Feeling a little green with envy as the weekend after St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t exactly yield any spectacularly festive weekend options, but there’s always reason to play outside on most South Bay Weekends. Tucked neatly against the bustle of Sepulveda Boulevard in Torrance sits at least ten acres of naturally preserved wetlands ready for anybody to explore. The Madrona Marsh represents one of Southern California’s last remaining vernal wetlands and is constantly teeming with wildlife. It has been managed and conserved with the help of a non-profit group called Friends of Madrona Marsh. Another way to stay outdoors this weekend sits atop and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The hill is packed with a litany of coastal views, tide-pools, beaches, and trails to wander on. Certain areas have been designated as preserves like Abalone Cove, Porteguese Bend, White Point, and others. All levels of hiking trails, from easy to strenuous, are ready and marked for trailblazing. Visit the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy’s website before mapping out a weekend adventure.
Of course there are some fun events happening this weekend that involve modern conveniences like electricity and refrigeration. Below is a short list of events for the South Bay weekend.
Torrance Antique Street Faire: Sunday, March 23, 2014 – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Over 200 vendors will showcase one-of-a-kind collectibles like vintage furniture, glassware, books, jewelry, toys and much more. Don’t fret if you miss the fair this weekend, downtown Torrance hosts the event the fourth Sunday of every month. Antique shopping at its best, kind of like modern day treasure hunting. The Torrance Antique Street Fair is usually spread throughout Old Town Torrance but can be found at 1317 Sartori Avenue. www.torranceantiquefaire.com
Free Scratch Workshop: Saturday, March 22, 2014 – 10:30 AM- 11:45 AM This Saturday kids can learn how to write computer code to develop their own video games. The free workshop will be held at UCode in Hermosa Beach from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM. Visit our website to learn more about this free workshop.
Ducks swim in wetlands of Madrona Marsh.
Jam Slam featuring: Moonalice & Special guests: Sunday, March 23, 2014 – 6:00 PM – Close Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach breaks out the butter & jam bands this Sunday starting at 6:00p.m. featuring communal grooves and lengthy guitar solos by Grateful Dead pedigrees like Moonalice and special guests. Expect some impromptu hacky sacking and a whole lotta counter culture. Visit our website to find out what else is jamming at Saint Rocke this Sunday.
The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach Jay Leno has been playing the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach for decades. Leno recently retired from the Tonight Show but he is forever the people’s comedian and is always a joy to watch live in person. Listen to Leno hash through current events, talk about cars, and pontificate about junk-food this Sunday night. If you can’t make it this weekend, don’t worry, Leno tends to do his stand-up routine every Sunday at the Comedy & Magic Club. Location: 1018 Hermosa Ave. Hermosa Beach www.comedyandmagicclub.com