford taped a broken big toe on the 11-year-old’s right foot, and a dozen Hermosa View schoolmates cheered him on, LeBosnoyani, as he put it afterwards, “put on my meanest face and stared at my opponent.”

LeBosnoyani’s opponent for the gold in the 11- to 12-year-old, 90 to 95 pound division was Gustavo Vargas from Clan Gracie Barra, Brazil.

Coincidentally, LeBosnoyani’s father Nono was Royce Gracie’s stand-up coach. Royce’s branch of the legendary Gracie family, established mixed martial arts in the United States by founding the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993.

LeBosnoyani began competing in jiu jitsu only last year. But he has been “on the mat” in his dad’s downtown Hermosa Beach gym Beach since he was four, soaking up knowledge not only from professional fighters like Gracie, and public safety officers like Captain Crawford, but also his father’s favorite students – local beach kids.

Jean Paul LeBosnoyani waits for the referee to stop the match while immobilizing his opponent with an arm bar during a tournament last summer. Photo by Kevin Cody

Physical chess
Like LeBosnoyani, Vargas’ dad was also his coach. Both 11-year-olds looked tall and lean for their age as they stepped on the mat to cheers in English and Portuguese.
LeBosnoyani hopped up and down and then sank to the mat, doing the splits. Vargas stood still, a look of deliberate indifference on his face.

The referee brought the two together for the handshake, and then barely had time to step back before both fighters went on the offensive. LeBosnoyani grabbed Vargas’ gi in an attempt at a cross choke. Vargas wanted a takedown. After the two circled the ring several times, he lifted LeBosnoyani’s left leg and the two dropped to the mat.
Ordinarily, the single leg takedown would have earned Vargas points. But it was difficult to tell who took whom down because by the time they hit the mat, LeBosnoyani had pulled Vargas into the guard, locking his legs around his opponent’s waist.

LeBosnoyani’s dad teaches his students that jiu jitsu is like a chess match. For ever move, there is a countermove. And like chess masters, good fighters think at least three moves ahead.

Vargas regained his feet, lifting LeBosnoyani upside down, in an effort to break free of the guard. LeBosnoyani countered by grabbing Vargas’ gi.

Vargas bit the bait. To block the cross choke, he let lose of LeBosnyoani’s left leg.
“You need to see the submission. It won’t come to you. You have to find it,” LeBosnoyani said after the fight.

What LeBosnoyani saw when Vargas first grabbed his leg to take him down, was the guard, followed by a triangle choke, followed by an arm bar — his favorite submission hold. Chokes are slow to take effect, and physically taxing. Arm bars bring immediate results.

LeBosnoyani is called Monkey at his father’s gym. While still upside down, he whipped his freed left leg around Vargas’ neck and secured it with his right leg for a triangle choke.
The counter to a triangle choke is to walk forward, over your opponent. But because of the limberness LeBosnoyani demonstrated when he did the splits at the start of the match, the more Vargas moved forward, the tighter the choke became.

A lesser opponent would have tapped. But Vargas was also well coach.

“Gira, gira. Pasa, pasa,” his father shouted.
Vargas backed up and dropped on his butt to the mat. As he pushed with his right arm against LeBosnoyani’s left leg to relieve the pressure on his neck, LeBosnoyani pinned the outstretched arm under his left armpit. Then he rolled on top of Vargas, and abandoned the triangle choke for an arm bar.

Vargas refused to tap as his elbow was bent backward. The referee hurriedly ended the match.

The scheduled four minute round went 52 seconds.

Jean Paul LeBosnoyani referees a match between his students at Nono’s Hapkido. Photo by Kevin Cody

The work behind the wins
Last year, LeBosnoyani could have laid claim to being the best 11-year-old jiu jitsu fighter in his weight division in the United States. He won gold in eight of eight matches in competitions that included the Gracie Kids World Championships, the State Jiu Jitsu Championships, and the Abu Dhabi Championships.

With his gold medal victory at the Pan Kids Jiu Jitsu Championships, he can lay claim to being the best in the world in his division. Competitors from eight nations competed for the gold at the Pan Kids Championships.

LeBosnoyani trains three hours a day, five days a week after school. His workouts begin with an hour of self-directed drills, followed by teaching private and group classes to his peers and younger kids. Then he trains with his dad’s teen and adult class.
LeBosnoyani also trains regularly in Hawthorne with kick-boxing coach Steve Fisher, a former national champion whose students include 15 national champions and an Olympic gold medalist.

For boxing instruction, he travels to the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood to work with Freddie Roach, whose other fighters include Manny Pacquiao, holder of seven world titles.
“Coaching Jean Paul is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. We butt heads on the mat all the time. It helps to have him hear what dad tells him come from another coach,” his father said.

That observation is confirmed by Fisher’s experience with his young student.
“Jean Paul has a very calm demeanor under fire, a quality you see in most great competitors. He stays focused and doesn’t get frustrated. Tell him what to do and he makes it happen. He is very coachable,” Fisher said.

“It helps,” he added, “that he is also quick, very coordinated and hits hard.”
“When I heard he had broken his toe three weeks before the Pan Championships I assumed he wouldn’t compete because it would limit his mobility. But it doesn’t’ shock me that he fought. I had a feeling he’d be okay,” Fisher said.

Despite jiu jitsu’s hundreds of submission holds, LeBosnoyani’s dad attributes his son’s success to his mastery of three basic maneuvers: the arm bar, the triangle choke and the double take-down, which puts the opponent in the guard when the fighters crash to the mat.

I tell him, “Don’t make it complicated. Don’t be a Jack of all trades and master of none.”
Despite appearances, the dad insists jiu jitsu is as safe as other, more popular sport. He attributes concerns about its danger to a lack of understanding.

“It’s all about controlling your opponent. There are no punches or kicks in the kids’ competitions. “But let’s not kid ourselves. Chokeholds and breaks are lethal techniques. I tell the kids that just because police carry pistols doesn’t mean they go around shooting people.”

Jean Paul LeBosnoyani practice hip throws at LeBosnoyani’s father’s Nono Hapkido gym in downtown Hermosa Beach. Photo by Leah Shoemaker

Two golds
“Definitely,” LeBosnoyani said when asked if he is prepared for the inevitable tournament loss. “I’ll learn by losing, the same as I learn when I lose to the students I train with.”
Manhattan Beach resident Scott Rusher, whose 7-year-old son Kalani trains under LeBosnoyani, said that off the mat LeBosnoyani is like any other 11-year-old. He skateboards, surfs, and plays basketball in the Manhattan Beach Youth League.

He also rides a 90 CC Yamaha dirt bike. “I want him to experience everything,” his dad said.

But Rusher noted that LeBosnoyani does have a distinguishing characteristic off the mat.
“He is the most mature 11-year-old you will ever meet,” Rusher said.

On the morning of the Pan Championships, LeBosnoyani went to his sister Bianca’s 9 a.m. MBYB basketball game at American Martyr’s School.

After the game ended at 10:05 a.m., LeBosnoyani told his dad to call Rusher. He wanted to ride to the competition with Kalani, whose match was at noon.

“I told him, ‘No, you haven’t had breakfast. Your call isn’t until 2:30 p.m.’ But Jean Paul insisted. He said, ‘Kalani’s my student. I need to prepare him.’ We argued. I told him to forget Kalani, to focus on himself. He said, ‘I don’t care if I lose. I need to be there for Kalani.’”

“I called Scott and told him, please, get Jean Paul breakfast.”

While leading Kalani through his stretching exercises, LeBosnoyani told his student what his father always told him.

“If you get an arm bar, rip his arm off. If you get a choke, choke him out. Do everything fast. Don’t get pulled into the guard. Don’t get mounted.”

Kalani ended his match in 35 seconds with a rear naked choke. B

Jean Paul LeBosnoyani (in blue gi) with fellow students at Nono’s Hapkido (left to right front row) Glen Florio, James Marshall, Jake Brantly, Tyler Brantly, Cooper Florio, Alex Whitman, Molly Ciprari, Elizabeth Johnson, Kalani “Steve” Rusher, Dylan Lombardo, David Johnson, Bianca LeBosnoyani, Marie Cipari, John Zasett, Zach Schrader and Kelly and Katie Ascher. Photo by Kevin Cody

Allen Sanford is a key figure in the beach cities revitalized music scene. Photo by Mark McDermott

Live Music: Saint Rocke

The story goes that once upon a time in a bygone era the South Bay had a happening live music scene. Those were the days of the Strand and Concerts by the Sea and a bunch of other clubs that no longer exist.

Bygone, be gone: live music is enjoying a resurgence in the South Bay, and Saint Rocke is leading the charge. The venue, owned by the same group of young local entrepreneurs that operate the Union Cattle Company, opened two years ago in the vastly revamped former Pitcher House locale on PCH in Hermosa Beach. Saint Rocke has since established itself not only as the premiere music venue locally – as recognized by BOB voters – but has also helped put the South Bay music scene back on the map.

Owner Allen Sanford said the reason voters chose Saint Rocke for the BOB award isn’t really about what he and his partners (which include his brother Jed, Robert Bogdonavich, and Brian Macias) have done in these two years.

“The people that deserve the credit are always the artists, man,” Sanford said. “All we try to do is make sure the artists that play here get seen in the best possible light. We give them the tools – the lighting, the sound, the stage – and then it’s all up to them….We definitely really care about the artists, so we built a place they can actually call their own.”

Nationally touring artists such as Julian Marley, Tab Benoit, and Rebelution have graced Saint Rocke’s stage, but perhaps what the venue has become even better known for is a place to catch emerging artists, including leading lights from the LA singer-songwriter scene such as the White Buffalo, Mieko, Jay Nash, and Chris Pierce. Arguably the heart of Saint Rocke is its weekly Wednesday night Sound Box, a jam of local professional musicians headed by Steve Aguilar that never fails to reach spontaneous combustion.

Saint Rocke is also breaking boundaries, broadcasting live, high-definition webcasts of its nightly performances dubbed “iRocke.” The Net venue has attracted 2 million viewers and has become an attraction for artists that normally play far larger venues – upcoming acts include No Effects, Pepper, and Kottonmouth Kings.

“We are breaking down some walls,” Sanford said. “It’s starting to rock ‘n’ roll.”

The future of music in the South Bay, Sanford argues, looks good and sounds even better.

“Long live music, man,” he said. “Long live the art of performance.”

Saint Rocke: 142 PCH, HB. (310) 372-0035. www.saintrocke.com

Runner-up: Brixton. 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, RB. (310) 406-1931. www.brixtonsouthbay.com

Weeds star Kevin Nealon is one of the top commedians who make Comedy & Magic arguably the best comedy club in the world.

 

Best Comedy Club: Comedy & Magic Club

Who’d have guessed that readers found this their favorite place to go for humor and sleight-of-hand? Perhaps it has something to do with all those world famous comedians like Robin Williams and Bill Maher dropping by, not to mention Sunday night regular Jay Leno.

Owner Mike Lacey is well known for hosting local charities in both his main room, and adjacent Live at the Lounge music club. On March 23 the club will host four of the biggest names in comedy, Kevin Nealon, Rosannee Barr, Sarah Silverman and Garry Shandling in a benefit for comedian “Big” Joe Kenny, who was recently diagnosed with skin cancer.

Comedy and Magic Club: 1018 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach. (310) 372-1193, or comedyandmagicclub.com.

Runner-up: Easy Reader. Talk about sleight-of-hand, their writers spin floss into gold every week. You can’t beat that!

Sangria owner Kevin Barry (right) keeps his club jumping.

Best Club to move artistically: Sangria

Sometimes it’s location, location, location, but at Sangria (in addition to location, of course), it’s also ambience, ambience, ambience. Our host Michael Santomieri points out that there are three different atmospheres, separated dance floors and mixed music genres, plus lots of room to spread out, and an indoor/outdoor feel with the remote-controlled roof on the interior (or is that exterior?) patio.

Santomieri also says that every major sports team in Los Angeles has a Sangria DJ at the helm. Jeremy Roueche does the AVP, the Clippers and Dodgers; Troy Doram does the Ducks, and Omar Trujillo did the Kings and has dropped in for the Lakers. In short, this is the place to relax and to try out those new moves on the dance floor.

Sangria: 68 Pier Avenue, HB. (310) 376-4412, or sangriahermosa.com.

Runner-up: Twelfth and Highland, Manhattan Beach, 304 Twelfth St., MB. (310) 545-1881.

Best Juke Box: Shellback Tavern

Other than the food and the companionship, what’s better than walking into a bar or dining establishment and being able to hear your favorite music? A live band won’t always get around to honoring your request, but a juke box is your servant, your personal valet, and always at your beck and call.

“We take great pride in all aspects of the music played at Shellback Tavern,” says owner Bob Beverly. “Our main music system consists of the latest Touch Tunes Juke Box, and this model allows for thousands of song choices.

“Over the years we have learned what titles to offer and which ones to block. Our playlist and music categories were hand-selected by me and L.A. juke box owner Mike Pearlman. Our manager, Rico DeAlba, also collects song requests daily from customers to be added. Maintaining the proper music balance,” Beverly concludes, “is an ongoing effort of the whole staff.”

Shellback Tavern: 116 Manhattan Beach Blvd., MB. (310) 376-7857

Runner-up: Johnny’s Dive, 100 “J” Fisherman’s Wharf (adjacent to Brixton), RB. (310) 406-1931

Jeremey Buck and the Bang return to town March 27 for a show at Zen Lounge.

Best Original Band: Jeremy Buck & The Bang

This is the third year running that Jeremy Buck & The Bang have been acknowledged as our favorite live band, and their weekly residences at The Lighthouse Café and Saint Rocke have brought them even more of a following.

During the past year the group received a great deal of attention after their single, “Just For One Night,” was picked up by radio station 100.3 FM The Sound. A music video for the song showcases a classic parody of “Rock of Love” with Bret Michaels and “The Dating Game” of the late 1960s. Right now the band is touring, playing the Midwest for the Men’s Basketball Big Ten Championships and the NCAA Final Four Championships in Indianapolis. Their next local gig is Saturday, March 27, at Zen Lounge in Hermosa Beach. For visuals and other information, Jeremeybuck.com.

Runner up: The Darlings

“The time has come” for the Imposters

Best Underage Band: The Imposters

“We’ve been going at it for a bit more than four years now,” says Nickolai Preiss, “and things just always seem to be improving.” Since this time last year, when they were first voted Best Underage Band, The Imposters have released a vinyl LP, “The Time Has Come,” and toured on both sides of the country. Next month they’ll release “Bus Stop Blues,” a 45 rpm, and plans are afoot to record a new album this summer. The group has already written most of the material, and Preiss says, “It has a broad reach across the genre spectrum… It is definitely going to be our most expansive and elaborate album to date.”

Runner-up: Local Hate

DJ Dik got his start underage, sneaking in the back door of Sangria.

It’s a perfect resumé for the job: born and raised in the South Bay, high school in Redondo, college in Hawaii, and he currently resides a block from the Hermosa Beach Pier. What more could we want from our favorite spinmaster?

Best DJ: DJ Dik

DJ Dik – or Richard Podgurski if he gets pulled over – seems to be everywhere at once. He currently deejays at Waterman’s (formerly Dragon) and Sharkeez, and occasionally he’ll pop up at Sangria, Twelfth and Highland, and Brixton. That’s just locally. You may find him coming or going from San Diego to Hollywood, Portland to New Orleans to Hawaii, with a few stops in between for private events and fashion shows. And when he’s not in the clubs? Just look outside and you’ll see him surfing, skating, or playing volleyball.

He says the music he plays is diverse and can accommodate any venue, but what makes him stand out, in his opinion, is that he’s not afraid to play something you’ve never heard, or to rescue an oldie that packs a punch marked “2010.” His selections depend on the atmosphere more than they do on music charts or radio. Plus he’s racked up 10 years of experience, beginning when he was 17 and was sneaked through the back door of Sangria and into the DJ booth. In a sense, he’s never left. More at DJDIK.com.

Runner up: DJ Megs

Shaper Dennis Jarvis pushes the envelope when it comes to design.

 

Best Shop Shaper: Dennis Jarvis, Spyder Surfboards

Best underground shaper: Dennis McGivern

Surfers who wonder why a consensus has never been reached on what makes the perfect surfboard, should talk to our readers’ picks for best shop and best underground shaper.

This year’s Best Shop Shaper Dennis Jarvis and Best Underground Shaper Dennis McGivern both started in the surfboard business in the late 1970s sweeping foam dust out of shaping bays – Dennis under the tutelage of Eddie Talbot, McGivern under Wayne Miyata. Several decades and many thousands of boards later the two have arrived at very different opinions on what makes a good board.

“Deep dish concaves are making a comeback,” Jarvis said last week as he shaped a board featuring a step bottom, deep concaves in the tail and a lot of tail rocker. The board is for South Bay surf standout Dane Zaun.

“I’ve always found the best boards have flat bottoms and smooth easy rocker. I like the old tried and true,” McGivern said when we spoke to him last week.

Both are eloquent in defense of their beliefs.

The bottom experimentation, Jarvis said, is driven by the desire for a board that is fast and loose, but also thicker for easier paddling. Both Jarvis and McGivern agree that potato chip-thin boards are out of favor, even with the pros.

“When I was a kid I wanted to ride a board that the pro I wanted to emulate was riding. Now Kelly Slater is riding a pig at Pipeline,” Jarvis said by way of explaining the acceptance of thicker, easier to paddle boards.

Jarvis calls the board he is designing for Zaun a Fireball Fish. The flat nose area provides speed, the concave tail makes the board loose.

The concave bottom and crown deck put the rails under water. So Jarvis said he’s making softer rails that won’t catch on hard turns.

Shaper Dennis McGivern prefers traditional shapes. But there’s nothing traditional about this airbrush by artist Lance Smith. Photos by Brent Broza (Brozaphoto.com)

McGivern was a glasser before he was a shaper and estimates he’s glassed over 200,000, starting back when Pat Reardon owned Shoreline Glassing.

McGivern has a more subjective view of what makes a good board.

“A lot is in the eye of the beholder. Some of my favorite boards have been god-awful ugly,” he said. But it’s doubtful those were boards he made.

“I’m adamant about superior quality. I surfed well as a kid and I’m able to transfer that into a board that is what competitive surfers want,” he said.

McGivern is back making boards where he began, in the old Shoreline factory on Cypress in Hermosa Beach, which is now run by Aquatech.

“I do it the old way. I shape the boards, glass them, and sand them. I take it through every step instead of sending the work to people who may not have the enthusiasm I have.”

Their different approaches not withstanding, both agree that every surfer, regardless of ability, should talk to his or her shaper.

“I don’t shape stock surfboards. Every board is made for somebody to match their ability, even if they don’t know what they want,” McGivern said.

Jarvis is taking custom board making into the digital age with a CAD program on a computer in his Pacific Coast Highway shop where he’ll work with surfers on the designs of their boards. After the current remodel is completed, he plans to install large monitors to show off the design as it develops.

Dennis Jarvis, Spyder Surf, 2461 Pacific Coast Hwy. HB. (310) 374-8276. 65 Pier Ave., HB. 310-374-2494.

Dennis McGivern, call for appointment. (310) 936-7138.

Spyder co-owner Dickie O'Reilly (left) with the Pier Plaza crew Russ Phillips, Tiffany Chau, Jana Arbaszewski, Peter Lange, Chad Tempo and Andrew Power. Photo by Brent Broza (Brozaphoto.com)

Best Surf Shop, Skateboard, Snowboard: Spyder Surf

Some businesses branch out. Some sink deep roots. Dickie O’Reilly and Dennis Jarvis have chosen to sink deep roots in the South surf/skate/snow community. Their two stores earned Best Of titles in the surf shop, skate shop, snowboarding and men’s clothing categories.

Jarvis has been shaping surfboards since he opened the first Spyder shop on Pacific Coast Highway in 1983. Top local surfers and pros including Tom Curren rely on him to push the envelope in design. But he hasn’t forgotten that, as he put it, “The average surfer just wants a board that floats and he can have a good time on.”

In addition to surfboards, the PCH store has large skateboard and snowboard departments. The most popular skateboards, Dickie said, feature bamboo and koa decks with clear grip tape that shows off the wood grain. In snowboards, boards with rocker that made their appearance last year are now the most popular boards he said. They’re more forgiving, Dickie explained.

Spyder II on Pier Plaza in downtown Hermosa earned O’Reilly and Jarvis their Best of Men’s Clothing honors. The good news for surfers, O’Reilly said is that the comfortable and stretchy board shorts that were in the $80 to $200 range last year are now competitively priced with traditional cotton/polyester shorts, in the $40 to $60 range. In clothing, he said denim jeans and Sanuk’s “These are not shoes, they’re sandals” shoes are among Spyder’s most popular items.

In keeping with its commitment to community, Spyder II will once again host the Surfers Walk of Fame festival on April 17, headlining by pro surfer turned rock star Donavan Frankenreiter.

Spyder Surf, 2461 Pacific Coast Hwy., HB. (310) 374-8276. Spyder II, 65 Pier Ave., HB. (310) 374-2494.

Surf, Skate and Snow Runner up: ET Surf, 904 Aviation Blvd., HB. (310) 379-7660.

Trainer Luiz DeFreitas believes the family atmosphere and high level of service make The Yard a popular choice for everyone -- from elite athletes to those looking just to stay in shape. Photo by Randy Angel

 Best Neighborhood Gym: The Yard

Delivering state-of-the-art training methods based on scientifically sound principles, The Yard maintains a comfortable atmosphere for world-class athletes and weekend warriors alike. Run by Troll Subin, The Yard offers top-flight trainers who provide the same service to their local clientele as they do the many Olympians and professional athletes they train such as Maria Sharapova, Kobe Bryant, Mike Dodd, Nancy Mason, Carson Palmer, Mike Piazza and Eric Karros.

“Our service is among the finest and people feel at home here,” said long-time trainer Luiz DeFreitas. “It truly is a neighborhood gym. You can park out front on the street, enjoy the surroundings of the beach and feel like family. Each week, I train people who have been with me since I started at The Yard in 1996. Many of our professional athletes call us when they are away during the season just to see how things are.”

The Yard: 1106 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach. 310-376-4011

Lauren Alnes, a Certified Personal Trainer at the Beach Cities Health District gym, demonstrates the proper squat technique to a gym member at the Beach Cities Health District’s facility in Redondo Beach. Photo by Patrick Fallon

Health Club: BCHD’s Center for Health & Fitness

The most comprehensive fitness center in the South Bay offers more than 15 classes with childcare services available for the low cost of $10/month. In addition to yoga, pilates and a registered dietician, the 17,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility features more than 50 pieces of equipment, freestyle weights ranging from 2-200 pounds and personal TVs on treadmills and elliptical machines.

“Nobody gives you more for just $27/month,” CHF General Manager Mat Wessels said. “We have a welcoming, community gym feel with all the benefits of a big facility and none of the crowds, which are features that attract our outstanding members.”

Center for Health & Fitness: 514 N. Prospect Ave., 2nd Floor, RB, 310-374-3426 ext. 147

Runner-up: Spectrum, 819 Harbor Drive, RB, 310-376-9443. 2250 Park Place, El Segundo. 310-643-6878.

Celebrating its 33rd year, the Manhattan Beach 10K draws thousands of runners and spectators to the city, many who enjoy the festivities of the Hometown Fair held the same weekend. Photo by Ray Vidal

 

Best Race: Manhattan Beach 10K

Founded in 1978 by a group of local runners, the Manhattan Beach 10K Run has held true to its original concept of being a true community event without the aid of corporate sponsorship. The Race Committee is comprised solely of volunteers and the City of Manhattan Beach provides law enforcement, paramedics and public works support.

“Profits” acquired from entry fees at fed back into the community in the way of scholarships to high school seniors living in Manhattan Beach along with upgrades to recreation facilities at local schools and parks. Throughout the years, the event has donated more than $250,000 to the community.

Nathalie Higley, 40, of Redondo Beach, is the women’s two-time defending champion. An elite distance runner who is a perennial top finisher in local races, Higley said the Manhattan Beach 10K is one of her favorite events. “It’s a great local race with lots of people. The race goes for a good cause, helping the kids’ high school and various causes. It’s nice when people race not just for the money.”

The course, which begins at 3rd Street at Valley and Ardmore, winds through the city, ending at the Manhattan Beach Pier. Last year the event attracted more than 4,000 runners of all ages including some of Southern California’s elite athletes.

The 2010 Manhattan Beach 10K tradition continues on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 a.m. where – in the community spirit — medals will be awarded to the top 10 finishers in each group. For more information, visit MB10K.com.

Runner-up: Redondo Beach Super Bowl 10K/5K.

Facilities at AdventurePlex, including the rock wall, challenge the minds and bodies of kids in a structured environment. Photo courtesy of Beach Cities Health District

Best Kid’s Party (tie): AdventurePlex

Parents can sit back and relax while AdventurePlex takes care of their child’s birthday party, from sending out invitations to loading the car with gifts to mailing thank you notes — and everything in between. “All you have to do is show up.”

“We are a one-stop shop,” assistant manager Cindy Jarvis said. “We cater the party in-house and take care of the whole thing. And our customer service is above and beyond.”

The birthday child and friends enjoy a private themed party in the Adventure Room play structure with a personal host to keep the party rolling. An array of mazes, tunnels, outdoor rock climbing walls, complex ropes courses, an indoor gymnasium and spacious fitness room guarantees party-goers to have fun while getting fit. Parents have the option to customize their child’s party with magicians, theme characters, hula lessons, scavenger hunts, karaoke, sports, and inflatable obstacle course.

The structured environment makes for the most creative and safe experiences for kids in the South Bay to enjoy on their birthdays and every day.

My Gym employees (left to right) Andi Klun, Emily Gilany, Mike Weil and Alex Henao rumble and tumble with kids and parents for birthday parties and every day fun.

Best Kids Party: My Gym

Throwing a kid’s birthday party at My Gym is so popular among our readers that parents book reservations four to six months in advance.

With locations in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance, the children’s fitness center tailors parties specifically to each child based on his/her age and needs. Music, dance, relays, games, special rides, gymnastics, and sports are incorporated into each themed party. Birthday goers enjoy private use of My Gym’s facilities and energetic employees run the whole show, from set-up to break-down and everything in between. 

“Nowhere else can you make the birthday child feels as good as then they come in for our parties,” said Alex Henao, director of the Manhattan Beach location. “The teachers bring excitement and energy and make them feel special.”

Birthday or no birthday, My Gym is also available for regular play every day for children aged six through 13. Programs are designed for kids to gain strength, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility, while developing social skills, confidence and self-esteem.

AdventurPlex: 1701 Marine Ave., MB. (310) 546-7708 www.adventureplex.org

My Gym: 1836 North Sepulveda Blvd., MB. (310) 796-1300.

1214 Beryl Street, RB. (310) 318-2288

3511 Pacific Coast Hwy., Torr, (310) 530-7200. www.my-gym.com  

Runner-up: Kid’s Concept 22844 Hawthorne Blvd., Torr. (310) 465-0075 www.kidconceptsusa.com

 Best Kids’ Boutique: Sol Baby

Our readers love to dress their babies up in the same cool, unique, funky fashions in which they dress themselves. Sol Baby offers trendy clothes for small peeps, or “babies with soul.”

The kid’s clothing boutique offers clothing for girls and boys aged zero to six, including tops, footwear, hats, bibs and leg wear. Rock ‘n’ roll tees and onesies are a big hit with their tiny clientele.

“I feel like the store embodies this town,” owner Gina Rothwell said. “It’s as edgy, funky, and unique as the people who live here.”

In 2006, Rothwell opened the shop with the philosophy of selling clothing that reflects a love of life and nature, peace on earth, music, and sun. She features small, up-and-coming designers to bring hard-to-come-by fashions to tots in the South Bay.

Sol Baby: 124 Pier Ave., HB. (310) 318-3960. www.sol-baby.com

Runner-up: Bella Beach, 227 Manhattan Beach Blvd., MB. (310) 529-5645. www.bellabeachkids.com

Regaining its 2007 title as Best Park, Hermosa’s Valley Park has something for everyone, including Shakespeare By The Sea in July. Photo by Randy Angel

Best Park: Valley Park

Valley Park is a popular family gathering place, featuring clean restrooms, multiple drinking fountains, six barbecue pits, athletic fields and numerous tables and benches. The facility contains an amphitheater for live performances, including Shakespeare By The Sea’s performance of Julius Caesar on Wednesday, July 21 and Twelfth Night on Thursday, July 22.

“Valley Park is an obvious favorite because it has something for everyone,” Hermosa Mayor Michael DiVirgilio said. “Kids young and old love the playgrounds; dog lovers, soccer players and football players use the field; there are great basketball facilities; and the picnic tables and fire pit are favorite places for birthdays and weekend celebrations. It’s also been a great place for numerous South Bay children to learn to ride bikes, scooter, and skateboard on the extensive and well-maintained sidewalks. I’m proud that such a gem exists within our community.”

Valley Park: Valley Drive and Gould Avenue at 27th Street, Hermosa Beach. 310-318-0280

Runner-up: Polliwog Park corner of Redondo Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Manhattan Beach. 310-802-5410

Hammerhead’s enthusiastic staff is what makes her camp successful, says co-founder Jamie Bateman.

 

Beach camp: Hammerhead Beach Camp

Jamie Bateman tells job applicants Hammerhead Beach camp, “If you’re not the cheerleader type, this isn’t the camp for you.” The enthusiasm she expects of her camp counselors is communicated to the kids, ages four to 13 who have made the camp a beach tradition for the past 14 years. Many of the counselors are Mira Costa High students. The camp offers water activities including Boogie boarding, and body surfing, sand games, and arts and crafts.  For kids interested in developing their water skills the camp offers a workout and swim Guard Prep program modeled after the Junior Lifeguard program. No swim test is required to attend the camp. But water safety is insured by counselors who form a horse shoe-shaped cordon around the campers in the water. The camp meets weekdays at 6th Street in Manhattan Beach. Morning, afternoon and all day sessions run from June 28 through August. 27.

Hammerhead Beach Camp: (310) 676-7503. www.hammerheadbeachcamp.com

Gina Rothwell shows a facility for wordplay at Sol Baby Boutique. Photo by Brent Broza (Brozaphoto.com)

Rico De’Alba grew up at the Shellback. Photo by Brent Broza (Brozaphoto.com)

Best BartenderRico De’Alba, Shellback Tavern
By Deb L.
Rico De’Alba, 32, has been working for Shellback Tavern owner Bob Beverly since he was 12 years old. Over the 20-year stint he has become one of the most well-known faces in the South Bay bar biz. He says he gets great joy from making every customer feel like part of the family. Recently a woman who had been here on vacation called after she got home to North Carolina to tell the owner what a great employee Rico is, that he made her and her daughter feel welcome so far from home. When asked about something people don’t know about him, he says, “Probably that I am married with two young daughters, because I am here working all the time!” His goal is to some day own his own bar so he can spend more time with his family – by having them work there too.
Rico De’Alba: Shellback Tavern, 116 Manhattan Beach Blvd., MB. 310-376-7857. www.shellbacktavern.com
Runner-up: Ron Ciulei, North End, HB.

Happy Hour
Shellback TavernWhere better to find the best happy hour than at the best neighborhood bar with the best bartender in the South Bay? From 3-6 p.m., Monday-Friday, munch on half-priced appetizers (those famous beer battered chicken tenders and hot wings are the most popular), and wash it down with $2.75 domestic bottled beers, $3.23 well drinks, $4 domestic draught beers and $5.50 import draughts. Drink specials continue until 7 p.m. Watch the sunset over the sea and feel like a local even if you aren’t one.
Shellback Tavern: 116 Manhattan Beach Blvd., MB. 310-376-7857. www.shellbacktavern.com
Runner-up: Sharkeez, 3801 Highland Ave., MB. 310-545-6563. 52 Pier Ave., HB. 310-318-0004. Sharkeez.net

Neighborhood Bar
Shellback TavernThe Shellback Surf Tavern has been a locals’ neighborhood hangout since the ‘20s. Originally located on the pier and known as the Silver Spray Café, the bar later moved to its current location as the Knothole. Though the name and owners have changed over the years, it has remained a South Bay tradition. The Shellback is owned and operated by lifelong Manhattan Beach resident Bob Beverly with the assistance of longtime manager Rico De’Alba. With a friendly staff made up of local residents and a classic collection of beach people as its clientele, the Shellback has endured while the world around it changes.
Shellback Tavern: 116 Manhattan Beach Blvd., MB. 310-376-7857. www.shellbacktavern.com
Runner-up: North End, 2626 Hermosa Ave., HB. 310-379-5379.

Mucho’s Greg Losson has the added advantage when pouring what readers rated the best margarita at the beach of having behind him the best tequila bar. Photo by Brent Broza (Brozaphoto.com)

Best Margarita/Tequila bar
Mucho Ultima MexicanaSince opening in November 2007, Mucho Ultima Mexicana has amassed over 185 different tequilas to suite all taste and levels of tequila drinkers. The margarita menu offers several varieties like the “Traditional” made with Herradura Silver and fresh lime juice just like at cantinas in Mexico. “The Mucho Margarita” and “El Dorado Classico” are made with Mucho’s homemade margarita mix. For those who like to experiment with their tequila, try the “El Fuego” made with muddled jalapeno to give it a little heat or the “Fresco Pepino” made with English Hothouse Cucumber which is cool and refreshing. If you prefer fruity margaritas, Mucho offers Passion Fruit, Pineapple, and Pomegranate all made with fresh fruits and purees. Cinco de Mucho happy hour has great appetizers like BBQ Shrimp Tacos, Chicken Quesadilla, Carnitas Sliders, Mucho Margarita, house wines, bottle and draught beer for $5 at 5 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and runs until 6:30pm. No matter your flavor, Mucho will provide you with a margarita to match.
Mucho Ultima: 903 Manhattan Ave., MB. (310) 374-4422. www.muchomb.com
Runner up: Pancho’s, 3615 Highland Ave., MB. (310) 545-6670.

Tequila bar
Mucho Ultima Mexican If you like tequila, there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the South Bay that have a few – and the bartender will probably toss your choice into a Margarita. If you really appreciate fine tequila, though, you’ll drink it straight, and you’ll probably drink it at Mucho. This Manhattan Beach hotspot has boutique tequilas like Cazadores Anejo and Tequila Oro First Vintage that most people have never heard of, the ones that are hand-crafted and carefully aged. Bar manager Jim Martel compares tequilas to wines in their aging characteristics, and is happy to initiate newcomers in the art of tequila. There are excellent options at all price ranges, from El Tesoro and Don Eduardo $10 a shot to rarities like Don Julio Real at $50. Those who really know tequila, or really want to, will find that both the selection and the knowledge of the staff here are second to none.
Mucho Ultima Mexicana: 903 Manhattan Ave., MB. (310) 374-4422.
Runner up: Ortega 120, 1800 Pac. Coast. Hwy., (310) 792-4120.

Shade's Sub Zero martini features an ice shell. Photo by Brent Broza

Best Martini
Shade HotelZinc Lounge at Shade Hotel is a fusion of coastal living with LA nightlife. Cool, hip, comfortable, inviting with neo-modular furniture designed by Christopher Lowell. Zinc has perhaps the longest bar in the South Bay. One of the coolest features is the Sub Zero Martini served from a glass of ice; it’s truly the best way to enjoy a chilled martini. For happy hour, Get Your Fix for Six: Monday – Thursday, 4-7 p.m. $6 selected drinks and small plates. Benefit from no corkage fee on “Cellar Sundays” by bringing your treasured cellar wines to pair with the decadent small plates menu.
Zinc Lounge: Shade Hotel, 1221 N. Valley Dr., MB. (310) 546-4995. www.shadehotel.com
Runner up: Zane’s, 1150 Hermosa Ave. (at Pier), HB. (310) 374-7488.

Best Sports Bar
Shark’s CoveAlthough it’s a Pittsburgh Steelers bar, fans of the black and gold aren’t the only ones who flock to the warm atmosphere of Shark’s Cove and its 70-plus TV screens.
“On any given Sunday there will be more than 100 Steelers fans in here, but we can show about 17 different games at a time,” said bartender-manager Nick Ortega.
The crowds show up for college football and basketball, NBA games and other sports events as well.
“Another thing we pride ourselves on is being the Cheers of the South Bay, appealing to the locals,” Ortega said.
Owner Shane McColgan keeps the local touch in mind when he hires staff members, nurturing the “where everybody knows your name” vibe.
The Shark’s Cove in Manhattan, at 309 Manhattan Beach Blvd., boasts tons of TVs showing tons of sports as well.
Shark’s Cove: 1220 Hermosa Ave., HB. 310-798-3932
Runner-up: Sharkeez, 52 Pier Ave., Hermosa, 310-318-0004; and 3801 Highland Ave., Manhattan, 310-545-6563.
sharkeez.net.

Jessie Canfield, 24, gave birth to a baby at a party on Irena Ave. that was found in a trash can outside the residence the following day.

by Mark McDermott

Trash collectors made a grisly discovery last week when a deceased newborn infant was found inside a trash can on the 700 block of Irena Avenue.

A subsequent police investigation led to the arrest of a 24-year-old former Redondo Beach resident, Jessie Canfield, who was arrested under suspicion of murder. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has thus far not pressed charges, pending a report from the Coroner’s Office that could up to two weeks.

The baby was found at about 9 a.m. on March 3 when a trash collector began emptying a 64-gallon can that was too heavy to lift. A Redondo Beach Police Department Crime Scene Investigation unit developed information by canvassing the neighborhood that led to Canfield’s arrest the next day at her current residence in Santa Barbara.

According to police, she had attended a party at a residence on Irena Ave. on the night of March 2. Evidence found at the residence – particularly, large amounts of blood – indicates she gave birth to the baby in a bedroom at the party. Canfield later told police that she was unaware she was pregnant.

“I guess that is possible,” said RBPD Lt. Joe Hoffman. “However, it’s very difficult to believe. We are talking about a full term baby here.”

Investigators estimated that the baby, a girl, weighed between six and seven pounds.

An attorney representing Canfield reiterated that her client was unaware of her pregnancy. Nina Marino, a lawyer with the Beverly Hills firm Kaplan and Marino, suggested that the Coroner’s report would clear Canfield of any murder charges.

“We expect the Coroner’s report to indicate that the child was stillborn,” Marino said. “My client is traumatized.”

Canfield, a 2004 graduate of Redondo Union High School, was released from police custody on March 5.

“Physically, she is fine,” Marino said. “She is taking antibiotics, and she’s recovering. You know, I think we can all sympathize with the trauma she has undergone.”

RBPD Sgt. Phil Keenan said that one message that police are trying to convey is that the Safe Surrender program is available to protect babies from being hurt or killed in cases of potential abandonment.

“Anyone can basically go to a hospital or a fire station and turn an infant in, and there are no questions asked,” Keenan said. “There are just no questions asked.”

Hoffman said that what the Coroner determines regarding the condition of the baby will likely be the deciding factor on whether charges are filed against Canfield. Even if the baby was stillborn, Hoffman said, disposing of the child in the trash was the wrong choice.

“There are programs in place,” Hoffman said. “In any event, this is just not the way to handle it.”

“It’s incredibly bizarre and very unfortunate,” Hoffman added. “It’s a tragic situation, not matter where it happens. But especially, in Redondo Beach, we are not used to dealing with major, high profile incidents like this, and so it really shocks the community when this happens.” ER

A group of teachers speak to the Board of Education Tuesday night about alternatives to proposed budget cuts.

by Mark McDermott

The Redondo Beach Board of Education Tuesday night moved to lay off as as many as 24 elementary school teachers and eliminate eight other positions, including three high school teachers, a principal and an assistant principal.

In a unanimous vote, the board approved a recommendation authorizing that layoff notices be sent to teachers by March 15, the deadline required by state law for teachers who will not be rehired in the next school year. Additionally, the board also voted to lay off a school counselor and a teacher on special assignment.

“I think all of us here share a deep sense of regret as we pass this resolution,” said board president Todd Loewenstein. “I’ve said this before: my goal on this board is to save jobs. That is one thing I need to do, because I realize it impacts not just teachers and not just students, but a lot of families. And it impacts the community.”

The district, due to state funding reductions, is preparing to cut $3.6 million from its $65 million budget in the upcoming school year. After cutting more than $5 million during two rounds of state budget cuts last year, a school board that has prided itself on keeping cuts “out of the classroom” felt compelled to approve teacher layoff notices.

“What alternatives are there?” school board member Carl Clark asked at one point in the meeting.

Superintendent Steven Keller said the alternatives include contract negotiations with its employees, talks that are likely to include topics such as increased furlough days and possibly salary cuts. But ultimately, Keller said, few alternatives exist that would not impact RBUSD employees in some manner.

“Basically, I wish it was something just like turning off lights and not buying computers,” Keller said. “But when most of our business is personnel…that is where we are at. I wish I had a brilliant answer for you, but it just comes down to people.”

Assistant Superintendent Nancy Billinger said that 85 percent of the district’s budget was personnel costs, including 70 percent for teacher salaries and benefits.

“We are so limited in our options…These are horrible decisions to have to make, but when we really look at how big the number is, it’s daunting,” Billinger said.

The layoffs would save $2 million. The district had hoped to save another $1 million through an early retirement package offered to 70 teachers, although early indications are that not enough teachers accepted the incentivized offer to quite meet that target.

Elementary school teacher layoffs would likely be tied to increased class sizes. The district has prided itself on the lowest class sizes in the South Bay, with a ratio of 22.3 students for every teacher at the kindergarten through third grade level this year.

Jefferson Elementary kindergartner teacher Emily Butler, who identified herself as one of the teachers slated for layoff, asked the board to do whatever possible to protect class sizes. She said even a single year of increased class sizes could have a drastic impact on student learning.

“I know as an adult, when I’m doing the family budget, one year starts to feel like the next,” she said. “But to a five-year-old, every year matters so much…Please, impact the class sizes as little as possible.”

Tanya Ross, the parent of one of Ms. Butler’s kindergartners, said that she has three more kids who will be kindergartners in successive years. She said increased class sizes would not only cause more children to struggle but would also hurt the district’s overall academic achievement.

“It’s really going to bring test scores down,” Ross said.

Redondo Union High School teacher Tim Baumgartner argued that the district does have an alternative – tapping into its reserves. The state has temporarily loosened its requirement that each district maintain a three percent economic uncertainty reserve and allowed – for the next two years, anyway – as little as a 1.5 percent reserve. Baumgartner noted the district’s reserve is currently at 3.8 percent, or $2.9 million.

“We have stated many times in board meetings that reserves are for hard times, and we are there,” Baumgartner said. “Spend down, and spend down now! There is money in the reserve to protect not having any furlough days.”

Board members have in the past expressed reluctance to dip below three percent, arguing it would risk the district’s overall solvency. But Tuesday night they focused more squarely on the difficult decision directly at hand, approving layoff notices. Board member Jane Diehl said that the board has essentially been making cuts since 2003, and while other employees have been laid off – including administrators and classified employees – this was the first time the district had considered such a large number of teacher layoffs. Last year, eight notices were issued, but only one teacher ended up losing a job. Diehl said few other options remain.

“Because we’ve been doing this now for six years,” Diehl said. “We’ve been cutting and cutting.”

The state will not officially adopt its budget until June, at the earliest, and so there are still uncertainties regarding school funding. District officials are looking for other alternatives or sources of revenue, including a fundraising drive the Redondo Beach Education Foundation that is asking the parents of every child in district to contribute $360. If that were to happen, the district’s budget problem would be solved this year.

Billinger said that some of the cuts would almost certainly be implemented, including administrative layoffs. She said at some teacher layoffs – particularly at the elementary level – could possibly still be avoided.

“We have to disrupt all these lives to give us more time to figure this out,” she said. “…It just gives us a little bit of room to make some of those decisions.”

Loewenstein, addressing the many teachers and parents in attendance, said the board would do what it could to protect employees and class sizes.

“I can’t guarantee you anything,” he said. “But I don’t want anyone here to lose hope.” ER