This Week's Top News in the South Bay

Here is a look at some of the stories that made headlines this week in the beach cities and on the Palos Verdes peninsula:

Palos Verdes

PVE City Manager Judy Smith Resigns: Palos Verdes Estates City Manager Judy Smith has resigned her post, effective Feb. 22, 2013, the city of Palos Verdes Estates announced in a news release Friday morning. Smith's resignation was announced at a special city council meeting Friday morning by Mayor George Bird.

Soleado Student to Join Jane Goodall on Grand Marshall Float: The Jane Goodall Institute has recognized Soleado Elementary School's third-grade class as the elementary school winners for the most volunteer hours under the institute's Roots & Shoots program. One third grader will join Goodall on the Rose Parade grand marshall float Jan. 1.

PVE Attorney Appointed to Judgeship: A Palos Verdes Estates attorney is among the 11 lawyers appointed toTwo Los Angeles County prosecutors and two court commissioners are among 11 lawyers appointed to judgeships by Gov. Jerry Brown, his office announced Thursday.

Redondo Beach

Gray Whale Watching Season Begins: While the holiday season may be winding down, the gray whale watching season is just starting to ramp up. Whale watching expeditions began on the Voyager on Thursday and will run twice a day until April.

Scotty Claus Talks 'Shark Tank': Christmas came early for the entrepreneur Scott Martin, known as "Scotty Claus" during the holidays. In early December, he pitched his company, the Living Christmas Co., on ABC’s television show Shark Tank.

Who Is Redondo's Person of the Year?: Who is Redondo Beach's Person of the Year—the man or woman who, in Timespeak, “most influenced the news this year for better or worse”? Tell us your pick and why he or she should be Redondo Beach's Person of the Year by Monday, Dec. 31

City Recycles Christmas Trees: The City of Redondo Beach recommends for all citizens to recycle their Christmas trees so the valuable resources can be reused rather than sent to landfills. Starting Dec. 26 to Jan. 18, trees will be picked up during regular trash collection for any single family units; just leave the tree by the residence's cart.

Manhattan Beach

Police Release Photo of Taxi Driver Accused of Sexual Assault: Sameh Shenouda, 38, of Torrance has been identified by Manhattan Beach Police as the taxi driver arrested on Nov. 21 on suspicion of sexual assault. The arrest stems from an alleged Aug. 19 incident that took place near Second Street and Meadows Avenue in Manhattan Beach.

Manhattan Beach Resident Appointed to Judgeship: Two Los Angeles County prosecutors and two court commissioners are among 11 lawyers appointed to judgeships by Gov. Jerry Brown, his office announced Thursday. A Manhattan Beach resident is among those appointed.

Tax Rules for Charitable Contributions: Local Certified Public Accountant Gary Wayland reveals why 2012 might be the best time for making charitable contributions. 

Health Officials Issue Ocean Water Advisory: Surfers, swimmers and others are advised to stay out of the water.

Letter to the Editor: Newtown and Guns: Within one week of the Newtown Massacre, the nation has returned from a “tipping point” on gun control to a battle between advocates of gun control and advocates of armed principals and teachers to protect schoolchildren.

Hermosa Beach

Win 2 Tickets for Tomorrows Bad Seeds New Year's Eve: Saint Rocke and Patch are giving away two general admission tickets to a randomly drawn winner. Post your comment on the article to be included in the drawing.

Hermosa Beach Motorcyclist Injured in Collision Dies: The 62-year-old man had been critically injured in a collision in Manhattan Beach on Sepulveda Boulevard.

2012: Top Stories for January and February: See what was going on during these months in Hermosa Beach. New businesses open, a murder takes place, a beach bomb scare brings out the bomb squad, a local sings on "The Voice," and more.

: Hermosa Beach City Attorney Mike Jenkins receives a prestigious honor as does his partner in life and the firm.

Hermosa Comedian Wins Parking Permit Design Contest: Local comedian Jeff Capri has designed the winning art in the city’s Third Annual Parking Permit Art Contest. His design, a seagull flying over a beach volleyball match at sunset, will be featured on city-issued parking permits for 2013-2014.