This Week's Top News in the South Bay

Here is a look at some of the top stories this week in the Beach Cities and Palos Verdes peninsula as reported by Patch:

Redondo Beach

Woman Awarded $4M in Topaz Substation Case: A jury awarded Redondo Beach resident Simona Wilson $4.05 million Monday in her case against Southern California Edison over stray electricity emanating from the Topaz Substation next door to her house.

Council to Reconsider Anti-Power Plant Resolution: The Redondo Beach City Council will reconsider a resolution opposing the construction of a new power plant at an upcoming meeting, four councilmen decided Tuesday night. Councilman Bill Brand, an ardent opponent of the power plant, was absent.

Rock On: School of Rock to Open in Redondo: When the South Bay School of Rock opens in North Redondo Beach on April 13, don't expect to hear any Beethoven or Bach flowing from the school's state-of-the-art recording studio or lesson rooms. This school is for those kids who want to rock.

Lieu Supports Helicopter Noise Reduction Bill: A resolution urging President Obama and Congress to approve pending legislation to reduce helicopter noise in Los Angeles County was introduced in Sacramento by State Senator Ted Lieu on Friday. The bill argues that local residents "suffer intrusive and disruptive low-flying helicopter traffic above their neighborhoods."

Palos Verdes

: Preliminary layoff notices were recently delivered to teachers and staff as the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District braces for budget cuts for the 2013-2014 school year, school officials said. The Board of Education recently approved the staff reductions, which include cutting two Chinese language teachers, two counseling services positions and a psychologist position.

Premature Miniature Horse Saved by PV Woman: A Rolling Hills Estates woman who saved a premature miniature horse from certain death is now asking for the public's help in covering some of the filly's medical bills.

Judge Dismisses Stadium Lights Lawsuit: A lawsuit filed against the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District over fundraising for lights on the Palos Verdes Peninsula High School football field was dismissed Thursday, according to a statement from the school district. The lawsuit filed by the Peninsula Stadium Lights Steering Committee in January 2012 alleged breach of contract and fraud, among other causes of action.

RHE May Expand Ernie Howlett Park Arena: The Rolling Hills Estates Equestrian Committee on March 25 will consider enlarging the large warm-up arena at Ernie Howlett Park so reining classes in the Los Serranos Awards Circuit horse shows can be held. The arena would be expanded from its current 65-feet by 195-feet dimensions to 70 feet by 200 feet.

Manhattan Beach

MB Man Identified as Motorcyclist Injured in Collision: The motorcyclist injured in a collision on Rosecrans shortly before 8 p.m. last Sunday is a Manhattan Beach man believed to be 48 years old, said Lt. Jaime Bermudez of the El Segundo Police Department Monday afternoon.

Cantina Real Coming to Manhattan Beach: American Farmhouse Tavern & Dining Hall is on its way out; Cantina Real is in. At least that's what an ABC notice posted on the business indicates. That's good news for folks familiar with the Hermosa Cantina Real which has operated for some 50+ years on Pier Plaza.

Public Works Director Jim Arndt to Retire: Retirements seem to be in the air for department heads with the City of Manhattan Beach. Now, less than 2 months after Parks and Recreation Director Richard Gill announced his retirement, Public Works Director Jim Arndt said Wednesday that he will retire on May 31, after 6 years in the position.

Hermosa Beach

Overdue Tab at Ashley's Deli? (Public) Shame on You: Those thinking about racking up a large tab at Ashley's Deli and not paying the bill may now have second thoughts after the Hermosa Avenue small business was forced to get creative in collecting its long overdue bills.

St. Patrick's Day Parade Sees Big Turnout: The weather cooperated for the 19th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Hermosa Beach last Saturday as wild, wacky and typical parade fare walked the route. The parade, which lasted about one-and-a-half hours, brought out a large crowd that lined the streets from Valley Drive near City Hall, down Pier Ave. and on to Hermosa Ave.