Keeping Your Blade Sharp With UFC Fighter Brian Ortega
The Civic Couch show sat down with South Bay resident and UFC fighter Brian Ortega to discuss his workout routine and how he stays sharp in between fights.
The Civic Couch show sat down with South Bay resident and UFC fighter Brian Ortega to discuss his workout routine and how he stays sharp in between fights.
By Brad Jacobson
The Manhattan Beach concerts in the park series is an annual, summer long event held each year at Polliwog Park which runs from July through the first weekend in September.
Sunday, July 5th concert featured “Hot Summer Nights”, a Neil Diamond tribute band. Since Hot Summer Night’s first performance in 1998, the band has performed at fairs, concerts, fundraisers, and other special events all over the United States, Japan, Canada and England.
Contact brad@civiccouch.com to inquire about photos
The City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department, together with the Manhattan Beach City Council, honored and thanked the military service and sacrifice of the South Bay men and women in uniform and their families who have served their country on Sunday, June 25th at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach. The event included performances by the Mira Costa High School Jazz Band, Dennis McNeil and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band (Miramar). The first 1,000 veterans and current members of the military received a Salute to the Troops Challenge coin.
contact brad@civiccouch.com to inquire about photos
By Brad Jacobson
I was recently on a photo assignment for the Easy Reader Newspaper to cover a few Happy Hour locations across the South Bay. All of these places had some great deals and fun atmosphere, so why not share them with the Civic Couch readers? Yes, there are many great happy hours across the South Bay and there is no way I could cover them all, so here are the one’s that I shot for the Easy Reader’s article. Whether its drinks or food, you’ll a good selection at each location below. Enjoy!
Local surfers cleaned the cobwebs off their boards for a small south swell which worked its way into the South Bay and the El Porto area of Manhattan Beach seemed to have the best size and shape. Dane Zaun, Kyle Brown, Tommy Ostendorf, Scott Johnsen, Noah Collins, Brandon Wasserman, Tyler Hatzikian, Chris Wells and others took out some aggression on the knee to chest high waves. Here at the Civic Couch show we hope for a few more of these swells sneaking into the South Bay this summer, pickers can’t be choosers but we’d love to have a little more size next time 🙂
Contact brad@civiccouch.com to inquire about photos
Here at the Civic Couch Show we have noticed a lot of social media post regarding the new Redondo Beach Bike path so we went out to explore it. We were impressed at first. Biker, skaters, rollerbladers and joggers all taking advantage of the new path separated from the auto lanes. We were surprised when we stopped in at the Marina Bike Rentals to get their observation on the new path. They showed us concerning video of the intersection directly in front of their business. Car jumping curbs on to the bike path? I didn’t believe it until I saw it myself. I hear things have gotten better since the city added a painted curb and orange cones.
By Brad Jacobson
The Civic Couch Show brings you another restaurant view, this time we take a look at Lou’s on the Hill in Torrance.
Just as you begin to drive up the hill on Hawthorne Blvd you will see Lou’s on the left side of the street. I was there on a shoot for the Easy Reader Newspaper. I met Lou Giovannetti, the owner of Lou’s, on a video that the Civic Couch Show produced for the closing of the Side Bar so I was interested to see what he had produced. Immediatley upon walking in I was impressed. I like the use of wood floors and matching wood tables, large bar and lighting. Each table has enough room so you’re not shoulder to should with the people at the next table. I also like the use of natural light, not overpowering. Please keep in mind that this is not a food review (I did not try the food), just giving you a view of the restaurant. I did run into some friends there and they raved about the food.
The manager of Lou’s on the Hill (CJ Manning) greeted me at the door and was very pleasant. He gave me a quick tour and even showed me one of their dishes (as seen in the photo below).
Lou’s on the Hill is open for lunch M-F from 11:30 – 2:30 and dinner is served from 5-11pm M-Sat. They are closed on Sunday. They also have live music on certain nights. Click here to view the times and dates.
By Brad Jacobson
Yes, comparing this Live Oak Tournament is quite the exaggeration, but this 3 on 3 tournament in Manhattan Beach was incredibly entertaining. I showed up to grab a couple photos for the Easy Reader article (click here to view it) and ended up staying for well over an hour. The tournament consisted of mostly Live Oak Park regulars which led to a lot of fun banter, trash talk and a broken nose. The guys were having fun both on and off the court.
This years tournament was held in honor Joe Straight, a long Live Oak Park regular who had played on those courts for over 35 years. Joe’s brother John played the tournament and won the first annual Joe Straight MVP award.
For questions regarding the photos, please email brad@civicouch.com
By Brad Jacobson
The 2015 Palos Verdes Street Fair took place June 6th and 7th. I’ve taken my family there the past few years and have had a blast every time we go. The fair features carnival style rides for people of all ages, free petting zoo and pony rides, around 200 venders, live music and beer/food/wine. The Palos Verdes Fair website claims that it is the largest fair in the South Bay and I can’t argue with that, it’s huge.
I snapped a few photos of the carnival rides area. Maybe I’ll see you there next year! – Civic Couch
By Brad Jacobson
The 12th Annual Greg Ack Memorial Volleyball Tournament took place Saturday, May 16th at 16th street in Hermosa Beach. Each year they honor and raise money for people who have passed away and this years honoree was Doug Schneider.