Pure, Unadulterated Joy

Manhattan Beach coastline

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Finally! Kevan Hall's Fashion Show from Rusnak Night of Luxury

By Joy A. Kennelly

I finally was taught how to upload my video from the fall Rusnak Night of Luxury where Fashion Designer, Kevan Hall, presented his spring line. Enjoy!

Posted via web from joydacious's posterous

My Chipotle burrito's weight

Just took it home and weighed it. It weighs 1.4 lbs. And I wonder why it's sooo filling!:)
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Burrito bliss thataway

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Clever mkting from LA Mart at Wrapsody. In RB

All small shops should pst these proudly!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Today was a productive day

By Joy A. Kennelly

I enjoyed swimming this morning because it finally loosened up my hip muscle that has been hurting over a week now. The side stroke is my favorite because it really stretches my entire body and hit exactly where I needed it.

I then enjoyed a leisurely nap after reading a very funny book. I would tell you the title, but some people might not understand my sense of humor.:) Ask me privately and I'll tell you. After that, spent the majority of the day writing and catching up on stuff.

Tonight, catching up on my FirstPlace4Health homework which I need someone to help me interpret because some of it is confusing to figure out on my own.

So happy my month-long fast from events is over and I can go out again. I think I'll be more picky going forward though because I got so much more done not going out as often.

Have a good one!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Levi's brilliant eco marketing

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

An insider's guide you won't be able to put down.:)

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Journal title of the month

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Now Hot Tub looks like a GREAT movie - HA HA HA

Do you see me? LOL Actually just saw Leap Year and loved it. Makes me want to go back to Ireland. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Looks like Sharkeez has till April now for a final ABC decision

By Joy A. Kennelly

http://bit.ly/cTMaRZ - this is the link to the Daily Breeze article covering the results of the day-long ABC hearing over the transfer of the Il Boccaccio business license to Sharkeez. I wonder if Audrey Bellis is the broker in question for all the Downtown Hermosa businesses? If so, I might have to ask for a commission since I turned her on to the area and other leads.:)

Anyone know?

I also wonder if whoever this broker is who's raking in the profit on all these businesses changing hands lately fully understands what they're doing to Hermosa? On the other hand, if this person can bring in a buyer for the Mermaid/Good Stuff lot then maybe that's a good thing. Any word on that front?

I would love to see a boutique hotel come in with space in the complex for retail establishments to balance out the current business dynamic. Maybe then Sharkeez would realize you don't have to bring in the dregs of society to turn a profit - tourism and business travelers would be just fine.

If Stephen Covey were here, what would be the win win solution in all this? I'm seeking to understand.:)

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Redondo Beach Pier

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

This ends your tour of South Bay Sunsets

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

It's spectacular!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

We have some of the best sunsets!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

We have some of the best sunsets!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

I love when the beaches are empty like this too

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Hermosa Beach Sunset near Mickey's

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

I love living near the ocean

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Manhattan Beach Pier & sunset

If you haven't yet, look outside. It is really pretty tonight.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Drive-by Sunset -gawgeous

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Mary Jo Buttafuoco's book title of the day! LOL

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

A Beacon on the hill (see the moon?)

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

MB Pier

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

#Hermosa Beach City Council on Sharkeez, Fiona Hutton & Associates, Water Conservation and more!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Here's the link to the Hermosa Beach City Council Meeting last night which went on and on and on and on! I'm still tired from it.:) I can't imagine how the guys do this bi-weekly.

Since my attention is back on national politics for the moment after Obama's lecture, I'm posting the link without much commentary just a very telling picture at the end.

Once the link is live here, drag your cursor over to 2:31:47 to catch the issues of the transfer of Il Boccaccio's license to Sharkeez and the hiring of the Public Affairs PR firm, Fiona Hutton & Associates to which I, and others, speak.

Enjoy! I'm watching reviews of Obama's speech.

However, I will say this... Hermosa City Council meetings are never boring because of the characters who come out (including myself.:) The fireworks flew! And it wasn't me firing them off!:)

(If you're a green person, you also may want to watch earlier since Hermosa just approved a water conservation ordinance that will penalize residents who don't abide come June. Don't worry,  you're getting a 30 day education grace period with only warnings before the crack down.)

It is cool because Hermosa is really living up to their green initiatives and very eco. Here's a link to the Hermosa Green Page for your reading pleasure.

Oh, and lastly here's some marketing of Hermosa Beach by the company who was claiming they want to bring fine dining to Hermosa that evening only driving home everyone's earlier points that this just isn't going to work long-term because of Hermosa's image.

Isn't this cozy? Cantalini's in PDR

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Can you say yummy? Cantalini's

Salerno Beach Restaurant - In Italy wine is food.:) Looking forward to catching up with my good friend, Erica. Lots to share! And I'm sure she does too. Manga!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

The sunset just keeps getting better!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Tonight's sunset - as close as I have time to get

I hope you're looking! It's a good one!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

#Hermosa Beach - NOT politics as usual - ABC final word

By Joy A. Kennelly

Someone on the local Hermosa Open Forum site my friend Marianne runs said that reviewing Il Boccacio's CUP is ridiculous.

What's ridiculous is thinking it's Il Bocaccio's who's under review. It's not. It's the entire Downtown Hermosa Beach and whether or not Pier Plaza can handle another establishment operating until 1:30am. Even Il Boccacio's owner last night admitted many nights he would stay open past midnight hoping more guests would show up and they never did.

Fine dining isn't what Hermosa Beach is known for, nor is it ever going to succeed until the entire Downtown and Pier Plaza is re-hauled to be a more balanced retail/restaurant environment. You can not have 16 bars in a one mile area and not think that there won't be crime issues related to excessive drinking.

Ladies, pay special attention to the sex crimes section, the robbery, and auto theft statistics because this is reality about Hermosa Beach as it currently stands. Gotta run, but couldn't let "Old Crow" twist what this is about.

I hope the ABC does right and makes the best decision to help bring balance. "Principles above personalities" as certain groups are apt to say.

2008 to 2009 YTD Statistics that have shown a increase, are listed as a percentage increase.

 

 

December 2008 to December 2009 Year to Date Statistics - HBPD

 

http://www.hermosabch.org/police/statistics.html

 

 

Hermosa Beach Police Department
Monthly Report
Dec-09

	2008	2009	YTD-2008	YTD-2009
Murder	0	0	0	0
Sex Crimes	0	0	6	9  - up 50%
Robbery	3	2	25	30 - up 20%
Assault	2	3	115	148 - up 28.6%
Burglary	15	11	111	148 - up 33.3%
Theft	36	22	345	524 - up 51.8%
Auto Theft	4	2	29	43 - up 48.2%
D.U.I.	49	31	215	150
Persons Arrested
Adult	71	54	642	635
Juvenile	1	2	17	23 - up 35.2%
Citations
Misdemeanor	30	84	773	1055 - up 36.4%
Traffic	141	86	3,052	3,048
Parking	3259	3109	49,016	56293 - up 14.8%
Animal Control	1	1	26	23
Traffic Accident Reports
Fatal	0	0	0	0
Injury	4	3	52	66  - up 26.9%
Non Injury	9	7	192	169
Disturbance Calls
	204	163	3,499	3,752  - up 7.2%
Calls for Service
Police	1,986	2,211	26,075	27,407  - up 5.1%
Parking	123	104	2,301	2044
Animal Control	53	73	972	965
Vehicle Impounds
	83	70	800	817  - up 2.1%

Respectfully Submitted to: City Manager Steve Burrell
Approved By: Chief G. Savelli
Prepared By: Angela Janulewicz

The PR firm was approved

Myself and two others spoke on this item. The two guys were against it, but I supported PR.

My assertion though was the selection should have been done in public, the focus of the campaign broader than just government issues since public affairs expertise doesn't always translate to small business.

It will be very interesting to watch what happens now. Overall, it was nice to see the council in action again. I am glad Kit Bobko is back on board because he's fair, honest and wants what is best for the city and the residents as a whole.

I don't think they were happy to see me, but oh well. I still care about Hermosa even though I don't live there any more.

Glad to see Robb Fulcher, reporter for the Easy Reader stayed for the majority of the discussion too. This was definitely a newsworthy meeting on a local level. How often do you have restaurant owners arguing with the Police Chief in public? Also, the people who come forward to speak are always entertaining.

I did see former City Council Member JR there, but he didn't stay long. I'm positive he was happy not to be on the dias tonight cuz when I left @ 11:30pm it was still going on.

And people ask me why I don't run. Ha!:)
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Transferring a biz license is an extremely complex issue

I think the council has treated everything very fairly and respectfully. I will try to post the link to this part of meeting in case someone is interested.

It's really a moot point because the Chief is subpoenaed to appear in front of the ABC regardless and the city doesn't have input there.

However, that said, the council has passed a motion to examine this issue more closely and establish guidelines to make it fair for everyone. I agree.

I feel bad for everyone involved, but have to support the Police Chief. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

#Hermosa Beach City Council debating beach tennis courts

Only in Hermosa.:) It always cracks me up how much minutia is dealt with on certain issues. And the fact that only at the beach are vball & green issues discussed so regularly. Hermosa is definitely eco! Now if the event organizers who bring their events to the beach will focus on trash pick-up among all the other event details, I know the self-proclaimed "trash lady" of the Hermosa Green Task Force will be very happy. :)

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Blog #Hermosa Beach - Politics as usual? Tonight's City Council Meeting issues

By Joy A. Kennelly

If you live in Hermosa Beach, please be aware tonight's City Council agenda meeting is one you should definitely consider attending to speak up on a variety of issues. It starts at 7pm, but you're welcome to come down later because the most important issues to the community will come up later in the agenda.

The transfer of the CUP = Conditional Use Permit which dictates the liquor license and hours for Il Boccacio, Los Angeles' acclaimed multi-regional Authentic Italian Fine Gourmet Dining Restaurant, is under review and for those of you not familiar with the issues surrounding this, here's a quick review.

1. Il Boccacio recently transferred ownership to the owners of Sharkeez with hours that extend to 1:30am.

2. Tomorrow the Hermosa Chief of Police and Sharkeez owners will appear before the ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) department to determine whether or not to maintain this 1:30am closing.

3. Other Hermosa Beach restaurants located Downtown, such as Dragon, The Shore, and Blue 32 had their hours reduced last year when their CUP's were reviewed. This has drastically affected their business and if I remember correctly, Blue 32 is now out of business. (Correct me if I'm wrong.)

In addition, Silvio's Brazilian BBQ Restaurant had their CUP hours were reduced when it transferred ownership.

4. Numerous Hermosa Beach restaurants when applying for their original CUP's, said they would be high-end, fine dining restaurants exactly as the owners of Sharkeez are claiming now.

However, the restaurants in question at that time - Patrick Malloy's, Dragon, The Shore, Blue 32, Dano's, Ibiza,and 705 were unable to maintain this type business and have evolved into bars over time. (Some more so than others, but definitely not fine dining like they originally said due to the pier pressure to appeal to the lowest common denominator.)

Despite my best PR & marketing efforts with The Shore for over a year to bring a high-end clientele to their restaurant, they were going under due to their shortened hours and people not wanting to come to Hermosa Beach for a fine dining experience. 

Now that they've gone back to more of a bar environment since we're no longer working together and their fine dining Chef has moved on, they appear to be doing ok.

Bars succeed in Hermosa Beach. Fine dining does not unfortunately.

Even a local business owner, when asked by a visitor recently for a nice place to dine recommended his guests go to Manhattan Beach rather than stay in Hermosa.

Hermosa Beach is not known for fine dining and as a result, the risk in allowing the CUP to transfer the 1:30am closing is simply business as usual.

This is not what Hermosa Beach needs right now.

If the new City Council wants to send a message to business owners that they are concerned about the long-term growth of Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza AND in the spirit of fairness to other businesses who had their CUP's reduced AND not show favoritism to a business who recently  had a stabbing in front of their other restaurant, then they should support Chief Savelli's proposal and reduce the hours of Il Boccacio's on the CUP transfer.

Yes, crime has been down, but so has the economy. Once the economy picks up then there's the very valid concern of crime returning. I remember hearing that someone who was arrested awhile back had been released from jail that same day and made a direct path to Hermosa Beach to celebrate. Crime is down to the efforts of the police and either the City Council trusts his judgments and advice, or they're going to be responsible for the results of their actions should he prove correct.

Otherwise, within a few years expect another Sharkeez-style restaurant to pop up on Pier Plaza. Even Boogaloo who recently changed hands has become a bar and lost a lot of it's blues charm which used to draw a more balanced crowd of all ages to the Downtown area.

Your voice does make a difference. Get off the couch and come down to voice your opinion or accept the consequences.

To wrap up because this meeting starts in less than an hour, in light of the $22,000 budget for PR services of Fiona Hutton & Associates up for approval tonight, I thought you might enjoy reading a letter sent in by a local resident.

Click here to read this short, to-the-point letter which points out very valid concerns of costs and city needs better served.

I would like to recommend to the City Council  that the search and hiring of potential PR firms in the future be done more openly and with public input since it's their tax dollars paying for these services. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get down to City Hall. The address is: 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 if you care to join me.

My friends at work

Here's Elder Steve Wolcott and surfer Worship Leader, Dave Ower, busy getting the database up-to-date and songs picked out for next Sunday.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

IWOSC seminar on employing social media techniques to books #in

This is a picture taken after the meeting as people gathered around the panelists. Although I enjoyed hearing them because they're very savvy book marketers, I feel like I need to find a group for marketing people who write because I knew a lot of what these people were talking about.

I think by attending these two IWOSC seminars I'm beginning to see my next niche because so many people don't understand how to market online whereas I do.

IWOSC generally draws a lot of older people, and as a result, is ripe for the picking by experts in anything tech I now realize.

Many attendees appeared to be interested in the basics of social media and I'm too knowledgeable for this level of learning.

Now to explore some other writing groups and see where I can find my peers. It's always been a struggle because as a publicist you're naturally media savvy and many writers are not. Those who are savvy end up launching businesses to help those who aren't. All I want is a group of like-minded, peers who know marketing and enjoy writing.

I did learn some new information about self-publishing tonight, but not too much else re: social media marketing & pr.

But for 15 dollars can't complain too much. It was good, just not great (for me.)

I want/need challenges. Now to find them in other groups. Any suggestions? Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

IWOSC Seminar panel

Ellen Reid, Julie Spira, and Annette Fix are the panelists for tonight.

Should be really great!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Tonight's sunset is like the sky opened up!

There's a beam of light running straight down. Stunning!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Get your free hot coffee @ #CrossRoad!

Here's the lovely ladies serving at "Holy Grounds" coffee spot. All visitors get a free cup of specialty coffee & the rest are just 2$. Heavenly prices. LOL just had to say it. Don't mind me. Very happy today. The sun is shining brightly and it's just a great day!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

The ultra secret private lounge

Only certain people are ever invited up here. I feel so special!:)
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Sexy men's clothing too.

Fernando is a personal shopper and will order whatever you need in your size.
Lots of one-of-a-kind clothes and pillows and throws you won't find anywhere else.

Call 310 372 7906 10am - 6pm!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Fernando knows everyone!

Laura Slipak of The Mod Resort in Palm Desert popped in to say hi.

She used to work here many years ago and wondered if he'd remember her.

But of course! Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Huge surf

It is freezing down here! Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Hermosa at sunset -HUGE surf!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Luscious faux fur scarf & down pillow w/pockets

So soft! Fernando is modeling a gorgeous chinchilla and rabbit faux fur scarf he designed (available in a variety of colors) and a beautiful custom designed faux fur down pillow with pockets perfect for snuggling!

Come on down to 1242 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, Ca. Lots of great men's and women's hip clothing too. He designs home interior items and clothes on order. Check out: www.fernandoshermosa.com Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

The formula for lasting change is...

A worthy goal reached through time + effort + focus. I'm starting the first place 4 health program and excited to see what happens.

So happy my former high school counselor, Shirley K., is in my class because it makes it more fun to do with a friend.

Time to discover a new way to healthy living.:)

Happy Saturday!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Hopeforhaitinow.org telethon

These telethons are always moving, but I think this one more so than others.

The devastation is so horrible and includes so many children. I'm so happy people are over there caring for people. I want to go over once this calms down.

We should all adopt a child and be like Angelina (sorry, Brad is on.) Seriously, please donate or do what you can to help.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Vincent's does it again!

Manga!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Here's our dramatic sky tonight!

Just heard the funniest commercial about Valentine's Day too.

"You don't to have to give her a gift to prove your love, but she wants one!" This made me lol.
#
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Rain prepared maintenance guys :)

Mark & Paul tooling around the CrossRoad campus.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous