California Beaches Blog

Laguna Beach, Calif.–The popular Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy launches on Nov. 21 with a community event and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Held four weekends beginning Nov. 21, 2009, visitors can find up to 90 artisan booths selling glass art, silks, clothing designs, paintings, jewelry, and other hand-made gifts. One of the finest art shows in Southern California for the holidays, this event is held on the grounds of the Sawdust Festival, named for the pieces of sawdust that are spread on the outdoor venue grounds. Cost to attend each day is around $6 for an adult, and admission includes free entertainment and activities for the kids. Food vendors sell sandwiches and beverage. sawdustartfestival.org

Huntington Beach, CA — In a good news / bad news scenario, Huntington Beach city council members voted to raise parking fees, now charging its own residents $150 to park at the beach with an annual pass, or pay $15 each day to park. Things could have been worse. The city staff under advisement of a study performed by an independent company recommended charging residents close to $100 more than was approved for the right to park at the city garages, meters, and beach parking lots.

Council member, Cathy Green, favored increasing rates to this amount, while others disagreed. Due to economic conditions and a recession, most council members expressed their concern, and voted against city staff recommenation to create two separate parking passes for residents at nearly $100 extra.  They also voted against removing parking validations programs offered by merchants downtown in which customers currently may receive stamped validations in return for spending money in particular stores and restaurants. Downtown merchants will have to pay a lot more for their employee parking now as those rates went from 50 cents per hour to $2 an hour.

In the study presented by Huntington Beach City staff, Huntington Beach was compared to cities such as Laguna Beach and Newport Beach which they said have higher fees.  HB, a  beach destination which receives over 11 million visitors each year, should be charging more money to residents and tourists alike, they advised. Saying that the city rates weren’t in alignment with even the two state operated beaches in the city that now charge $15 flat rate per day (beginning in August 2009, ) they pointed to demand for parking, and observation that visitors seem willing to pay the amount, even on special days such as the 4th of July when the rates can tap out even higher.

Not everyone was overjoyed with the vote and decision to raise rates. Many downtown merchants and residents are hurting during the recession, and additional fees are not welcomed in financially challenging times.

News channels have announced that there’s a flat fee for overnight parking at $5 in Huntington Beach. While parking at downtown Huntington Beach will become a $5 flat fee after 9 p.m., city parking lots usually close each night.

The beaches that make up the Central Coast of California offer open space experiences along the coast. Roughly starting north of Malibu and Los Angeles County around Ventura with Ventura, Port Hueneme and Oxnard beaches, you may not notice that you’re leaving Ventura and entering Santa Barbara County where you are greeted to Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Jalama Beach, Gaviota, Refugio, Lompoc’s Ocean Beach, and Guadalupe where you’ll find the beautiful sand dunes.

San Luis Obispo County offers classic California’s Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Morro Bay, Cayucos, San Simeon and Cambria. Heading north, the Big Sur coast offers many beaches that are hidden coves at the base of mountains and cliffs and some great camping spots. Finally, the Central Coast finishes off with the spectacular Monterey County beaches in Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Seaside, and Sand City.

We’ve left some of the beach names out, but you soon realize the Central Coast beaches are one of California’s top vacations and treasures to be enjoyed. Have fun exploring its beaches and its wines. Hand in hand, they are fine!

Long Beach, Calif.–The city built practically from the ground up after a massive earthquake rocked its foundation and very being in 1933 was lucky to have some buildings survive the quake, including the Villa Riviera in downtown Long Beach.  Constructed just four years before the 6.4 earthquake hit the sea port (caused by the Newport-Inglewood fault zone centered off coast,)  this 16 story French Gothic building with fierce looking, decorative gargoyles is quite an eye-catcher.  Only a portion of the gargoyles remain from the molds of 30 concrete creatures that initially were designed to grace the building, but when you see them, you’d swear they have personalities, even though logic tells you they can’t be real.

A dog, bear, eagle and griffin are all that remain of the original gargoyles which were bludgeoned by the residents of the building who couldn’t stand having their ocean views blocked.  They took sledge hammers and began whacking away at the ornamental treatments till most the gargoyles were demolished.

An historical committee of the homeowners association restored the few gargoyles and refurbished the building exterior in 2007. While that committee has considered re-creating and adding gargoyles to the Villa Riviera once again, the current configuration that has been in place for decades offers one of the most fascinating architectural points of interest in a city with strict guidelines for its downtown buildings deemed of historical significance.

Overlooking the streets of Long Beach where the annual Grand Prix takes place, once an 11 story banner for a liquor beverage appeared on the side of the Riviera building as an advertisement targeting attendees of the car race event. The city threatened legal action if the banner wasn’t removed immediately, and it was.

The building itself has offered a glimpse into history, when several years back some of the residents discovered secret wall passages hiding artifacts of the Prohibition. In its tower which once offered the best vistas in all of Los Angeles second only to L.A. City Hall, military guards kept watch during WWII for enemy attacks.

Long Beach’s historic buildings are protected and preserved thanks to incredible documentation that honors their past with guidelines for colors of paint and modifications that are permitted structurally for buildings that are around 75 to 100 years old. While that may seem young to the rest of the world, in California where earthquake abound, such structures are looked at as pieces of history adding relief from boring stucco- Mediterranean buildings with their white wash and red tile roofs.  Location: 800 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA. How much does it cost to buy a piece of paradise in this building? Villa Riviera condo prices currently seem to be in the $250,000 to $400,000 range.

San Francisco– San Francisco hosts nearly a dozen marathons, half-marathons, triathlons and walk/run events per year.  Runner’s World magazine  said San Francisco big-bridge bookends, eclectic high-rise skyline, sailboat-filled bay, and sweeping Pacific Ocean backdrop make this city arguably the most stunning of all. Many of  San Francisco ’s running events also welcome walkers.  San Francisco was named one the 10 Best Walking Cities in America in 2008 by Prevention magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association.  Many of these events support worthwhile charities while providing a great workout for all involved.

The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau has compiled a list of some of the Bay Area’s largest annual running,  biking, swimming and walking events.

February

Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half-Marathon & 5K
Golden Gate Park
xnet.kp.org
More than 10,000 runners raise funds for the Koret Family House, Support For Families With Disabilities, and others.

March

Emerald Across the Bay 12K
Sausalito to San Francisco - across the Golden Gate Bridge
rhodyco.com
Nearly 5,000 will run the 12K championship for the Pacific Association of USA’s $4,500 prize money. The run benefits the Edgewood Center for Children & Families

May

ING Bay to Breakers
The Embarcadero to the Great Highway.
ingbaytobreakers.com
Since 1912 tens of thousands of people have gathered in San Francisco to see the world’s largest footrace unfold as more than 70,000 costume-clad runners and walkers push off at 8 am.

Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon
Marina Green
escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com
The 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz , 18-mile bike ride and eight-mile run through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area with a finish at Marina Green draws some 2,000 triathletes/relay teams annually.

July

San Francisco Marathon, Half Marathon , 5K Run/Walk
Ferry Building, The Embarcadero
runsfm.com
Enjoy the amazing city of San Francisco by taking part in one of the world’s great marathons. The USAT&F Certified course is a “best of San Francisco ” tour and includes a loop over the Golden Gate Bridge . Choose from running the marathon, half marathon, progressive marathon or 5K run/walk races.

October

Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge 12K & 7K
Embarcadero to the Marina
bridgetobridge.com
Since 1972, 6,000 runners and walkers have enjoyed a route that  Sports Illustrated dubbed ” America ’s Most Beautiful.” The run benefits the Northern California Special Olympics.

Nike Women’s Marathon
Union Square to the Great Highway
inside.nike.com
The Nike Women’s Marathon recognizes and awards the top three female runners to cross the finish line in both the full and half marathons.

November

Turkey Trail Trot
Golden Gate Park
turkeytrailtrot.com
This invigorating fun run or walk has become a popular Thanksgiving Day tradition.

Run Wild for a Child 5K & 10K
Golden Gate Park
rhodyco.com/runwild.html
During the end of November, 6,000 runners and walkers walk off Thanksgiving calories to benefit the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program.

Sunset Beach, California– SAVE SUNSET BEACH, by donating to Incorporation Fund, mail checks to: Sunset Beach Community Association, PO Box 215, Sunset Beach, CA 90742

The county region of Sunset Beach, a one mile stretch of coastline in north Orange County between Seal Beach and Huntington Beach, seeks help in forming its own city so that it can keep its old-fashioned charm, its name, and its independent ways. This is a town where volunteer firemen fight fires in the city…where the town’s biggest fundraisers such as the Fireman’s Ball this weekend helps to support their local firefighting heroes, and where annual picnics and parades are traditions.

When the County of Orange recently announced that the unincorporated town of Sunset Beach would be removed from County services and placed in a sphere of influence of Huntington Beach, many townsfolk in the Sunset Beach Community Association were really upset. “This not the kind of place we want to become,” said Pat Thies, who hopes that Sunset Beach can raise enough money to become Orange County’s 35th city.

Huntington Beach just celebrated its 100th birthday in 2009, but Sunset Beach has been around even longer, celebrating 100 years in 2004.

Greg Griffin, the president of the Sunset Beach Commnity Association asks that you help Sunset Beach live its dream, keep its name, maintain the fun-loving atmosphere with famous roadhouses such as Harbor House Cafe, Woody’s Diner, Turc’s, Mother’s Bar (that appeared in the show Peter Gunn,) Irish Mist, J. King Neptune’s, Captain Jack’s, Harpoon Harry’s, Taco Surf,  and countless other places that offer great food among friends, and live entertainment.

To contribute to keeping the most beautiful name in California’s beach communities, a descriptive “Sunset” that captures the minds and hearts of those who visit and see its world-famous sunset vistas overlooking Catalina Island, Long Beach, and South Bay’s San Pedro, please pitch in and give this town a chance of fulfilling its dream. Thanks from
Greg Griffin, and all who strive to preserve the historic culture of California’s remaining old-fashioned beach towns.

Send donations (even a dollar or two will help) to:

Sunset Beach Community Association

P.O. Box 215, Sunset Beach, California  90742.

Please mark “Incorporation Fund” on the check.

Santa Monica is Southern California’s preferred beach destination for those hopping off the plane at Burbank Airport or LAX, and seeking to immerse themselves in the Los Angeles / Hollywood vibe. While there are several hotels on the beach or on the ocean-side of Ocean Blvd. that runs parallel to the beach in Santa Monica, some of the finest hotels I have discovered through time include the beautiful, historic Huntley. One day I dropped by for a luncheon on the top floor Penthouse restaurant and was treated to the most amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and downtown Los Angeles. I had never seen these vistas and they made my lunch date so incredibly special, I now long to go stay at The Huntley and try out the rooms, even though I live no more than 30 miles distance.

For lunch we sampled some special wines and began our meal with a Small Plate of Crab Cakes served with Granny Smith Apples and Mustard Butter. Light, slightly crispy, and moist inside with rich bits of crab make these an excellent starter or evening appetizer with cocktails and sunset ocean views. We next ordered the affordable Market Green Salad with a wonderfully light Lemon Vinaigrette, and shaved Pecorino, plus Hearts of Palm.  The main dish I ordered was a tasty Crispy Skin Grilled Salmon cooked to perfection. If money’s a concern, this may put you over the top with a price tag of  around $22, but it definitely was worth the joy of eating a healthy fish cooked so much better than my own kitchen efforts. Desserts are sinful and to any diet. But if you leave without at least sharing a dessert such as the Banana Bread Pudding with a beautifully shaped spoonful of Burnt Caramel Ice Cream that I tried, you will have missed the prize.

When I added up my bill, it was still slightly less than a room night at The Huntley, which will be my next treat to myself during this autumn / winter season (I actually found rooms for $169/night.) The Santa Monica Pier, 3rd Street Promenade, shopping, and historic buildings and art tours, plus the Getty and Hollywood are all nearby. Location: The Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach - 1111 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403

There are two great beach destinations to visit and take a look at California’s unique ships–San Diego’s Star of India is an iron ship in the San Diego harbor,  and the Cement Ship at Seacliff Beach in Aptos, Santa Cruz County, is a decaying ship that has become part of a pier.

In San Diego, the Star of India is a floating museum you can pay a fee to climb aboard. As the world’s oldest seafaring ship, the the hull of the vessel was built with an experimental design using iron instead of wood in 1863. She launched from the Isle of Man and on her first trip encountered mutiny and a crash. Her second journey brought the ship into a fierce cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. Open as the Maritime Museum, admission is around $12 for adults.  sdmaritime.com

The Cement Ship in the Monterey Bay is broken into several pieces. Birds live on it and the public can wander to the end of a pier to look over to the corroding vessel, but can’t climb aboard the ship that’s partially sunk in Pacific Ocean waters.  Known as the Palo Alto, this cement ship in Santa Cruz County, was built in an Oakland, California shipyard in 1918 as part of the war effort for World War I. She never served her cause as the war ended before she was commissioned, so was sold and towed to what would later be called Seacliff State Beach. She was renovated as party boat, complete with casino. Sadly, the Great Depression arrived and the boat’s owners couldn’t afford to maintain the huge vessel.

These are two unusual and exciting attractions along the California coast. Not far from San Diego’s iron ship, you can see more unique boats north of the city in Encinitas.  Two boat houses sit on a hilltop in a residential neighborhood amongst traditional homes just blocks from the beach. Thousands of tourists drive by to take a look and snap photos of these memorable icons of the American landscape.

There’s a lot we Californians take for granted…fine weather, beaches, and a lifestyle beyond compare. But as a former lap swimmer, we don’t take for granted our lap swimming pools. As you fly into Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego, you may find it astounding that out of all those swimming pools you look out of a jet window and see in back yards, there aren’t decent pools for lap swimmers.  Those kidney shaped pools aren’t big enough for work-outs generally.

Exercise facilities such as lap swimming pools and tennis courts are hard to come by, believe it or not.

I swam at the community college pool a few miles from my home till it grossed me out. Huge globs of hair from other people stuck to my skin as I exited the pool each night, the only time open to public lap swims. After a few months of looking at this goop floating in the polluted water and rinsing it off my body each night, I knew I had to find something better.

I  signed up and joined a health club with an outdoor olympic size pool and really got serious about swimming, driving 20 minutes each day to access the pool so I could get a quality workout. I swam 4,000 meter daily without fail and improved my style, swimming next to triathletes and swim competitors.  I even got to swim next to some of the world’s great swimmers, and found their stroke efficiency inspirational. But then my friend who was a maintenance manager for the club told me the sewers had been backing up and overflow was going into the pool. I could even smell it.  That was unacceptable, so I quit my club membership,  giving up my beloved outdoor pool after 10 years of passion.

One of the few places to swim in north Orange County is Huntington Beach High School.  The public lap swim program is open only a few hours each week, but it’s better than nothing for those who continue to find that swimming is the best exercise for cardiovascular workouts of the upper and lower body. When citizens asked the city not to cut funding for the public lap swim program recently as the program had been on a list of  eliminations due to cutbacks in budget, my heart sank a bit. If you take swimming away from people, they can lose their health. There is a long list of benefits  to the exercise of swimming.

For those who want to save the swim program, there is a swim-a-thon fundraiser coming up called on December 6, COMMUNITY LAP SWIMMING & AQUA AEROBICS SWIM-A-THON.  Members of the community have launched a fundraiser to save the community access to the high school aquatics facility. Due to budget cuts the City Staff and the City Council proposed to close the community access to the facility or double the current fees to close the $8500 gap for maintenance costs.  Lap Swimming is held 4 times a week and the popular Aqua Aerobics classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Both of these programs would be cancelled along with the conditioning programs of Junior Lifeguards and the Police and Fire Departments if funding isn’t secured.

The public is invited to register and participate in the Swim-A-Thon on Dec. 6, 2009.  Cost: $65–includes $15 registration and minimum $50 sponsorships.  Three time slots are available to swim laps to fulfill your pledge to those who have sponsored you for this event. Times are: 10 a.m. to noon, 12-2 p.m., and 2-4 p.m.   Registration forms and sponsor sheets are on the web site: SwimHB.org.  If you’re looking for an end of the year write-off (tax laws permitting,) give a donation and keep the love of swimming alive. This is an ideal program for local hospitals, medical centers and big pharma companies to support.  Keep swimming, or start swimming for better health!

Photo: Seaside Ice

Seaside Ice Swimsuit Skate Weekend!

Ruby Tuesdays, Flat Rate $10 Skate, Friday Night Fever, Koolanesian Sundays, and Swimsuit Skate–it’s just sooooooooo California! I can’t wait to get over to Seaside Ice in Redondo Beach this weekend, I hope. A throw back to the old-fashioned Coney Island entertainment with great music, warm ocean breezes, and an enclosed lagoon where families can skate or watch others ice skate seaside in the Southern California sunshine, and of course the bikini-clad girls in their swimsuits. You can have Rockefeller Center Ice Skate, New Yorkers. I’ll take Redondo Beach, California any day!

Seaside Ice was introduced to the world just a year ago in Redondo Beach. Located next to Ruby’s Diner and 40 other view restaurants at King Harbor, the visit makes for a whole afternoon of fun. Last year it was such great to see young kids just learning for the first time how to skate. Proud parents brought their babies (all bundled up) to take photos for their holiday cards. And the real treat was watching skaters who were clearly professional caliber, putting on mini-shows for the audience. All us beginners couldn’t help but be spellbound by what you can do with a pair of blades and ice. It makes me wish I’d been more eager to learn all those moves and not worry about falling when I was a youngster and took just one lesson. Oh if only!

Like the three year old I saw with his daddy on the tennis court today, fearlessly learning how to swing and hit that ball back over the net, now is a great time to visit Redondo Beach and get your kids out on the ice. Something may resonate and your kids will end up being like the darling couple that co-owns Seaside Ice, Scott and Azumi Williams. I saw them on the ice last year and just couldn’t believe that such things can be done on ice.  It was magic!