Have you watched the Olympics beach volleyball games and wondered, “How did they get to be that good? ” Maybe you’ve even thought that you don’t have a chance of playing beach volleyball without embarrassing yourself since you can’t get the ball over the net.  For those in this situation, and for those that are just looking to improve their beach volleyball skills, don’t worry.  There is hope.

South Bay Volleyball began in 1997, training players to shape up and step up. Their experienced coaches hold classes, private lessons, jump training and leagues for interest players of all skill levels. Their latest program focuses on injury prevention, development of stronger cardio, balance, core strength, agility, and reaction training all specific to beach volleyball.

It’s a chance to enjoy playing with others who have the same passion and drive to learn and be better players, and to gain some of those skills and techniques that you’ve been watching.

Check their website and facebook for up-to-date class schedules and information.

While it's not likely your family or friends will feel too sorry for you, sometimes finding the right d残or for your oceanside or beach home can be a bit of a challenge.

Creating a casual, laid back and beach-inspired vibe to enhance the inside of your home is possible when you focus on elements like sunlight, white spaces, splashes of color and complementary accessories.

Open and airy palette
A light and bright color scheme with crisp whites and sand-colored tones accented by bursts of colors, such as turquoise or soft blues, can mirror the coastal feel indoors.  The natural, subtle feel of the light hues offers a tranquil feel, while colors on accessories and artwork add layers of vibrant color that mimic the ocean.

Bring outside inside
Create a personalized beach feel by bringing the elements inside. Feature outdoor wood pieces and even wicker in place of traditional furniture. Use earthy items (such as logs or crates) instead of a coffee table, go for a cotton rug, and brighten up the room with naturally-growing local plants and flowers.

Add nautical accessories
Incorporate beach-inspired artwork or create your own from gathered seashells, driftwood and other trinkets. Add a personalized touch with photographs from your coastline on feature walls or above a fireplace. Accessorize with nautical antiques like beach lanterns, lobster traps and ship compasses, and create a casual vibe with organic accent pieces such as weaved baskets, clear glass lamps and glass canisters with sand and shells from your beach.

See the light
Nothing feels more like the beach than natural sunlight, and an emphasis on color and light will create a coastal feel. In kitchens, paint cabinetry white and choose window coverings that let in the maximum amount of light, such as light-colored linens. Keep floors a light and warm color, and utilize accent mirrors to reflect the natural light.  In seating rooms, feature the windows and light (instead of concealing it) and let the scenery become your artworkﾑ-arranging the room to face the widows to maximize your view.

The latest and greatest in technology isn’t limited to a gadget you can hold in your hand or the computer that operates your car. More and more, they can be embraced inside your home.

Home technology is a hot industry, and some of the latest trends and products can give you a smart-home that makes your living space technically savvy. Not only will these advances in home technology make your life easier, but they also represent top-selling features that can add value to your home.

Here’s a look at some examples of the latest in technology for your home:

Complete home integration.
The day is nearly here when you can run every subsystem in your home from a mobile app. Nearly. But today you can experience the convenience of running all of the systems – lighting, audio, video, security, HVAC, cameras, etc. – from any touchscreen for complete control of nearly everything in your home, like this product from Goodhousekeeping.com.

Make your flatscreen (almost) invisible.
Many homeowners want the latest in flatscreen television technology but don’t want to stare at the huge screens when they’re not watching. No problem. Check out this pop-up ceiling lift on HGTVremodels.com, a transparent TV (like this one designed by Michael Friebe), or even a mirror that turns into a TV.

User-friendly ovens.
You can have a kitchen like the Jetson’s with an oven that has a built-in Android tablet, allowing you to search online for restaurants, surf for recipes and control the oven from a mobile device. PCWorld.com offers a look at Dacor’s Discovery smart oven.

A magic mirror.
How about a fully functioning mirror that has a built-in display connected to the Internet so that you can browse the web, watch videos, check the weather and more — all while getting ready in the morning? Check out this version from Brit.co.

Monitor energy usage in real-time.
New sustainable energy solutions can eliminate standby power completely, shut down appliances for brief periods, and study your daily habits in real-time that affect your homes’ energy consumption. Integrating this systems combines renewable energy and energy conservation.

Toilets of the future.
Toilets continue to become more advanced, like the Numi Toilet that has a touchscreen interface, built-in speakers, motion detection and can connect via Bluetooth.  Others, like this example from PopularMechanics.com that uses less than a gallon per flush, focus on conservation.

Home theater trends.
Nearly everything is new when it comes to home theater trends, especially when it comes to the convergence of web-based mobile apps and streaming internet content.  Internet-enabled devices bring everything on the Internet to your TV, and it can all be controlled from a mobile device. Wireless media systems are continually innovative and withproducts like Apple TV you can access podcasts, internet radio and music from cloud storage.

Los Angeles is a city that is brimming with attractions and things to do for the grown-ups, and for kids as well. Many of these activities are free! Here are 5 that we think any kid would love to see:

1.  California Science Center – Not too many kids would be thrilled at the prospect of going to a museum, but that all changes when the museum in question is the California Science Center. Not only is this the place where the Space Shuttle Endeavor is now parked, it is also home to a large number of exhibits, both permanent and traveling. If you are looking for free stuff to do here, the good news is that those permanent exhibits are always free to visit. Best of all, they are interactive, which means the little ones can feel free to get in on the action.

2. Griffith Observatory – How often have you caught your kids staring off into space as they explore their imagination? They can do that for real at the iconic Griffith Observatory, where star gazing is taken to a whole new level. Admission is always free and the exhibits and displays available are incredible. You actually get a double bonus here, as the location of the observatory is high in the Hollywood hills, with great views of the city below.

3. Hit the beach – You don’t have to travel too far away from downtown L.A. before you land at the ocean and one of the many great beaches that dot the Pacific Coast Highway. You can settle on just one, or perhaps take a drive along the PCH and hit a few of them along the way. Pack some sunscreen and a bite to eat and you can have a fun day at the beach that the kids will love.

4. Getty Center – There is an expectation that the weather will co-operate when you have a fun day in California, but if you get a miserable, rainy day, think about taking the kids to the Getty Museum. This is another one that is free to get into and which encourages the kids to interact with the exhibits. Great for kids of all ages.

5. Watch TV – No, we don’t mean that you should sit in front of the TV all day, but rather go and see a live show being made. You can get these tickets for free in advance or simply spend some time around the TCL Chinese Theater, where tickets for the shows are always being given away. The TCL Chinese Theater is a cool place to hang out for free. You can check out the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame in front and visit with characters like Spiderman and Batman.

As many parents know, finding, researching and previewing potential schools for your children can be a difficult but rewarding task. For parents in the San Pedro area, there are many school choices.

The San Pedro area is served by the Los Angeles Unified School district, and options include 14 elementary schools, two intermediate schools and four high schools.

Parents can visit SanPedro.com for more information or search for schools on Lausd.net. Or check out other sites like Education.com and Greatschools.org and Zillow for more detailed information about each school, such as reviews, enrollment and test scores.

Elementary Schools

Park Western Place Elementary School
1214 Park Western Place
San Pedro, CA 90732
Phone: (310) 833-3591
Type: Public
Grades: K-5

Taper Avenue Elementary School
1824 Taper Avenue
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 832-3056
Type: Public
Grades: K-5

South Shores/Csudh Visual and Performing Arts School
2060 West 35th Street
San Pedro, CA 90732
Phone: (310) 832-6596
Type: Public
Grades: K-5

Seventh Street Elementary School
1570 West Seventh Street
San Pedro, CA 90732
Phone: (310) 832-1538
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Website: [www.lausd.k12.ca.us http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/7th_St_EL]

White Point Elementary School
1410 Silvius Avenue
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 833-5232
Type: Public
Grades: K-5

Point Fermin Marine Science Magnet School
3333 Kerckhoff Avenue
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 832-2649
Type: Public
Grades: K-5

Leland Street Elementary School
2120 South Leland Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 832-0505
Type: Public
Grades: K-5

Bandini Street Elementary School
425 North Bandini Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 832-4593
Type: Public
Grades: K-5

Fifteenth Street Elementary School
1527 South Mesa Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 547-3323
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Website: www.lausd.k12.ca.us

Barton Hill Elementary School
423 North Pacific Avenue
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 547-2471
Type: Public
Grades: K-5

Cabrillo Avenue Elementary School
732 South Cabrillo Avenue
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 832-6446
Type: Public
Grades: K-5

Holy Trinity School

1226 W Santa Cruz St
San Pedro, CA 90732
Phone: (310) 833-0703
Type: Private
Grades: K-8
Website: www.holytrinitysp.org

Holy Tinity School
1226 W Santa Cruz St
San Pedro, CA 90732
Phone: (310) 833-0703
Type: Private
Grades: K-8
Website: www.holytrinitysp.org

Mary Star of the Sea Elementary
717 South Cabrillo Avenue
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 831-0875
Type: Private
Grades: K-8

Intermediate Schools

Richard Henry Dana Middle School
1501 South Cabrillo Avenue
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 241-1100
Type: Public
Grades: 5-8
Website: www.danams.org
 

Rolling Highs Prep School
1 Rolling Hills Prep Way
San Pedro, CA 90732
Phone: (310) 791-1101
Type: Private
Grades: 6-12


High Schools

San Pedro Senior High School
1001 West 15TH St
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 241-5800
Type: Public
Grades: 7-12
Website: www.sanpedrohs.org

Port of Los Angeles High School
250 West Fifth Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 832-9201
Type: Charter
Grades: 8-12
Website: www.polahs.net

Mary of the Sea High School
2500 North Taper Avenue
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 547-1138
Type: Private
Grades: 9-12
Website: www.marystarhigh.com

When shopping for home décor ideas or essentials, it’s not always easy to know where to look. Sometimes, finding exactly what you need for your home – even if you don’t know you need it – can take just a little bit of help. 

Luckily, the South Bay has some locally-owned home décor and furniture stores that can fill just about every niche. Whether you’re looking to decorate, add furniture or just some inspiration, here are five local hot spots:

Curious
This locally-owned story offers an array of unique items and is known for their friendly service. You will find small furniture, vintage items, home décor and many unique items that also can make great gifts.

128 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 372-8452
www.curiousworkshop.com


Maison Luxe
A sophisticated, elegant offering of beds, bedding, lighting, tables and more with a design team to help you out. If you’re creatively challenged, you’re likely to find some décor and interior design ideas here.

138 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 372-5552
www.maisonluxehome.com


Arte Finest Furniture
In business for more than 20 years, this family-owned shop specializes in custom furniture and will build custom pieces to order for your style as well. You will find hand-crafted dressers, tables, consoles, book cases and more.

1997 Artesia Blvd
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(310) 318-0821
www.artefinest.com


Tabula Rasa Essentials
This independently-owned boutique shop in the heart of Manhattan Beach is dedicated to lifestyle trends from around the world. An excellent selection of gift wares, lighting and home décor accessories like table top items, trays, candles and more.

919 Manhattan Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 318-3385
www.tabularasamb.com


Beach N Creations
This Redondo Beach gift shop specializes in beach-themed gifts and home décor. You will find a large variety of coastal-themed kitchenware, wall art, bathroom accessories, lighting and much more in this unique shop.

1305 S Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 316-8600
www.beachncreations.com

How do you define what makes a good home environment? Do you find peace and comfort every time you walk through the front door? Do you feel inspired by each of the items in your home? Would you say that everything in your house in peaceful, calm and organized? If so, then you are already a master of Feng Shui. If not, this article will help you ensure that you can describe your home in this way.

Feng Shui, meaning "Wind and Water" in Chinese, is the ancient art of creating balance and harmony in our lives through the effective management of our environment. Because we are connected to our environment, our environment is a reflection of our lives. For example, if you change or move something in your home you will experience a corresponding change in your life. Using this principle, you can apply Feng Shui to get more of what you want and less of what you don't want. So if you want to feel less stressed or have more balance in your life, then you first need to set up a conducive environment for that to take place.

A major reason why you may not have a peaceful and organized home environment yet is clutter. It is important to free your home of anything that does not reflect the environment you want. A few good questions to ask yourself to help decide what is clutter and what is not are:

•   Do I really love this item?
•   Does it enhance my life in any significant way?
•   How often do I use it?

The answers to these questions will tell you whether or not it is truly time to let something go. So clear the clutter, and pursue a life of harmony between yourself and your environment so that the energy surrounding you work with you rather than against you.

If you want the natural, authentic look of real stone in your next renovation or improvement project without many of the drawbacks, stone veneer siding might be your ticket.

Designed to replicate the visceral strength, quality and beauty of real stone, stone veneer sidings are made from natural stone as well as manufactured stone. The natural veneers are made from real stone and cut to a thickness and weight for use as a veneer. The manufactured style is made by concrete poured into molds, which is then painted to resemble the natural variation and weathering of stone.

The benefits of stone veneer siding are numerous, and the biggest advantage is cost. At a fraction of the price of using real brick or stone, it can serve as a great alternative while offering the same feel of strength and durability along with affordability.

Not only does stone veneer siding cost less than the real thing, it is also easier and less expensive to install. The veneer is typically 1 inch thick and weighs 15 pounds per square foot, so it does not require footings or structural support because of its light weight. There are only a few steps to installing stone veneer, and my online options for step-by-step instructions, including the DIY Network and Wikihow, just as examples.

Just like real stone and brick, stone veneer siding can be used on the interior and exterior of your home. Outside uses have long been popular for doorway entrances, columns, half walls, patio bars, planters and landscape design among many other uses. Stone veneers are becoming increasingly popular for interior use, from the traditional places (fireplace surrounds) to others you might not normally think of like kitchen backsplashes, wine cellars, columns, accent walls and even bathrooms.

The variety of colors, designs and uses for the different types of veneers are numerous, and the website Houzz.com offers more than 165,000 home design photos for ideas.

Have you ever thought about getting your kids involved in dancing or gymnastic lessons, but didn't know where to turn?

The South Bay has several well-established studios and gymnastics gyms that will not only keep kids of all ages and skill levels active, but also offer a wide variety of classes, camps and performance options. 

School of Dance and MusicThe School of Dance and Music offers classes for all ages at all levels at locations in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach. The wide range classes are divided by age, including ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz & contemporary, modern and even breakdancing. With small classes, year-end recitals and the option to join a dance company, the school has earned high marks on Yelp reviews.  

Dance 1 Located in Redondo Beach, Dance 1 offers classes from age 2 and up, ranging from ballet and tap to hip hop and jazz. All dancers can perform in the showcases twice per year, while the Performing Company has at least 18 community performances per year. There are also two summer camps, both half day (ages 5-8) and full day (ages 7-12).

South Bay Gymnastics This year-round studio in Torrance offers both recreational and competitive team gymnastics on an approach that combines play with teaching. There are summer camps for different age groups, as well as boys and girls teams and a performance team all under the direction of Director Jerry Jackson, who has 20 years of experience.

Fit Kids Gymnastics Center With locations in Redondo Beach and Torrance, this gym offers classes and camps for both boys and girls from ages 2-18 at state-of-the-art facilities. All of the summer camps have different themes and levels of instruction, and the gym has a Fit Kids Gymnastics Team that travels and competes in events. You can check out their Facebook Page for more.

As many know, searching and previewing potential schools for your children can be a difficult task. Hopefully, this listing of schools in Torrance can help eliminate some of the guesswork in your search.

The Torrance Unified School District has 30 public schools, including 17 elementary schools, eight intermediate schools and five high schools.

Visit the Torrance Unified School District website for a full listing of schools and more information, or check out sites like Education.com and Greatschools.org for more detailed information about each school, such as reviews, enrollment and test scores.

Elementary Schools

John Adams Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4480
Website: Adams.tusd.org
2121 238th St.
Torrance, CA 90501

Anza Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4550
Website: Anzaelementary.org
21400 Ellinwood Dr.
Torrance, CA 90503

Arlington Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4510
Website: Arlingtonpta.com
17800 Van Ness Ave.
Torrance, CA 90504

John Arnold Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4524
Website: Arnold.tusd.org
4100 W. 227th St.
Torrance, CA 90505

Evelyn Carr Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4467
Website: Carr.tusd.org
3404 W. 168th St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Edison Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4513
Website: Edisonelementary.org
3800 W. 182nd St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Fern Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4506
Website: Fern.tusd.org
1314 Fern Ave.
Torrance, CA 90503

Hickory Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4672
Website: Hickory.tusd.org
2800 W. 227th St.
Torrance, CA 90505

Lincoln Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4464
Website: Lincoln.tusd.org
2418 W. 166th St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Riviera Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4460
Website: Riviera.tusd.org
365 Paseo de Arena
Torrance, CA 90505

Seaside Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4532
Website: Seaside.tusd.org
4651 Sharynne Lane
Torrance, CA 90505

Torrance Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4500
Website: Torranceel.tusd.org
2125 Lincoln Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501

Towers Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4535
Website: Towers.tusd.org
5600 Towers St.
Torrance, CA 90505

Victor Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4542
Website: Victor.tusd.org
4820 Spencer St.
Torrance, CA 90503

Walteria Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4487
Website: Walteriaelementary.org
24456 Madison St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Wood Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4484
Website: Wood.tusd.org
2250 W. 235th St.
Torrance, CA 90501

Yukon Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-6
Phone: (310) 533-4477
Website: Yukon.tusd.org
17815 Yukon Ave.
Torrance, CA 90504
 

Intermediate Schools

Calle Mayor Middle 
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4548
Website: Callemayor.tusd.org
4800 Calle Mayor
Torrance, CA 90505

Casimir Middle 
Type: Public
Grades: 6-9
Phone: (310) 533-4498
Website: Casimir.tusd.org
17220 Casimir Ave.
Torrance, CA 90504

J. H. Hull Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 5-8
Phone: (310) 533-4516
Website: Hull.tusd.org
2080 W. 231 Street,
Torrance, CA 90501

Jefferson Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4794
Website: Jefferson.tusd.org
21717 Talisman St.
Torrance, CA 90503

Lynn Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-9
Phone: (310) 533-4495
Website: Bertlynn.tusd.org
5038 Halison St.
Torrance, CA 90503

Madrona Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4562
Website: Madrona.tusd.org
21364 Madrona Ave.
Torrance, CA 90503

Magruder Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4527
Website: Magruder.tusd.org
4100 W. 185th St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Richardson Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4790
Website: Richardsonmiddleschool.org
23751 Nancy Lee Lane
Torrance, CA 90505


High Schools

North High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4412
Website: Northhighschool.org
3620 W. 182nd St.
Torrance, CA 90504

South High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4352
Website: SHS.tusd.org
4801 Pacific Coast Highway
Torrance, CA 90505

Kurt T. Sherry High
Type: Public
Grades: 11-12
Phone: (310) 533-4440
Website: Sherry.tusd.org
2600 Vine St.
Torrance, CA 90501

Torrance High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4396
Website: THS.tusd.org
2200 Carson St.
Torrance, CA 90501

West High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4299
Website: WHS.tusd.org
20401 Victor
Torrance, CA 90503