Discover what's happening in the South Bay this weekend

It’s Valentine’s Day and if you didn’t make a dinner reservation weeks ago, you are (expletive) out of luck. Just in case you failed to plan ahead, here’s something that may keep you out of the dog house.

Plan a romantic dinner at home and get dressed up. If you can’t cook, pre-order a fabulous meal to-go from a favorite local restaurant. After dinner, head directly to the Lobby Bar and Living Room at Terrenea Resort. They’ve concocted a mix of unique love potions for the most romantic day of the year. Try Potion #7, a mixture of chile elixir, Mezcal, lime juice, and chocolate bitters – the ingredients are believed to enhance stimulation, attraction and euphoria. Or opt for Potion #13, whose ingredients include a blend of Amaretto, chocolate and Absolut vanilla and are said to enhance potency and fertility. Enjoy live music, three roaring fireplaces and maybe a little dancing in this elegant setting. We all need a little romance every now and then - and it should go without saying, flowers, chocolates and sparkly gifts never hurt.

If you have to ‘postpone’ Valentine’s Day due to work or other responsibilities, reschedule with plans for a romantic dinner and show. The Norris Center for the Performing Arts presents Neil Simon’s Proposals, a romantic story of tangled loves and lives. The dramatic comedy is one of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright’s latest works and will run from February 8 through February 24. The shows are scheduled for February 15-17 and 22-24, with 8 p.m. shows on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Tickets cost $38 and may be purchased online at www.norriscenter.com, by phone at 310-544-0403 or in person at the box office. The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills Estates. The theatre is wheelchair accessible and free, covered parking is available.

Get ready to network for a cause and have a whole lot of fun doing it! Bank of Manhattan presents LA Networking Matters’ 4th annual networking for a cause event, Network Your Heart Out…It Matters! at the Manhattan Country Club on Wednesday, February 20. Networking Matters’ mission is to bring together influential business leaders from the South Bay and Palos Verdes Peninsula in a fun, networking environment to raise money and awareness for meaningful charities in the communities they serve. Each year, the Networking Matters Committee selects two local charities that will benefit from the event proceeds. This year’s beneficiaries are the Toberman Neighborhood Center and Peninsula Seniors. It’s a terrific opportunity to meet, mix and mingle with like-minded individuals and local business owners. You’ll also have an opportunity to take part in the popular raffle. Corporate sponsors and local businesses provide an array of amazing items for the drawing including hotel stays, gift certificates for restaurants, shops and services and merchandise from local retailers. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event runs until 8:30 p.m. Pre-order tickets by Monday, February 18, and receive a discounted rate of only $30 per person. Tickets at the door will be $35. Price includes heavy appetizers, pasta bar, one glass of beer or wine and unlimited networking opportunities! For more information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.lanetworkingmatters.com/ or contact Julane Whalen at 310-370-0555.

THE COKERS ARE COMING, THE COKERS ARE COMING! What exactly is a coker? I have no idea! But they’re REALLY, REALLY BIG. The notorious cokers, six in all, are coming from Spain by ship and will arrive in Redondo Harbor on February 18, February 25 and March 4. They will be transported through the streets of the Beach Cities to the El Segundo Chevron refinery over the course of two weeks. The cities will be removing street lights, power lines, trees, medians, vehicles, signage, small children and anything else that gets in the way of the dreaded cokers. Expect delays and detours along Sepulveda/PCH on the following days from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Wednesday, February 20
Wednesday, February 27
Wednesday, March 6

For detailed route maps and schedules, visit the website at www.cokedrumproject.com or call 310-615-5298. I can’t imagine this will be anywhere near as exciting as the Space Shuttle gliding down the streets of Los Angeles….but who knows, it might be!

If you have not been to Tapas & Vino yet, you are in for a treat! Our newest advertiser is currently running a Not Just Tapas & Vino Campaign exclusively for our audience! Mention The South Bay Show or South Bay by Jackie and receive 25% off a lunch or brunch entrée. Or just tell them Jackie sent you! Tapas & Vino is located at 1729 South Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach. For more information, visit the website at http://tapasyvino.com/ or call 310-791-8200.

As always, check the calendar links and ‘Things to Do’ page on my website, www.southbaybyjackie.com, for details on these and other events throughout the South Bay.

On The South Bay Show this morning, we spoke with Jeff Ginsberg. Jeff is running for the District One seat on the Redondo Beach City Council. Don’t worry, if you missed it, you can listen to it here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/february-14-2013-jeff-ginsberg-candidate-for...

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day and a great South Bay weekend!

Jackie
www.southbaybyjackie.com

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, South Bay Adult Recreation Examiner

Jackie Balestra is an island girl and beach baby from way back. Growing up on the island of Manhattan and spending her summers in Rockaway Beach, life took place at the water’s edge. On a whim, Balestra switched coasts and landed in the South Bay of Los Angeles. She rediscovered that life really...

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