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Dog Friendly Breweries in the South Bay

Shima 0 comments 11.07.2016

Below are some Los Angeles and South Bay local dog-friendly breweries.

If you know of any that I missed, feel free to share in the comment section below.

monkish

Monkish Brewing Co.

20311 S. Western Ave.

Torrance, CA 90501

beachwood

Beachwood Brewing & BBQ

 210 E. 3rd St.

Long Beach, CA 90802

beer belly

Beer Belly

 532 S. Western Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90020

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Smog City Brewing Co

1901 Del Amo Blvd
Ste B
Torrance, CA 90501

dudes

The Dudes’ Brewing

1840 W 208th St
Torrance, CA 90501

strand

Strand Brewing

2201 Dominguez St
Torrance, CA 90501

absolution

Absolution Brewing

2878 Columbia St
Torrance, CA 90503

brou

Brouwerij West

110 E 22nd St
Warehouse No. 9
Los Angeles, CA 90731

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Dog Friendly Park & Trails!

Shima 0 comments 07.07.2016

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Nothing beats a great outdoor workout, except being able to have your dog join you!

Here are my favorite local dog friendly parks and trails in the South Bay!

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Ocean Trails by Trump National Golf Course


1 Ocean Trails Dr.

 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

I love utilizing this trail because it reminds me how lucky I am to live in the SoCal! The views, breeze and friendly people are refreshing after a long day of work.

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Del Cerro Park

2 Park Pl.

 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

I love this park! It's roomy, fun for my dog and has lots of hills which makes for a great workout. Only suggestion, watch out for the lizards!

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Rosie's Dog Beach

1 Argonne Ave.

 Long Beach, CA, US 90803

This dog beach allows your fur-friend to run loose and free of worry!

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Redondo Beach Dog Park

190 Flagler Ln. 

Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Another great place for your dog to run free and play with local dogs in the community!

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Huntington Dog Beach

100 Goldenwest Street

Huntington Beach, CA 92648

This beach is crystal clear and filled with dogs of all sizes! Such a fun place to spend the day with friends and your pups.

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Wilson Park

2200 Crenshaw Blvd

Torrance, CA 90501

This beautiful park has long trails with plenty of shade and grassy fields. My only advice, watch for the squirrels and birds!

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Skills on and off the field.

Shima 0 comments 06.07.2016

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Every Wednesday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s WCW title belongs to, Whitney Proctor, who is a coach for the city of Torrance’s youth sport’s program and helps the children grow as individuals.

Whitney, 26, grew up in North Torrance and graduated from North High school in 2007. Today, she is a recreation leader for the city of Torrance. She primarily works in the youth sports program.

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The city runs four different sports throughout the year. “We have basketball in the winter time, volleyball through spring, next is dodgeball in the summer and last football in the fall.,” she says. Some of her duties are to referee, score keep or coach whatever game is in need for the particular sport and sometimes it's both.

Whitney, herself, grew up playing for the city in the basketball and softball program (when they had it). She says she loves everything her city has to offer with all the different programs. A typical day begins around 8:30am. She says that they all begin setting up for which ever sport members are working.

During that time, they also find out which court/field they are assigned to and they make sure that the games run smoothly throughout the course of the day. At the end of the day, they make sure to clean everything up.
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Her favorite time of the year is volleyball season. She says, “I didn't play it growing up, only at school when I was younger.” Whitney recently got the opportunity to coach her first teams with the city which she has been waiting anxiously to do.

She got two teams because they were short coaches. “The best thing is seeing when the kids get what I'm trying to teach them. You can see in their face when they are able to do what they are trying to do,” she says.

When she is not coaching teams for the city of Torrance, she is busy with school at the Art Institute in North Hollywood for Web design. She also works at California Pizza Kitchen in Rolling Hills as a server. She loves playing softball and taking photography.

She would like to further her coaching to softball and hopes to someday coach for North Torrance Girls Softball League, because that's where she grew up playing her whole life and says she has learned so much there. “I would like to pass on what I know and encourage girls that they can be all that they want to be,” she says.

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She says one can help the city by volunteering to coach as they are always in need. “If someone would like to volunteer for our football, basketball or volleyball program, that would be great,” she says.

In five years she hopes to have created some websites and possibly working at a graphic design company. She plans to still work for the city of Torrance.

Whitney’s aunt is her role model. She says that she has a master’s in public administration and works for the city of Long Beach. “My aunt faced all odds to get her degrees and no matter what she did what she had to do to get it. I am determined to get my bachelor’s degree no matter hard it gets to finish getting it. She also has always looked out for me no matter how busy she was.,” she says.

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Whitney loves the South Bay mostly for everything is available at her fingertips. “Growing up in the South Bay, I was able to experience many different places and not have to travel to far from home. The beach is practically our backyard- it's sunny and I know where everything is,” she says.

She believes it's important to give back to the city because it helped raise her. “Whenever I go to work at California pizza kitchen or the city,I always see familiar faces. I get to see people I grew up with and keep in touch with them. Torrance offers so much to its citizens and makes it so we don't have to go elsewhere to find what we are looking for. Giving back to me shows pride in my city and where I grew up,” she says.

Thank you, Whitney, for working so hard at helping our youth reach milestones in the sports they love and for allowing them to feel a sense of accomplishment in doing things they love.

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 “It's an awesome feeling to be a coach or help children gain skills that not only help them on the court/field, but off.”

-Whitney Proctor

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Automated Valuation Model

Shima 0 comments 05.07.2016

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If you’ve ever used an automated valuation model to determine the price of your home, then you know they don't work.

An Automated Valuation Model (AVM) is a service intended to produce a numerical estimate of a real estate property. Below are 5 reasons why I believe they don’t work.

The Market Shifts

Different factors influence the market throughout the year, making it unpredictable to determine a home’s value through a system that does not take into consideration the current market. Current market conditions are gathered from interest rates, stock market, gasoline prices, election-year distractions, global events, and other things going on around us that we basically have no control over.  These factors plus seasonal things such as income tax time, holidays, add an unpredictable element to home sales.   Since most AVM’s gather data anywhere from three to six months back, it is not always in the most current timeframe.

 

Cannot take into consideration updates or damages.

An AVM is unable to calculate the property’s current condition, such as wear and tear, foundation damage, etc. Therefore, the estimated value may not reflect what an inspector or an appraiser will take into consideration.  Remember, updates don’t necessarily add value to a property, but they can help a home to sell quicker.

Not always calculating with the most accurate comparable.

When calculating a price by analyzing comps, it is important to take as many factors into consideration as possible. This can only happen when you measure more than just number of beds and baths. Instead, it is important to consider square footage, lot size, amenities, appliances, condition, etc.

 

Does not measure demand.

Though a demanding market does not add value to the property itself, scarcity of homes may increase the chances of a home being sold faster or opposite if there are many homes on the market. An AVM will not be able to determine whether it is a seller’s or buyer’s market, which both have different effects on home values.

Know who is your competition.

When pricing a property, it is vital to consider what is currently active, pending, what has a backup offer, and what has closed. An AVM will not be able to determine all of these factors, thus taking out a huge factor of what price will sell a home.

In conclusion, using an automated valuation model should be a fun way to get an idea of what your home can possibly sell for. However, in order to find the most comparable price so your home sells in efficient time, it is best to consult with a real estate professional who can help you measure statistics, current market trends and take updates into consideration for you.

Don’t hesitate to call me today to schedule a one-on-one meeting to learn what your home can potentially sell for.

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Lighting the way for dogs.

Shima 0 comments 04.07.2016

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Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s MCM title belongs to Brian Lee, who has followed his passion and calling to transform the way humans understand dogs.

Brian grew up in La Canada before moving to Redondo Beach, CA in 1986, where he has lived since. When he was a young child, Brian took it upon himself to make sure the family dog was taken care of. At just 15, he had his own Irish Setter and trained it off-leash with obedience.

At the time, having that sort of talent was impressive and he gained a lot of attention because of it. He says, “I recognized then that my natural connection was unique, but it wasn’t until 10 years later that I realized I had found my true calling.”

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In 1985, he went to the National Institute of Dog Training and graduated top in his class. He worked directly with Matthew Margolis and says he still supports some of the methods he learned during that period of time, however, his knowledge and expertise came from the past 30 years of working directly with dogs and their owners, studying the relationship and observing the progress of rehabilitation.

In 1986, Brian began his company, Canine Counseling, which he later rebranded in 2006 as, “Way of the dog.” Today, Brian is the owner/operator and is fully hands on in his company, from answering emails to speaking directly with clients.

His program strives to educate the owner how to see the world through their dog's eyes, what motivates the dog's behavior, why it is crucial to socialize a dog, how to set a dog up to win, how to become a dog's mentor (pack-leader), and how to create a rewarding relationship between an owner and their dog.

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He recommends anyone considering a puppy to partake in, Way of the puppy several weeks PRIOR to getting the dog. He says that starting the program early allows one to learn strategies for housebreaking, puppy-proofing the home, keeping the puppy safe, and other day-to-day challenges before they become problems. “Being proactive is the first and most important step in achieving success,” he says.

A typical day consists of 5-7 one hour long appointments a day. Half of his clients prefer that he goes to their home (and in some circumstances he recommends it) and he works with the other half out of his own backyard. He works on average 10 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Brian recommends to anyone considering a dog to evaluate their available time before getting a dog- very closely. He says, “Some breeds require a TON of exercise and not fulfilling that need can create problems, including aggression. If you’re responsible, patient, have time to share and love to give, GREAT! Dogs truly are members of the family and they have just as much to offer you as you do for them- as long as there is a healthy relationship.”

He feels the best part of his job is also the most challenging, which is to be able to turn around an aggressive dog for a family in a short amount of time. He says, “It is extremely rewarding and challenging.”

Brian has successfully handled just about every behavior challenge a dog can present and continues working with many owners and their second and third generation dogs. Although his specialty is the "family dog,” he has worked with search and rescue, guide, agility, and therapy dogs.

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One can learn more about Brian and his training by visiting his website,  www.wayofthedog.com. However, feels the best way to learn about his program is by talking over the phone at (310) 543-0375.

He says that most dog training is symptom based and teaching commands, while his focus is to provide an understanding of the relationship and help develop a well-balanced, mentally healthy dog.

When Brian is not helping his clients, he is hosting puppy parties at his home on Sunday’s where he invites 20 to 30 puppies to play and for him to observe their behaviors. This allows him to further address any behavioral issues he sees early on.

At these parties, puppies have the opportunity to play and gain social confidence and experience in a supervised and controlled environment. Puppy parties are included with the puppy program.

Over the years, he has worked with over 10,000 dogs and their families! Brian is currently working on a few new projects that he hopes to launch in the next 5 years including more blog posts, a video series and a book! He also hopes to expand his family.

He enjoys the South Bay mostly for the ocean, weather and entertainment. He also enjoys that the vibe is more laid-back.  “There is a strong sense of community here in the South Bay. I see this in all of my clients- through their devotion to their dog to their support and appreciation of my work- the referrals, cinnamon rolls and cookies are unheard of,” he says.

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Thank you, Brian, for sharing your calling with others in the South Bay and helping owners build a healthy relationship with their dogs.

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All American Dog.

Shima 0 comments 27.06.2016

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Did you know more dogs get lost on July 4th than any other day of the year?

Because of this, shelters see a dramatic increase in lost dogs which results in them having to put many dogs to sleep to make room for more.

As the 4th of July week of festivities comes close, keep your dog safe by following these simple tips.

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Check that your dog’s collar is on a securely. The collar shouldn’t feel too tight, but also snug enough that it cannot fall off if caught.

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Ensure that the information on your dog’s tag is up to date with a name, address and phone number so you can be reached easily if your dog gets curious and runs out to find the sound.

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In addition to having a collar, microchip your dog. A microchip is a tiny transponder that carries your pet’s information which can be retrieved when scanned using radio frequency waves. This is the most secure form of assuring your dog is protected if lost, so they can quickly retain information and reunite you with your best friend again.

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Take your dog for a nice walk, run, hike or play time prior.

Burning excess energy will eliminate any pent up stress, anxiety or nerves.

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Do not fuel the anxiety. If your dog begins to panic due to the fireworks, do not carry more attention to the fear. Instead, turn on calming music or the TV to stimulate the mind and distract him from the alarming sounds and lights. Relaxmydog on iTunes will help put your pup to a deep sleep.

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Hire a sitter or consider boarding. If you have plans to host or will be away from home, it may be best to leave your dog with a trusting friend or pet boarding center. Most boarding facilities, like Mission Underdog Group, keeps dogs secure in a warehouse where sounds are not as loud. This keeps your dog calm and less anxious all-around.

Plus, they will be playing with their fur-friends and will be too distracted to care about the fireworks.

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Take a current photo of your dog in case he goes missing. 

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Comfort your dog, if necessary. Although they say you shouldn't baby a dog who is afraid, sometimes all they need is love. 

Have a safe 4th of July week ahead and remember to take time out to prepare for your dog's needs as well.

Competing for change.

Shima 0 comments 27.06.2016

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Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s MCM title belongs to Jose Figueroa, who uses his passion for competitions and fitness to empower others to change their lives too.

Jose grew up in Sacramento and later moved to Long Beach, CA. He says, “I came for the beaches and help promote a healthy and an active lifestyle, in my own way.” Today, Jose is a trainer and physique competitor.

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He loves to compete in everything he does, from video games to competing in physique with others on stage. “I train hard every day and with luck, I have not had major injuries,” he says.

Like anyone, he faces the challenges of staying motivated through the years. He has found that setting short term goals, such as eating healthy for two weeks, is key to keep pushing forward. “Not only do I do this for my health, but for the competing aspect,” he says.

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He constantly asks himself, “How well do I stack up against some of the most fit people out there? How far am I willing to push to obtain what I desire?”

He was inspired to compete at an early age of six when he read a brief story about the history of Arnold Schwarzenegger and was intrigued. “I could not stop thinking about how massive of a man he was and how he looked like a superhero with all of those muscles. I was hooked,” he says.

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When Jose is not competing, he trains people to obtain their fitness healthy lifestyle goals. Whether it's to lose weight, gain muscle, help an athlete reach their goal, or a diabetic person with a special diet, he says it brings great joy in helping others.

The goals of his clients soon become his goals and he says, “I personally hold myself accountable in making sure they strive and push through any barriers in order to reach a goal.”

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He’d tell anyone who is hesitant of making a lifestyle change to make sure they are healthy enough to start a rigorous activity such as running or weight training. After cleared, he says he’d tell them talk to a trainer or read about the activity they want to take up. “If it's weights, personal trainers are willing to give you free sessions. Ask questions and prepare for a rewarding journey,” he says.

Jose pays it forward by offering free group training classes to simply promote health. In five years, he sees himself owning multiple gyms and expanding his philosophy.

He says that he loves his dogs sometimes more than people only because during moments of failure, they pick him up and still see him as the same as when he is conquering the world. “They see no color or religion. I have grown to respect their loyalty, therefore, I'm forever grateful that some of my best friends have been my dogs,” he says.

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Jose loves the South Bay for the weather, the abundance of great motivated people, and the beaches.

Thank you, Jose, for sharing your love of fitness with others and promoting a healthy lifestyle for those who need a change!

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You can contact Jose directly to learn more about training here: 530-312-3696

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Paving the way for the leaders of our next generation

Shima 0 comments 21.06.2016

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Every Wednesday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s WCW title belongs to Christi Ginger Carrillo, who is the chairman of YPN which seeks to create leaders for the next generation of real estate and to bring positive awareness of what realtors do, and help agents excel in their business.

Christi grew up living between Texas and California before she moved to Lomita, CA. Today, Christi is the chairman of YPN, which is a group of young minded Realtors (not all young in age) which have a purpose of being the support system for new agents just starting in this business. She says, “We are also here to pave the path for the new generation of leadership in our local, state and national Association of Realtors.” They are also in charge of engaging with the community, organizing and funding community outreach projects to help impact local areas in a positive way.

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Her duties are to be a positive example of leadership and help her committee achieve their goals. She has to organize and conduct all committee meetings and have agents see the value of supporting the YPN with the local association. In addition, she is in charge of putting the annual calendar together, allowing the committee to vote on what projects they will be involved with and support the association in growth and be active in participation with all events. Lastly, she must always be friendly and approachable to all Realtors.

YPN’s main goals are to seek out Realtors who wish to be involved in Leadership. She says they have three educational classes a year, a networking event every other month, and have at least two community outreach projects a year. The purpose of the networking events is to allow agents to form relationships, discuss business, have fun, provide a support system, and raise money to fund the community projects.

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Christi loves being involved mostly for the relationships she has created while doing this. “The gratification I get from contributing and making a difference in other agents’ lives and in our community. I love the opportunity that it has given me to grow in my business and as a person,” she says.

Other can contribute in many ways. They can become a committee member and volunteer their time to the events and meetings and by also having a voice in what educational classes are needed to help new agents. Others can also contribute by attending the events and networking. Most of the networking events cost $5 or $10 to attend, which helps YPN reach their financial goals for the community projects.

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For anyone who’s hesitant to join, Christi says, “If you’re a person who loves to engage with others, give back, and grow, then this is the committee for you. Full of positive and upbeat energy, and also looking to excel! If you feel that you don’t have the time, to join the committee board, then it’s just as important and appreciated to support the events with attendance when you can.”

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She says to those who believe that the time and effort it takes to dedicate to running a committee would hinder their business, she’d totally disagree. “When other agents know who you are, it’s more likely they will want to do business with you and also see you succeed, when your clients see that you are active in the local community, and do things like travel to legislative day our State Capitol to support Home Ownership rights, it’s appreciated and gives you value as a REALTOR, when social media sees that you care and are involved, it gives you extra value that other Agents might not offer, which helps your business,” she says.

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Despite her busy schedule, Christi is able to balance her life as an amazing mother and wife. She says that she truly feeds off of the hectic schedule. She has always believed in having a strong work ethic and continually growing and always seeing the “big picture.”

 She says that she has taken on more than she can handle before, and had to recently step down from being the WCR President Elect. “It took me being honest with myself, to know that I didn’t have the passion for the group, and I wasn’t able to commit the kind of effort the group needed and deserved. It’s really a hard pill to swallow when you feel like you let others down. Sometimes I feel the need to please everyone, and it’s just not possible,” she says.

Thus, she has found ways to prioritize her busy schedule. She says her family is always her first priority and her passion comes next. “Passion is key, cause the business and money follows that. My passion has always to grow, and help others.”

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She hopes to make it on the Board of Directors for the Palos Verdes Association and in the near future, to become a Team Leader of a real estate office. She is able to balance her workload by remembering not to stress, avoid negativity, and drama! “We are all here to learn, grow and give back... otherwise I’d feel like I had a void,” she says.

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Christi enjoys living life to the fullest, but also enjoys the simple things in life such as, laughing with her kids, traveling and meeting people. She loves taking small trips that allow her to recharge. “I’m someone who loves wine and champagne, so fun to me is just laughter with good company. “On the side note, I do like skydiving & horseback riding,” she says. In addition, she enjoys shooting and going to the river each summer!

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Christi also gives back to the community by first and foremost teaching her children by example. She brings her children to community events so that they remember the importance of staying humble and to give when they can. In addition, she took her niece in when she was 14 so that she didn’t become a ward of the state, cause she knew she could have a positive impact on her life. She also has given back to her sister’s family as her nephew is fighting cancer, gives to her church financially and is involved in her office’s culture events, where they give back to the community.

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Christi loves the South Bay, because of the diversity in the people. She says that the mixture of people here is not like anywhere else she has ever been. “I love being close to the ocean, and also just being 30 min away from Downtown LA... The South Bay has some amazing people here,” she says.

Thank you, Christi, for dedicating your time and energy to pave the way for our future leaders and leading by example to the youth to be positive and influential members of society!

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“Take away the ‘opportunities’ that happens through meeting others. The amazing connections that happen when you become involved, there is traveling and growth that is truly priceless. It allows you to grow in your business and as a person.”

Christi Ginger Carrillo

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All about the love.

Shima 0 comments 19.06.2016

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Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s MCM title belongs to Moises E. Juarez, who is the lead singer of the South Bay’s beloved Reggae bands, Tomorrows Bad Seeds.

Moi, 29, grew up in the South Bay and was raised in Hermosa Beach. Since he was 14, he has been singing and writing music and began singing when he first started to speak!

Since 2003, Moi has been performing in shows with his band, Tomorrows Bad Seeds. They are a Reggae, Surf and Rock band, but he says that he’d consider the genre, “World music.”

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Moi is the lead vocalist and says that the best part is getting to do what he loves so it doesn’t feel like work. He says as far as challenging, creating a meaningful message to portray is probably the most important aspect he tries not to forget when producing music.

Moi wants others to feel a sense of relief and relation to the message his songs portray. He wants others who may be considering following their passions, but are unsure that “If your heart and soul aren't 100% in it, maybe it's a better choice for that person to stick to a guaranteed salary check cause if you’re looking to get rich off of music, you’re in it for the wrong reasons. Just follow your heart, otherwise you'll never know, but just realize it's not easy. It's like anything else in life you have to work at it and good luck.”

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He says there are no typical days in his field, but it's all work, work, work, studio, writing, touring. However, despite his heavy workload, he says the best part of his day is hanging and playing with his son, Kaden. “That's what I look forward to the most,” he says.

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You can purchase music from Moi’s band directly from iTunes or at any of their live perfomances.

iTunes tomorrowsbadseeds.com

When he is not writing or creating music, he likes to surf, sing and work out. He says that it is a way of life to simply create anything through art .

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Today, Moi  is residing in Torrance and loves it mostly because it is mellow. He says, “I love the South Bay cause my roots run 4 generations deep.”

Thank you, Moi, for bringing your passions and art to life for locals of the South Bay to enjoy and remaining humble.

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“It's all about LOVE , ALL LOVE ALL WAYS. Thank you for your time and see you at the next show.”

-Moises E. Juarez

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A healing heART.

Shima 0 comments 15.06.2016

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Every Wednesday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s WCW title belongs to Nina Rebecca Nichols, who creates inspiring and creative art pieces through collages and hopes to inspire others to think outside the box through them.

Nina is an Angelino born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. One of Nina’s favorite things to do is collage/decoupage.  She says, “I love tearing images out of magazines that catch my eye. Inspiration just hits me when I'm not expecting it. When it feels right, I start gluing torn images on a board without thinking about it and I love watching what transpires.”

 The collages usually tell a story of her subconscious. She has also dabbled with pastels and abstract art. “I also decoupage bottles as gifts for people, with the theme being things that relate to the specific person. I then discovered that I could pretty much decoupage just about anything, such as skateboards and doll heads,” she says.

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She enjoys creating art with music or silence. She likes to create most of her art at home on the floor by herself with the television on or music playing.  Creating is very therapeutic for her. She says it takes her out of her thoughts and stresses of life.

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“I love being in the zone when the creative juices are flowing, and I love that euphoric feeling when I'm really happy with the outcome of the finished product,” she says.  Nina shares her art pieces on her Facebook page called "Collagica." She would love to sell her artwork, but feels she needs a little help in the Marketing area.

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When she is not creating art, she is a mom to two amazing boys; 11 and 21 and works as a Copy Editor for a design studio that produces car brochures. She also enjoys writing poetry, takin g pictures of odd things, and collects elephants and troll dolls.

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Nina likes the South Bay mostly because, “It is a very safe community and I love being so close to the beach where I sometimes like to go to watch the waves and journal.”

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Thank you, Nina, for sharing with others how art has transformed your way of living and I look forward to seeing it help others in the future, too.

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“I hope I inspire people to think outside the box.”

– Nina Rebecca Nichols