RHA Scholarship Applications due

Last call for scholarship applications from Riviera resident High School Seniors!
Deadline has been extended until Friday, March 7th.

GradHats

For details, visit our Scholarship Application page here to find the application form. 

Thank you to the Riviera residents whose dues make this possible.

See our City Council candidates up close – April 2

At least 5 out of the 7 Torrance city council members will be newly seated once the dust settles on the June 3 election.  The RHA is presenting a forum for you to come and hear the candidates present their positions and answer questions, possibly for the only time in the Riviera area.  If you’re interested in where your city is heading, head over to the South High School cafeteria April 2 at 7:00 pm for this valuable opportunity.  Parking is free (on the newly paved lot) and refreshments will be served.

In addition, you’re invited to attend the Southwood Homeowners Association meeting on April 16th at Anza Elementary School, 21400 Ellinwood Avenue, in Torrance, for a Mayoral candidates’ forum.

Blue and Green were the RHA’s colors this month

If you attended this month’s meeting, you were treated to a pair of very informative presentations.

We had representatives from the Beach Cities Health District present a detailed description of the Blue Zones project. This innovative program has really gotten off the ground with a multi-faceted approach to improving the well-being of all citizens.  As the speakers invited to the meeting attested, it has motivated many residents to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles, by working with local restaurants, schools, and businesses.   So much good information was passed along, together with prizes and discounts to local restaurants.  If you missed it, and are interested, visit their dynamic website here.

Blue Zones put on a lively presentation

Blue Zones put on a lively presentation

RHA President Judy Brunetti introduces Joe Galliani

RHA President Judy Brunetti introduces Joe Galliani

Following the Blue Zones project, we were treated to an engaging and energetic presentation and discussion on energy efficiency by a Riviera resident and passionate environmentalist, Joe Galliani.  These days we’re bombarded with offers for solar cars and roof panels.  Joe laid out some very practical considerations for residents in this part of the city in making decisions about converting to solar power for the home and automobile.  Actual results from homeowners in the area were presented and many local resources were touted to help make decisions, based on specific needs.  We’re pleased that Joe made his presentation on solar power and energy efficiency available to the RHA (download here) to share with our residents.

Prevent your home from being a target

South Torrance, including the Riviera, is not immune from car and home burglaries.  Just this week, our neighbors have been victimized, from the lower (Las Colinas) to the upper (Tortugas).   Spend a minute to watch this video courtesy of the Torrance PD to help guide you in prevention.  Stay safe!

General meeting focusing on health and well-being for the Hollywood Riviera

Greetings Riviera residents,

Our next general meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday, February 5 at Richardson Middle School, starting at 7:00 PM.

We will hear from, and be able to ask questions of,  Blue Zones, a division of Beach Cities Health District, and Joe Galliani, the “Creative Greenius” of the South Bay Cities Green Task Force. The Blue Zones people will discuss their comprehensive program for long life and healthful living, and Mr. Galliani will share the latest information on solar power initiatives for the home, and other, practical ways for homes in the Riviera to save energy and money.  Bring a friend – bring a neighbor!

Special giveaways and extra refreshments will be served, doors will open at 6:30.

Did you know the RHA has a historian? The Riviera is a special place with a unique history, which can live on with your help.  If you or someone you know has a neighbor who has lived in the Riviera longer than 60 years that they would like me to interview please have them call Janet Kaplan at 310 780 9641.  We’ll keep you posted on the results.  The RHA has quite a treasure trove of past history, going back to the forties.  Come to the upcoming General Meeting and ask how you can learn more.

Coming soon: this year’s deadline for RHA Scholarship applications.  The RHA awards scholarships each year to deserving seniors living in the Riviera. For more information, see our Scholars webpage.

You can use the upcoming meeting as an opportunity to update your dues, or simply use our handy Paypal option.  Thank you for your support, and also the support from our newsletter advertisers.  For the latest Riviera Reporter, click here.

Save the date: On April 2 [corrected date] the RHA will host a city council Candidates Night, our Riviera’s best opportunity to meet and question our prospective city representatives.  This will be held at South High — we’ll get you more details, so stay tuned.

Holidays with the RHA

Our best wishes to all our subscribers this holiday season.   We wish you all a safe and beautiful season and New Year here in the Hollywood Riviera. 

Our thanks to all the performers, and to Katie Willet and Laura Savitz for their direction, at this year’s Holiday Program.   What fantastic voices and thrilled audience at Richardson this year.  Congratulations to all and hope to see you all there again next year. Click here for more photos!
A packed and enthralled audience enjoying the Riviera and Richardson choruses

A packed and enthralled audience enjoying the Riviera and Richardson choruses

Our thanks as well to all of you who supported the RHA through your volunteer dues this year (see if you’re up to date here).  We feel we accomplished a lot this year, but there is so much left to do.  Your support and ideas are paramount, so keep in touch, and stay tuned!

December is here!

…and with it, the annual RHA Holiday program, featuring students in a full choral performance of holiday songs and spirit from Richardson Middle School and Riviera Elementary.  If you haven’t attended in a while, or this is new to you, you’ll be in for quite a treat this year.

Riviera Holiday program
Monday December 9 at 6:30 pm
Richardson Middle School cafeteria
(directions)

That’s right, it’s Monday this year.  The kids put on a great performance, and what better way to celebrate the holidays in your own neighborhood!  Want to see last year’s performance? (You may want to add it to your 2013 holiday soundtrack.)  Click on these links:

Yes – there will be refreshments!

Membership news

We are lagging a bit with new memberships and renewals.  We urge you to add us to your holiday wish list, if you haven’t yet sent in your modest, voluntary ($25.00) dues.  Consult our membership page to see if you are up to date, or to easily make up for lost time.  Explore our website to view all the activities and value we bring to your neighborhood.  This is special.  This is your Hollywood Riviera.

El Retiro rides again!

If you haven’t visited lately, this year’s library remodel is complete and the doors are open once again.  Take time to stop by and have a look.  And maybe decide to join the Book Group  once you’ve gotten through all your emails!

 Holiday stroll – strollers optional

The Riviera Village Holiday Stroll happens this Thursday, December 5 5:00 – 9:00.  Don’t miss the decorations, the treats, and the sales.  Where’s the Village?  Why, it’s where we all go to shop, eat, shop, and eat!

No Grinches, please

There’s been a recent uptick in burglaries in our very neighborhood.  Robberies too.  To help avoid having your holiday season ruined, check out this advice from our Torrance PD.

Santa Claus – no stranger to the Riviera

Looks like Santa is back, courtesy of the TPD, and sweeping through our streets between Dec 10 and Dec 13.  For details, view this schedule, with maps!

From all of us, at your RHA, Happy Holidays!