Pure, Unadulterated Joy

#Fashion, Food and Wine Festival of #Volleyball Champions at #Raleigh Studios in #Manhattan Beach with #Dig4Kids final wrap-up

By Joy A. Kennelly

This past weekend was so packed with fun activities it's taken awhile to compile pix and information to share with you. John Mayer is amazing in concert fyi.:)

So! Without further ado... (All Photos Courtesy Photographer, Angelique Chacon.)

Last Saturday night I attended the Food, Fashion & Wine Festival honoring three amazing Volleyball Champions as part of the Dinner of Champions presented by The Trade Coach and

produced by Brad Jacobson of Civic Couch (l) and Olympic Gold Medalist, Eric Fonoimoana (r) aka "the Body" and Founder of Dig4Kids, the beneficiary of the evening.

Now here's the Beach Volleyball greats who were honored:

Linda Hanley aka Linda Robertson who has a great sense of humor and an amazing athletic career. Definitely a female trend setter on many levels. (She was wearing the jacket because it was freezing in the windy NY Backlot of Raleigh Studios in Manhattan Beach. Heat lamps next year please!:)

And the next honoree...

Chris Marlowe aka "CI" who you might recognize if you happen to live in CO or enjoy basketball since he's the Denver Nuggets play-by-play announcer for the NBA. He's a talker!:)

and Steve Obradovich aka "OB." What made me laugh is that those who introduced him said, You either love him or you hate him, no in between. The first beach volleyball ball buster.:)

They all are so talented and amazing athletes. It was wonderful to hear their life stories and see the videos Fox created to showcase them visually. It was also fun to see Manhattan Beach over the years and know that I've watched the very same volleyball games from that very same beach that thousands of spectators have also over the years.  Prior to the event launching we enjoyed a little street art by Artist Andy Brown.
OB bought one of Artist Andy Brown's pieces Andy created during the evening which Chris "Geeter" McGee later auctioned  off.

Here Geeter's being teased by Chris Marlowe for shutting down the AVP's which Geeter also was able to joke about too (even though it must be hard to lose the job you love so much. He's so talented I'm sure he'll find something good again soon.)

Not only were these three amazing Olympic and other award-winning tournament volleyball athletes honored, there were also these amazing athlete pros in attendance (Sinjin Smith, Mike O'hara, Brent Frohoff, Gene Selznic, Larry Rundle, Barbra Fontana, Jim Menges (seen here in a clip from his risque acceptance speech at last year's event.)

Tim Hovland (I believe that's him in this pic) introducing one of the honorees with some pretty funny stories, Mike Dodd, the recent, now former, AVP Commissioner, and former professional volleyball player in his own right.  Mike Lambert and  Eric Fonoimoana shown here with his wife, Eliza Cost.

Before the main events began, guests wandered throughout the NY Backlot enjoying delicious local South Bay Cuisine and drinks.

 

   
Our first stop, Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach.:)

Lisa Hemmat of Lido di Manhattan Beach served delicious appetizers too. You might recognize her from Chef Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares show this past Spring.

This bar and El Gringo's tacos were a big hit with many guests too.

Bob Meistrell Body Glove CEO was in attendance (seen below with Angelique Chacon), as were numerous media & residents.  

Manhattan Beach City Council Members, Wayne Powell, Mayor Pro Tem, Richard Montgomery, & Mayor Mitch Ward enjoyed themselves too. 

Richard with last year's honoree, Jim Megnes.

 The biggest highlight of the pre-show was a really great fashion show. I can say that because I've covered numerous fashion shows for LA Fashion Week for the past few years.

 High quality all the way. Just ask the guys.

I've never seen any fashion show have so many whistles blown, cat calls, and hooping and hollering males. It was hilarious! They calmed down a little once they realized the girls would just keep coming out looking gorgeous. LOL

Here's a sample of the models wearing Body Glove bikinis, Meghan Fabulous dresses & cover-ups, sexy heels by Michael Antonio and jewelry by Lost Bird. I believe there were a few other designers represented, but unfortunately don't have that information available. (If you know, leave a comment and I'll incorporate it later

Volleyball Player/DJ Jeff A. Murrell kept the night moving while Miss CA Nicole Johnson introduced the entire show.

My favorite designer of the evening was Meghan Fabulous and her latest designs. Aren't these beautiful dresses and cover-ups? I love her ethnic influences.

 
You can see more of the fashion show and pictures from the entire evening on Facebook at the 5th Annual Dinner of Champions Fan Page.

Eric officially welcomed everyone to the honoree part of the evening before turning it back over to Geeter who teased, hugged, and welcomed the honorees up after their video had shown all their athletic achievements (of which there were many!) Numerous athletes were invited to reminisce about the honorees too.

 

 
We were so cold by the end we ducked out while OB was talking which is why I don't have more pictures of his experience, but I'm sure it was great too! 

You can see more pictures of the fashion show Angelique took here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=201892&id=568603599

If you'd like to become a fan of this event to be kept in the loop for next year, click here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29150&id=130203947005866
 

 

 

 

 

Dig4Kids Fundraiser update & Welcoming Troops home from Iran & Afghanistan 8/11/2010

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just in case you're looking for images from the Fashion, Food & Wine Festival fundraiser last night over at Raleigh Studios benefitting Dig4Kids, I will have more to share soon. I invited my photographer friend, Angelique Chacon, to shoot for me since my cameras are acting up right now and she's got a great eye and much better camera.

In the meantime if you continue scrolling through my blog, you will be able to read commentary of last night's wonderful event (but just realize my Blackberry camera has limitations right now!:) I had no idea so many Olympic athletes came out of the Manhattan Beach Open. Really amazing to see them live and in person which was a real treat.

What I also appreciated was seeing how down-to-earth and real everyone was in spite of, or because of, their achievements. What surprised me though, was to learn how many had bad tempers since I always thought everyone playing had good sportsmanship. Guess we're all human, right?:) Maybe they've outgrown it since they're no longer competing.

It was just fun to relive certain memories as the videos played showcasing each honoree's life story. I grew up in the 70's and 80's living on the beach and totally remember all those hairstyles and clothing. And I'm pretty sure I probably went to school with a few of the athletes who became famous for beach volleyball too because their last names sounded familiar.

In high school, I hung out with the church & smart kids crowd though which is why it's not as close a memory as it is to others.:) Plus, being as freckled and light skinned as I am, I burn so quickly I couldn't stay out on the beach too long which kept me out of the volleyball world too.

Moving right along.

I saw this video and just had to share it here too because more people need to see it. I don't care what you think of Bush, it is very classy to take time from your retirement to welcome our troops home and let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.

(Unlike a current vacationing President... Sorry, it just needed to be said and you know it too.)

If anything, watch it to recognize our troops and realize how much we owe them for our current freedoms. I for one, am very grateful. I love America and will always support it.

God Bless!

#Chris Marlowe's video honor #Dig4Kids

It's really fun to hear the story of each athlete as they're being honored. I believe Fox sports created the videos so you know they're quality. He acted and played beach volleyball. Then moved into announcing as the voice of the Olympics and now Denver Nuggets. It's so cool to be around Olympic athletes. Makes me proud of my home town, beach volleyball and our country!

Spike on Big Ci! Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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#Mike Dodd announcing #Chris Marlowe, this year's #Manhattan Beach Open honoree #Dig4Kids

Both amazing athletes. This is probably bittersweet for Dodd since he was the recent commissioner of the AVP's (I believe) which closed a week ago.

There's such a camaraderie in the audience tonight since so many have played together for decades.

This is a great event and I wish you were all here to enjoy.

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#Linda Hanley accepting her honor - so funny #Dig4Kids

She is wearing an artic jacket cuz its so cold. They keep calling her to come to the end of the stage and she's a great sport.

She is an Olympic athlete and so funny! She's such an inspiration and wonderful person. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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#Linda Hanley special presentation video #Dig4Kids

What an amazing athlete! Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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"Geeter" is hilarious as the announcer of this year's #Manhattan Beach Champion Dinner #Dig4Kids

He has a great personality and is joking about the fact he just lost his job at the AVP's.

Now the ceremony is starting. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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#Meghan Fabulous designs are flirty & feminine #Dig4Kids

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#Old Guys Rule - they still got it! Whatever it is #Manhattan Beach Surf Fest #6-Man Vball

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Food booths were added to #Manhattan Beach #Surf Fest VBall this year

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#El Gringo vs. #Magnum - rivalry of the season - I believe

This is hometown competition at its finest and what the Six Man is all about. So fun! Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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#Charlie Saikley #6-Person Beach Volleyball Tournament in #Manhattan Beach

This is what its all about people - good volleyball. The MC is very funny and keeping us all amused with his announcements.

"Now its time to reach deep inside and grab whatever it is." See what I mean?

Loving the white trunks with black underwear - kinda like a girl who wears a black bra under her white t-shirt. Who says guys don't watch style?:)

And the mustaches in their homage to Tom Selleck? Those are sexy too.:)

Real close game! Gotta go! Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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Go #Magnum! #Six Man wouldn't be Six Man w/out them.:)

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Just remembered why I liked the 6 Man so much #Manhattan Beach

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#Six Man today - finals! #Manhattan Beach

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The Shore presents a fun Equinox/BMW hosted USC v. OSU Football viewing party tonight!

This evening is open to everyone and begins at 6pm. Those with an Equinox Membership card or BMW key will receive one free drink ticket at the door upon arrival. We're also serving discounted GoChi Cocktails, our $5, $6, $7 menu of delectable appetizers, a raffle, and free one week passes to Equinox South Bay.

Come by and visit even if just for a bit. Cheer for USC. Meet some new friends.

Would love to have you join us.

Any questions? Call The Shore Restaurant and Lounge at 310 376-0414.

Very interesting info on the future and fun soccer pix

By Joy A. Kennelly

I belong to Peter Shankman's online community for media professionals and found his presentation at the Executing Social Media Conference very interesting. So much so, I'm giving you the link to all the conference presenters to allow you to keep up on trends in the internetsphere also.

You might see some names you recognize if you're into this sort of thing. Click here.

Yeah bloggers!

We rule.:) Always disappoints me though to see how few females are represented at these conferences and that  those who are have kind of lame presentations because they come from such a limited point of view since they work within a corporate environment. I may be generalizing, but...

Where are the maverick internet women who are entrepreneurs and have their hands in numerous pots like me? Oh well. Maybe I should hire someone just to pitch me as a speaker. HA! I was honored as a Who's Who in Technology years back for my work producing Internet World's first (and only) online Media and Entertainment Festival in case you didn't know. I would give you the year, but I always forget which one is right (2000 or 2001?) and don't want to confuse you.

For awhile there I was getting so many awards/recognition it was hard to track (she says modestly waving a fan in front of her face because it's so dam hot in here.) JUST KIDDING! Not about the awards, just about being modest about it! LOL When you're good, you're good. HA!!! Notice it hasn't happened in a couple of years. That's to keep my head in check. :)

Oh on another note, by the way, all the photos of The Shore's food and table setting are courtesy of Nathan Schirmer, photographer for hire. If you need someone to take food shots of your restaurant or interiors, then please consider hiring him. He's got a great eye and is very cool to work with.

Here's his contact info - don't abuse it please: 310.463.2793 nschirmer3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Let's see, what else? Oh, here's some fun pix from the weekend (can you tell I'm stalling? I'm waiting on someone to pick me up and it's going to be a bit before they arrive.) Pays to have VIP front row seats, eh? By the way, the U.S. creamed Barbados seven to zero if I remember correctly. Very exciting game! I used to play AYSO soccer as a young person and totally love the sport. I also love how patriotic everyone is. GO USA!!! Doncha love the flag shot?  That's my money shot. All reproduction rights reserved by Joy A. Kennelly 2008.

 

    

AVP's in Hermosa Beach - Fri and Sat only - too much sun for me Sun!:)

By Joy A. Kennelly

I got a little too much sun on Friday and Saturday after sitting out watching some prelim AVP games (even wearing 50sp!), but it was worth it. I love watching athletes play. Here's some pix to share what I'm talking about. Friday are the bleacher shots and women games. Sat. are the beach shots sitting by the net.

Please note, Friday's are generally light because it's where people are playing to qualify. It's Sat & Sun where it really gets packed. I could have gone Sunday, but needed to get some work done and I was too burnt - by the sun and dancing so much Sat night. But that's for my next blog.

What an upset game today, eh? And other musings

By Joy A. Kennelly

I'm not into football at all, but today's Super Bowl game was very exciting. It's great to see the best of the best go against each other now that I understand there are two leagues. (Hey, I'm blonde, give me a break!)

Too bad the Patriots' coach was such a poor loser. Click here for a sports guy's perspective from Yahoo.
This site is even more interesting... A link to all the Super Bowl Commercials! Gotta focus on what's most important right? Just kidding.

It was fun to get out to a local party and see my good friend Brenda, but after so little sleep last night I was dragging. Plus, I think I was allergic to something in the party house so it made me tired too. Can't believe I'm still up.

In any case, was watching Celebrity Apprentice where Stephen Baldwin was defending himself. Very funny to see how his Christianity kept getting thrown into the mix.

After hearing today's sermon by my Pastor, Jim Mackinga, and singing at both services, I've come to realize I need to show more of God's love, rather than judgment. You missed another great sermon by the way. Really spoke to my heart. All about contentment. Jim keeps it real. Visit Bay Cities Community Church and see for yourself sometime!

Oh, one last bit of exciting news to share. My friend, Maria Rangel, of NBC's Age of Love series will  make a special guest appearance at my Special Pre-Valentine's Day Party at Spa Riviera this Thursday, February 7 between 6pm - 9pm. She won't stay the whole time because she's doing this as a favor, but this will be your chance to get an autograph or take a picture with her if you're so inclined.

Just don't bum rush her ok? LOL Thank you. This has been a public service announcement on the treatment of reality stars...:)

Chocolate kisses and football dreams...

Oh, and Cougar chasers...

Britney Spears... So sad... and other musings

By Joy A. Kennelly

(WHOOPS! I forgot to take this out of draft format! Here's yesterday's blog for your reading pleasure.)

I know, I know. Enough of the Britney saga, but I just feel so sorry for her. I used to have a friend who was bipolar and there really is no reasoning with someone like that unless they go on meds. It's just a difficult disease that is out-of-control unless people want to get help.

I pray Britney realizes she can't continue like this and seeks help. My friend and I stopped being friends because of her erratic behavior and angry outbursts. I've seen her since the time of our final blow-up and apparently  she's on meds which have been helping. I'm happy for her because she was spinning with no direction just like Britney. It's just a sad, sad, sad disease. I wish both of them much love and support.

BTW, wasn't that a riot about Sean Young getting so drunk she interrupted the DGA Awards? Sad and rude for Julian, but funny nonetheless. I bet a lot of people would want to say that to certain people throughout awards show season, but it was rude. Bad Sean, Bad...

However, I think that's the first time the DGA Awards show has ever actually hit the entertainment news. Maybe they'll look back and think it was a good thing too. Their five minutes of fame.

Now that Sean is in rehab, maybe she'll think so too?!:) I wish her much success in getting her life under control.

So glad to hear the Writer's Guild strike might be coming to an end sooner than later. It's about time! I've been forced to explore other options on my cable and it's just not as fun. HBO is interesting, but sometimes you want mindless viewing, not thought provoking or provocative. Does that make sense? Plus, I like commercials. Weird, I know, but I always have and always will. I like the mental break.

Here's a fun site to explore if you're not sure who to vote for, or want to see if who you're supporting shares similar views to you in all areas: http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html I was kind of surprised to see who I came up with.

I was pretty even Republican/Democrat candidates which was nice to see because I've always said I'm a moderate because I see the value in both parties. I always wish there was a third party that combined the best of both. Don't you?

Oh, and here's a fun Christian Super Bowl Party if you're looking to meet other singles who share similar beliefs:

It's time again to celebrate the Super Bowl!

Come join the masses as we eat, drink, socialize and perhaps even watch the game (upstairs with Bill Dunn). It has been rumored that Patrick Hare will be creating and serving his famous New England Clam Chowder--you'll want to attend for that reason only.

Here's the basics:

Where and When: 2:00-9:00pm

Walter Beach House

18 23rd Ave

Venice, CA 90291

Near the corner of Venice Bl and Pacific   Ave near the beach

Parking:

There is scattered free parking in the area along with public parking at the corner of Venice and Pacific.

What to Bring:

Last Name A-M Food (Main Dishes, hor'douerves, salads, chips and dips)

Last Name N-Z Drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks, waters) and Desserts

PLEASE RSVP IF POSSIBLE (need to know how massive the masses will be)

email: superdave (at) socal (dot) rr (dot) com

Speaking of parties, our Pre-Valentine's Day party at Spa Riviera on 2/7 is coming together quite nicely thank you very much for asking. I've just invited a slew of people,  and media and so has everyone else who's involved. We shall see...

Come on down!

The Gathering of Men 2007 Fall Breakfast, Joey Brucato, Daily Breeze

By Joy A. Kennelly

This year's Gathering of Men breakfast, features Dr. Ken Poure and takes place on Tuesday, November 13 from 6:45am - 8:00am at the Torrance Marriott on 3635 Fashion Way. Dr, Ken Poure, the director emeritus of Hume Lake Christian Camps, is known for his unique blend of wisdom, practical knowledge, and side-splitting humor. (They're not kidding - he's hilarious!)

He draws experience and wisdom from his 45 years of ministry, which he continues to use to enrich the lives of people everywhere. The sole purpose of The Gathering of Men is to provide an opportunity for men to investigate the Christian life and how it can impact their life. Click here to buy a ticket.

Okay, that's the marketing materials perspective - here's mine. Where else can men go and feel safe to let their guard down? It's like when women go on women's retreats, the spa together or even the Governor's Women Conference together - every gender needs time alone away from the distractions the other gender brings to just be who they really are. Plus, this one throws God in and it's great!

I have to admit, I wish I could go! Think of the possibilities ladies! Just teasing, but again, maybe not. I love men and especially those who love themselves. They're just more self-confident and I feel safe around them.

Most guys I meet are like that, but every so often you meet someone that isn't and you just want to say, go take the Gracie Academy's course on killing people. That will give you self-confidence! JUST KIDDING GRACIE ACADEMY! You know I admire you guys and am totally teasing that that's all you teach.

Do have to admit though - don't understand the fascination with Ultimate Fighting. My friend Winston is obsessed! Can't miss a fight and as a result, misses a lot of social opportunities to actually meet women. Hello? What's wrong with this picture? No wonder you're single bud!

I keep teasing him that if they ever start a dating site for Ulitimate Fighting fans, he'll find his sweetheart in a heartbeat. Where's the love Gracie Academy? You guys should look into doing something like that. Think of the money you'd pull in! I'm putting this out there for anyone else too. The sport is only going to get bigger.

Because, back to my original point, men need to be men. I think part of the reason for the success and growth of the Gracie Academy is because it's a time that men can share together and bond. Just like sports or horse racing like my friend Gus is so obsessed with. Even missed a Laker game last night for the park. He TOTALLY cracks me up! Gotta love a guy who has his priorities straight. HA!

Men wonder why they're single too. I realize I do way too many all-female activities not on purpose, but because it's natural to spend time with my girlfriends dong girl stuff which is why I'm single. Also, because maybe I'm a little bit of a work-a-holic too, but we won't go there.

I'm learning and actually took time out last night to have a group of around 25 people over for dinner which was really, really fun. I made it a potluck to make it easier and it was so much better. Usually it's just me cooking away and it was so nice to have so many people pitch in. I let those who'd attended previous parties I've thrown where they did a lot to prep with me, just come and not bring anything which they appreciated too.

It all balances out. The only bummer was that it was so cold and when we started the fire it was so smoky it was hard to be near it even though you really wanted to! But other than that, the party was great. Just what I wanted it to be - relaxed, people meeting new people and catching up with old friends, enjoying great food (my meat lasagna is gone, but there's still some veggie left if you're hungry - just teasing...:), showing off my new place, meeting my new, great neighbors, and listening to soulful music.

My new BFF's were there and we listened to Joey Brucato's music which is really great. The lyrics are totally in my head as I write this. It's the morning after of the night before or something like that. He's passionate, soulful, romantic, real... I highly recommend you get his music now!

It's like having a boyfriend on the air waves.

Now to find someone who will actually say all this to me. HA! Every time I need a little boost, I'm going to listen to his music and dream about my soul mate. Joey, what do you think? Is he out there?

Here's more of these great lyrics...

Would you wander the world beside me? Like the moon and the sun to guide me? I love how you realize me. I love being with you, I love being with you, I love being with you... People come and go, I want you to know, I will never let you go, I love it when you're here It's beautiful to me that you love me. Run to me I'm so excited I've wanted you all day and when I'm with you I'm so inspired and everything in every way

Aren't those great lyrics? What tell you hear him sing it. DAMN! Give me one of those! And he writes every song. Such a talent. World get on board! You're missing out.

Check out his myspace page to hear the real thing and you'll fall in love too. He was voted Best Vocalist at some major awards show. I totally can see why. It's only a matter of time that he hits it big I think.

Let it be me

who comes to hold you

when the world outside

has been cold to you

who sets you free

let it be me

come a little closer

let me feel you near

open up and let me feel

inside you

I would never stop

give you all the love I've got

let it go

show me

let it be me let it be me let it be me let it be me

Okay, I'll let it be you - whoever you is! Oh yeah! Oh yeah! I love good music. And Joey Brucato is the real thing. Just think, we'd never have met if he hadn't joined our picket line. God is moving people! HA!

Speaking of picketing, remind me to upload some pictures of us "nasty" people picketing. You're going to laugh out loud that the Daily Breeze thought my sweet little mom was "nasty." I was smiling the whole time too because Joey was so funny, the situation was ridiculous that we even had to picket to get people out to vote and raise awareness, and because I thought it was hilarious that the Tucker camp felt threatened by our actions.

Maybe Andrea, the reporter, was referring to Peter Tucker's son, Ryan? Or the hecklers from their camp or the bar patrons? Even Ryan became nicer as the day went on because he realized what we were doing wasn't personal, just bidness. He's a good guy. I admire the whole family - Sienna stood by her man! You go girl!

Okay, gotta run.

Guys, if you're looking for the meaning in life since you've tried booze or women or drugs and gambling, and you're still not fulfilled, give The Gathering of Men a visit. You'll be glad you did. God will meet you there. I promise. Doesn't matter what your past has been, God will give you a new future. I promise you.

God loves you and so do I.

I'm singing again this Sunday at our Lomita location for my Bay Cities Community Church. Come on out! Would love to meet you in person. I mean it.

This is Joy, signing off.

My Letter to the Editor was published in The Easy Reader this week!

FYI, this was originally one of my blogs in July and I decided to submit it to the papers to share my view on what's going on in the South Bay. This was printed this week in the Easy Reader and another shorter letter I wrote was published last week in the Beach Reporter.

I think the Easy Reader editors made it even better and I'm proud to have my name attached to this. Now hopefully more people will read this and realize it's time for a change.

Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend. Now here's my letter....

I haven't written something like this in a while, but I woke up and feel compelled to share this viewpoint in hopes maybe people will read it down here, see themselves and think maybe, just maybe we need to change... I'm referring to Manhattan Beach and those who live here. In fact all of the South Bay and especially Hermosa Beach. It deeply saddens me that when I invited a girlfriend to come down here to join me and some of my new friends for dinner one of the first things she shared with me was a girlfriend of hers who'd gone out down here five years ago was drugged and then raped in a parking lot of a bar.

Then, over lunch with my mom yesterday, when I told her I'm starting to socialize in Manhattan Beach, she said, “Well you know what they call that city don't you. Drunken Manhattan Beach.” That is so sad to me. Since when has alcohol become such a dominating force in a sleepy bedroom community that two separate people have such a bad impression of this beautiful seaside area? I grew up down here. I attended the local elementary schools, finished four years of high school and then after I left for college, not returning until now.

I don't want to come off as holier than thou or whatever because I'm not. I enjoy my mojito as much as the next person, but I want to ask those living in the South Bay to stop and think for a moment if the legacy we want to leave to generations to come is bigger than the fact this is a party town where the big focus is getting drunk.

I was surprised to learn an acquaintance mention that her daughter was turning 14 and she knew she'd have to provide alcohol at her birthday party, but she was concerned about how much to offer. Since when does serving alcohol to minors constitute a good party?

Are we going to continue to be a community that turns a blind eye and condones alcoholism for under-age children? Are we going to continue to teach our children that this is how we live - drinking all the time? Are the police going to continue to turn a blind eye to the rampant open containers on the beach during events like the 6-person volleyball tournament and events on major holidays?

It sickens me that everything else we do down here - the wonderful free outdoor summer concerts available in all the South Bay cities, the amazing fireworks displays available during the 4th of July, the creative, entrepreneurial minds and businesses that come out of here are completely overshadowed by alcohol and partying.

Maybe our International Surf Festival deserves national and international attention for the quality of our lifeguards. Maybe our art scene deserves national and international attention for the diverse, unique, art festivals. Maybe the wonderful sports associations that host numerous city-wide sports like volleyball, softball, and soccer should receive more attention.

Maybe the creative recreation department that offers such a wide variety of inexpensive activities for the community deserves attention. Maybe our multiple adult schools that are so inexpensive, yet so popular and offer such a wide array of classes, deserves attention. Or the classy Manhattan Open Tennis Tournament or the interesting accomplished people who live down here like our local newscaster, professional athletes or CEO's, or our many volunteers. What about our education system, our shopping, and of course our beautiful beaches and piers?

As a publicist interested in the image and reputation of where I grew up I don't want my hometown to be casually dismissed by guests I’ve invited to visit as, “Oh, that city? That's where you go to get drunk. You have to go visit there at least once to see the party scene and get wasted. “

I want the South Bay to be known for something other than alcohol and if it means hitting up the chambers to do publicity for them, then that's what I'll do. If it means starting a coalition of businesses, organizations, citizens, government officials, police and others interested in making a change, then I will. I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!

I pray my words bear fruit and sober up those of you who are using alcohol as the grease to promote your businesses, or score women (or men), or to avoid reality, or pain. Please stop. I know it's a disease, but let's not perpetuate it to future generations.

It’s time we as a community take back our beaches and our nightlife and create an environment where all are respected and protected. I’m sick of public drunkenness as a common occurrence. It’s time for a change!

We can make a difference in our community-- one activity, one business event, one story at a time.

Joy A. Kennelly

Manhattan Beach

MB TOURNEY TO GO DRY revisited

Always nice to know who actually reads your blog. Seeing as I need to remove the story with the headline:

MB TOURNEY TO GO DRY here's the link as recommended.

My pleasure to remove it Mr. Sanfield. I have never been told the rules of blogging about a subject from any other newspaper before and will take this into future consideration.

The article served its purpose at the time and now that the event is over with no additional coverage of this alcohol issue on the beach issue by the Daily Breeze, I guess the point is mute, eh? Great tournament analysis of this issue. Or should I say PR?

May I suggest too that you get your sports reporter David Saunders some new glasses because I don't ever remember men in their 30's and 40's being considered youth - or is that a beach thing? Boys and their antics... Now if you don't mind, I have work to do...

Ms. Kennelly,

   I noticed that you have posted a copyrighted Daily Breeze article on your blog.

   While we allow links to our stories, we do not allow unauthorized use of our stories. It's illegal.

   Please remove the Daily Breeze story written by Andrea Woodhouse from your website.

   Here's the story that needs to be removed:

  http://thejoywriter.typepad.com/pure_unadulterated_joy/2007/08/front-page-dail.html

 

Phillip Sanfield

Editor

Daily Breeze

Okay, this is what I'm talking about - do we really need this at our event?

By Joy A. Kennelly

All year long I've never received their newsletter and now... Oy vey. This is exactly what I'm talking about - notice all the "unofficial" sponsors (see I was right about there being extra money being made off this city event) and the main thrust of their newsletter. God help us.

I feel real bad for all the legitimate players and hometown residents who simply want to have a good time - not play with partiers strictly there to get drunk.

This is all I'm saying - Let's take back our city from the partiers, make this site drop us from the list of party beaches and go back to enjoying our hometown fun event without their stupidity. Hopefully they'll get kicked out right away. They're violating almost every rule they agreed to keep!

Chief Uyeda - here's a great group to keep your eye on and kick out. I've bolded all the stuff they shouldn't be allowed to be doing. Get rid of them and I think you've gotten rid of a great problem in the making. Thank you.

And I quote from their newsletter: "Well, you’ve subscribed to the right place. This is the newsletter for PubClub.com, Where the World Goes to Party! Remember, there are three kinds of people:

• Those who watch what happen
• Those who MAKE things happen - and -
• Those who WONDER what happen!!!

With that in mind, here’s the party for the present, past and future!

Right in our hometown – how convenient, right? – is one of the World’s Best Beach Parties. It’s the Manhattan Beach Surfest/6-man, a kind of Halloween-meets-pro beach (and others) volleyball tournament. This is the biggest event of the year for PubClub.com as we have once again entered a team in competition and have it stocked not with AVP players in disguise like some other teams but party people. After all, our team theme is” “Win or Lose, We Booze!”

The PubClubettes are there, of course, and will be handing out anti-hangover pills from associate sponsor RU-21 (http://www.discountru21.com/summary.htm), having a t-shirt giveaway from the World’s Largest Pub Crawl (http://www.worldsbiggestpubcrawl.com/), and sample offerings from a new super-healthy drink (okay, it’s great with rum or vodka), Xango (http://www.2getjuice.com). We’ll even have some kind of cuddly surprise from Pet Foods Market, an upscale MB pet store run by a fun, crazy Hungarian couple. Our official team party HQs is OB’s Grill and Bar in Manhattan Beach and the swanky, sexy Blue 32 in Hermosa Beach. See us at Blue 32 on Friday for Happy Hour!

Team PubClub and the PubClubettes will have a film crew making a team DVD (available for purchase, $20) from Pacific Coast Studio and the services of professional photographer Simon Leung, one of the top fashion photographers in Canada, who is flying in specifically for this event. (We’ve already had a celebrity sighting – Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, was pre-partying at OB’s Taco Tuesday, getting all primed up for the big event. Yes, Surfest is a BIG DEAL!)

Charlie Saikley 6 – Person Volleyball Tournament Rules

City of Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department

Charlie Saikley 6 – Person Volleyball Tournament Rules

Thank you for your interest in the Charlie Saikley 6-Person Beach Volleyball Tournament.
Due to the popularity of this event, The City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation
Department, The Manhattan Beach Police Department, LA County Beach and Harbors,
and LA County Lifeguards have evaluated the event and have agreed on the following
tournament rules. The tournament rules have been carefully determined to alleviate any
serious problems and future concerns. Your cooperation, accountability and
implementation of the following rules would be greatly appreciated. Do not put your team
or this tournament in jeopardy.

• The use of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IS PROHIBITED AND THERE WILL
BE STEPPED-UP EFFORTS TO ENFORCE THIS RULE!
• Any goods brought into the tournament area are subject to inspection
(i.e. coolers, bags, backpacks, etc.)
• Teams are subject to disqualification from this tournament and possible
future tournaments for inappropriate player behavior (i.e. BRINGING OR
ALLOWING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, fighting, arguing with
referees/players, pulling nets, or any other behavior deemed
unacceptable by the tournament director).

• Canopy Guidelines
• A maximum of two 10X10 canopies per team (No rental company deliveries allowed)
• NO SNOW FENCING ALLOWED IN CANOPIES, ON THE BEACH, ETC.
• All canopies must be open/accessible on all four sides
• Each team is limited to ONE 2X3 team name/sponsorship banner - no
additional team sponsor publicity will be permitted (i.e. sampling of
product, distribution of flyers, poster boards, etc.).
• Areas for team set-up will be assigned at check-in. Any team that sneaks
onto the set-up area or uses more than two 10X10 canopies may be
removed from the event.
• NO gas or electric generators will be allowed on the beach.
• NO amplified music (nothing larger than a regular boombox).
No disc jockey/DJ Equipment.
• NO household furniture allowed (i.e. couches, recliners, etc.).
• NO hanging of banners from the pier.
• Team themes and customs should not be offensive. Remember this is a family
event.

Note to Team Managers: You will be solely responsible for your team. Failure to
abide by the rules (ESPECIALLY REGARDING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES) may cause
disqualification of your team or a player on your team. Tournament director has the
final say for all rules and regulations.