Thursday, October 16
ECC Anthropology Museum
The El Camino College Anthropology Museum offers two exhibits, photographs of Changing China, from work to recreation, the explosive economic growth and consequent pollution, and changing cultural values. Another exhibit displays select artifacts from the Polynesian cultures of Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga, and photographs documenting indigenous sites of the Hawaiian Islands. Third floor, ECC Arts and Behavioral Sciences Building (Room Art B 301), adjacent to the Marsee Auditorium. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. M-F. 310-660-3580. 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance.

TWC’s Girls Night Out!
The Wellness Community-South Bay Cities annual Comedy & Magic Club bash might have one more tix available for tonight, the last of three, count ‘em, THREE nights this year, celebrating the women in our lives who have been touched by cancer. 6 p.m. and a $75 tax deductible tix gets you dinner, the silent (and not so silent!) auction, lady-fun surprises and more ‘ in addition to the Comedy Club’s world-class line-up of top comedians, too many to name and each one as memorable as the last. Or is that next?! Call fast, the tix are going like, well, one-liners! 310-376-3550. wellnessandcancer.org/girlsnightout.htm.

Friday, October 17
Tall Ships dock at King Harbor
The Californian and America’s Privateer offer dockside tours today thru Sunday, 10 a.m. ‘ 1 p.m.; and Battle Sails at 2 - 5. King Harbor, 181 North Harbor Drive. Details: 866-446-5969. Tours: $8, children under 12 free; Battle Sails: $75, children under 12, $35. Info: woodsjwreno@aol.com or 949-274-5785, Jeffrey Woods, or rbmarina.com.

Saturday, October 18
Free anti-aging seminar
Dr. Judi Goldstone discusses anti-aging remedies, supplements, products, procedures, et al, at Remedy Pharm, from 11 ‘ noon, 23811 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance. Info: 310-375-0655. theremedypharm.com.

Dig 4 Kids beach gala
Join beachy cocktail attired very special guests Todd Rogers, Phil Dalhausser, Eric Fonoimoana, Mike Dodd, Tim Hovland, Sinjin Smith and Randy Stoklos at Dig 4 Kids Dinner with the Stars, beginning at 6 p.m. $200, $400 a couple. Other Olympians, past and present, and pro athletes will be there. Dinner and drinks, and a silent auction round out the event. More info: dig4kids@yahoo.com or 310-350-5578.

Frank Guernsey Challenge
The Frank Guernsey Singlehanded Challenge Race starts at 1 p.m. at Redondo Beach Yacht Club, followed by dinner at 4:30 ($10). RSVP: Dave Hegner, 310-766-5844 or Mary Guernsey, 310-543-9464. For details: redonodbeachyachtclub.org. Lady and gentleman skippers welcome!

Sunday, October 19
Blue Cat Quartet and
Through Nov. 2, Manhattan Beach and Metlox Mgmt. round out the fall entertainment series at the Metlox Town Plaza, from 2 ‘ 4 p.m., at 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Local artists exhibit their art from noon ‘ 5 and music enthusiasts will enjoy Blue Cat Quartet today; Daniel Capellaro Band on Oct. 26: and Terje Lie, Nov. 2.

Annual Church Pumpkin Patch!
Pumpkins, decorations and more! Open daily from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., through Oct. 31. First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach. 243 South Broadway. 310-372-8445. All proceeds benefit adult and children’s programs of the 100-year-old community church.

RB Dog Park Halloween
The Halloween Hoedown for pups and owners from 11 ‘ 4, includes a parade and costume contest, photos and hot dogs. More info: www.rbdogpark.com or 310-379-9313.

Pancake Breakfast
The Hermosa Womans Club annual pancake breakfast runs from 8 ‘ noon at Clark Building, 861 Valley Drive. $8 or $15 for two; children under 2, free. In addition to the breakfast are raffles, a Chinese auction, silent auction, face stenciling and a jump house for the kids. Proceeds benefit Hermosa Beach Womans Club philanthropies.

2008 Jimmy Surf & Fiesta
The 4th Annual Jimmy is at Rosecrans Ave. in Manhattan Beach with another great day of surfing, new and old friends, music, dancing and overall stoke. mark@jimmymillerfoundation.org or mark@campsurf.com. Catch up after at Sangria Restaurant, 68 Pier Ave. Hermosa Beach, beginning at 6:30 p.m., to which all are welcome. Check in 7 a.m., first heat, 7:30. http://jimmymillerfoundation.org/entry_2008.pdf

Plaza El Segundo concerts
Richard Sherman performs today from 3 ‘ 5 at the Plaza El Segundo Sunday Concerts at Sepulveda Blvd. just north of Rosecrans. Oct 26: Dietz Brothers Music; Nov 2: RoadTrip; Nov. 9: Joe Sha-shaty; and Nov. 16: Aubrey. Jazz and Blues is Sunday at El Segundo.

The Funtones is. Are. Is.
The El Segundo Public Library presents one of the top-rated barbershop groups in the Los Angeles area at 3 p.m. with a distinctive four-part harmony unmistakably Barbershop. The act is combined with authentic costuming and a bit of comedy thrown into the mix. 111 West Mariposa Ave., El Segundo. Light refreshments and all are welcome. 310-524-2728.

Monday, October 20
Ray Bradbury at ECC open house
Ray Bradbury will be at the Grand Opening of the new ECC North Wing/Learning Resource Center of the Schauerman Library, at 3 p.m. and the new facility tours until 5. Three of Bradbury’s books will be on hand for purchase but you may also bring your own books for signing until 5. 16007 Crenshaw, Torrance. 310-532-3670.

Forensic pathology HBO star talk
Dr. Michael Baden, star of HBO’s Autopsy, shares a fascinating look at the world of forensic pathology as he discusses his involvement in historical and contemporary cases. He will post-mortem the JFK assassination, the Romanoffs, O.J. Simpson, Sid Vicious and more.  Today and tomorrow, 7 p.m. Marymount College Auditorium, 30800 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rancho Palos Verdes. 310-303-7223. Free.

Medical, ethical decisions
Glen Komatsu, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for Hospice and Palliative Services, Little Company of Mary Hospital, presents Medical Dilemmas and Ethical Decision-Making: Hard Choice for us all. An open forum, these topics are oftentimes difficult to discuss. 6-8 p.m. The Wellness Community (TWC), 109 W. Torrance Blvd., #100, Redondo Beach. RSVP 310-376-3550.

Tuesday, October 21
Tech Trek students present
 The Torrance branch of the American Association of University Women hosts a program of the Tech Trek students and their experiences in technology this past summer at various colleges.  Meet the campers, educators and sponsors who took part in this annual event. Toyota Automobile Museum, 2076 Artesia Blvd., Torrance, 6 to 8 p.m. 310-832-7191 or tnpcarroll@aol.com. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, Oct. 22
Beach Cities Toastmasters
Beach Cities Toastmasters, a branch of the largest nonprofit speaking organization in the world, meets 7 - 9 p.m. at Joslyn Center, 1601 Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach. Info: Parag.dalal@gmail.com. 315-278-7303 or http://www.beachcitiestoastmasters.freetoasthost.ws.

Informed voting can be learned
Make your vote count! If you are feeling overwhelmed or just want to get the facts straight to make informed decisions this Nov. election, join Ref. Librarian Michael George for an informative evening learning how to navigate your way through the political spin, and exploring the resources available to you through the library. 6:30 p.m. Civic Center Library, 3301 Torrance Blvd. 310-618-5858 or library.torrnet.com.

Rep Harman: home & credit seminar
The Mobile Office of Congresswoman Jane Harman presents an important Homeownership and Credit Counseling Workshop today from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at San Pedro Public Library. For more information, or to RSVP: Mary Bautista at 310-549-8282 or Patricia Broughton at 310-643-3636. 

Thursday, Oct. 23
A tuneful evening
The Mira Costa High Vocal Ensemble, Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra perform together for the first time tonight at 7 p.m. These groups represent the best of the MCHS music department, and they’re performing for free to show off the variety of music and the range of skills. On Saturday, Oct. 25 the musicians will have a car wash from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the campus parking lot. ER

Thursday, Sept. 25
Voters: Connect! Engage! Empower!
Free voter tools for Democrats available online. Only a few weeks remain to prepare for the Nov. 4 elections, and if you’ve moved, your registration must be updated, and some voters get lost on Election Day, because their polling place has moved since the last elections. Be prepared! Go to statedemocracy.org.

Register/Vote/Be Heard
www.VOTE411.org has all your election information ‘ including a national polling place locator, general and state-specific information on voter registration, absentee ballot rules, early voting options, and all the details you need about where to go and what to bring with you on Election Day. Get on it, voters!

Economic Forecast Conference
The SB Partnership’s Annual Economic Forecast Conference offers timely messages about the economy and how to best prepare for the future with keynote luncheon speaker Lt. General Sheridan of the Los Angeles Air Force Base, an economic forecast, a panel discussion on The Economy and The Environment, panelists, and the opportunity to network with 350 elected officials and business leaders from the South Bay. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Torrance Marriott Hotel. $75. West Enterprises: 310-227-8100, or southbaypartnership.com.

SB Team in Training gala
The South Bay Team in Training hosts a fundraiser benefiting Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at Upper Manhattan Lounge. Bid on bachelors, bachelorettes, and silent auction items. $30 for general admission and $40 for VIP, includes dinner, drink specials, door prizes and early admission for a special meet and greet cocktail hour with the bachelors and bachelorettes, as well as VIP seating. Master of Ceremonies is KIIS FM’s Manny on the Streets and the Jane Doe’s will perform and be up for bid. 7 p.m., 3600 Highland Ave. Tax deductible. southbaybachelors.com, Jasmine Carranza 310-908-8702 or benefitbachelorauction@gmail.com.

RunningRaw.com
Tim Van Orden of RunningRaw.com lectures at Leaf Organics at 7 p.m. A top distance runner, he will speak on the athletic performance benefits and lifestyle benefits of eating organic raw vegan food. 1408 Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach. 310-316-4782.

Friday, Sept. 26
Lobster Lagoon
The 3-day Dive n’ Surf Redondo Lobster Festival begins today, 5 ‘ 11 p.m., continues tomorrow, noon ‘ 11 p.m. and Sunday, noon ‘ 9 p.m. with a children’s area, Pirates’ Cove, fashion shows, pro wakeboarding demos, lobster dinners and more. Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way. $12 general admission; $5 kids, 3-12 includes free admission to children’s area. Meals are $20 for the Small Louie Lobster Dinner and $40 for the Large. Lobsterfestival.com, info@redondochamber.org or Pete Moffett: 310-376-6911.

Saturday, Sept. 27
You watch/we wash carwash
You watch, we wash, we all cheer for carwash! Support Mira Costa Mustang and Cheer programs with fun and done car washes, from 10 ‘ 3, in the parking lot off Peck Ave., Manhattan Beach. $5 donation.

El Segundo Class of ‘78
The 30 year reunion is at The Lakes, 400 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, 6-11 p.m. $65 per person includes food, no host bar, music, chums & fun! Last-minute info: Cheryl, costalotta@msn.com, or Jenny, jennaglio@hotmail.com, or ESHS78_Reunion@yahoogroups.com.

Victory at Sea day cruise finale
The SS Lane Victory, veteran of 3 wars, offers its last day cruises for summer today and tomorrow, off Catalina (featuring an aerial dogfight!). A great day for the whole family, it includes a continental breakfast, hearty catered buffet lunch, engine room tours, live music and two large museums. Adults $125; youths 15 & under, $75. The SS Lane Victory, Berth 94, San Pedro. Reservations, details: 310-519-9545 or www.lanevictory.org.

2-day Great Pumpkin Patch glass art
The Great Hermosa Beach Glass Pumpkin Patch today and tomorrow, 10 a.m. ‘ 6 p.m., presents nearly 4,000 works of glass pumpkin art by thirteen of the top glass blowing artists, with prices ranging from $25 to $300+. A fundraiser for the Hermosa Arts Foundation to renovate the Hermosa Beach Theater. 710 Pier Ave. 310-318-0280.

Life after breast cancer
The Wellness Community-South Bay Cities presents James Waisman, M.D. & Lisa Donley, MFT, NP, from 10-noon, at 109 W. Torrance Blvd. #100, Redondo Beach. Focus is on the physical, emotional issues of women as they live years after their breast cancer, including bone health, cardiac disease, gynecological issues, menopause, cognition, sexuality, and other related topics. 310-376-3550.

Hyperion Outfall Serenaders
The official band of Manhattan Beach plays for Unity Day at Carson Civic Center, corner of Avalon and Carson, beginning at 11 a.m. Be there or be square. On Oct. 4, the band plays at the start and finish of the 10K run, Manhattan Beach, Hometown Fair weekend.

MB and Chivas community night
The City of MB and Chivas USA hold a Community Night during the Chivas USA vs. Kansas City game at Home Depot Center in Carson. Might be a couple of tix ($15 - $32) left! 6:30 pregame events. Call Mark Leyman, 310-802-5405 or Idris Al-Oboudi, 310-802-5404.

Sunday, Sept. 28
MBRA in the garden
Manhattan Beach Residents Association celebrates its 20th anniversary at an afternoon soiree at the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden from 2-5 p.m. More info: JacquelyneMay@aol.com; RSVPs: mbra20@mac.com. Memberships available.

Soles for Souls
First Lutheran Church of Manhattan Beach, 1100 Poinsettia Ave. will collect shoes for Soles4Souls through Oct. 19. Collection boxes are outside the parking lot gates, 8-8, weekdays, and in front of the church doors on Sundays, 9-11 a.m. All types of shoes in any condition, and you’re invited to join for Sunday worship.

Dolphin dash to & for the library
Dolphins splash off the end of the Redondo Beach Pier and race toward shore in support of the RB Library at about 4:30 p.m. Sponsor your very own dolphin for $10 each by purchasing a sponsorship certificate at either of the RB libraries. Top prize is a $1,000 savings bond! Be a doll and bring the kids! It’s a splash! Details: 310-318-0675 or redondo.org/library.

eWaste recycling
American Martyrs Church hosts a free electronic waste collection for the community, from 9 a.m. ‘ 4 p.m. at 624 15th St., Manhattan Beach, in the main parking lot. Help recycle: it’s free, easy & green!

Hermosa Sister City fun, auction
A live auction, 1 ‘ 4 p.m., benefiting the Sister City at the home of Chuck and Missy Sheldon, 18th and Strand, in Hermosa Beach; includes fine gourmet foods and a no-host bar, plus a performance from the RUHS Salsa Club, and a grand prize raffle featuring a five day stay at the Hotel Oasis in Loreto, Mexico, a deep sea fishing trip in the Sea of Cortez and $500 in cash. Auction tix are $10 at Beach Travel: 215 Pier Ave. 310-376-8956; Beach Bodies Salon: 822 Hermosa Ave., 310-372-6870 or at the door. Tax deductible. Cash, checks only. hb-sistercity.org.

Rods, Rides & Relics
The Redondo Beach Pier Assoc. presents the fifth Rods, Rides and Relics car show with 80 show-quality cars on display over the water on the horseshoe pier. Classic music 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Redondopier.com.

Torrance Postcard Collectors Club
Club meets at 2 p.m. every fourth Sunday of the month (except Dec.), Torrance Zamperini Airport, Genera Aviation Center, 3301 Airport Drive. Birds and other animals are showcased this month. Free. 310-607-9792.

Monday, Sept. 29
Erev Rosh Hashana
The Jewish Community Center, Chabad, offers High Holiday services beginning this evening at sundown, and all-day services Monday and Tuesday, and Yom Kippur services next week, Kol Nidre at sundown, Oct. 8, and all day Oct. 9. No membership, tix or affiliation necessary. 3108 Vail Ave., Redondo Beach. 310-214-4999 or jccmb.com for details.

New line dancing classes
Beginners begin the beguine, 7 ‘ 8:30 p.m. and intermediates on Wednesday, 7 ‘ 9 p.m. at Franklin Community Center, 850 Inglewood Ave., Redondo Beach. $45 residents; $50, nons. 310-318-0610. 7-week course.

California Ghosts signings
Author and paranormal researcher Preston Dennett presents California Ghosts: True Accounts of Hauntings in the Golden State at 7 p.m. Katy Geissert Library, community meeting room, 3301 Torrance Blvd., Torrance. 310-618-5959.

Tuesday, Sept. 30
Rosh Hashanah
Take me out to the ballgame..
Baseball fans of all ages are invited to meet Wes Parker, former LA Dodger, and six-time Gold Glove winner and 1965 World Series Championship team member. 7 p.m., Katy Geissert Library, 3301 Torrance Blvd. 310-618-5964.

Wednesday, Oct. 1
Bob Hope/LAX USO golf tourney @ Trump
The USO of Greater Los Angeles presents its fourth Celebrity Golf Tournament at Trump National Golf Club, One Ocean Trails Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes. Registration/continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m., tournament at 10 with dinner after golf. Honorary chair/celeb host is Joe Mantegna. K-EARTH’s morning man, Gary Bryan, co-hosts the event and concurrent radio/TV/web-a-thon streaming on supporting media websites. Info, last minute sign-up: 310-339-4123, usogolf@yahoo.com, usogolf@yahoo.com or bobhopeuso.org. $500 for a great cause.

RB State of Education
The Redondo Beach Unified School District educational advocate of the year will be honored at the Main Library, 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Redondo Beach Partners in Education. Coffee and dessert; door prizes. ER