Torrance, CA – The 73rd annual South Bay Gem and Mineral Show, held March 28-29 at the Ken Miller Recreation Center, wasn’t just a showcase of glittering geodes and polished stones. It was a demonstration of community, bolstered by a growing partnership with El Camino College that benefits both rockhounds and aspiring geologists. The free event, hosted by the South Bay Lapidary and Mineral Society, drew attendees eager to explore a diverse collection of minerals, fossils and handcrafted jewelry, while simultaneously providing valuable hands-on experience for ECC students.
For decades, the South Bay Lapidary and Mineral Society has been a fixture in the local community, fostering a passion for geology and lapidary arts. This year’s show, a welcome return to a full schedule after pandemic-related disruptions, featured ten vendors, fluorescent rock exhibits, and the ever-popular carved stone characters – from Disney’s Baby Yoda to Pokémon’s Bulbasaur – appealing to collectors of all ages. But beyond the displays and sales, a key element of the show’s success was the significant support from El Camino College students and faculty.
A Scholarship Rooted in Local History
The show’s proceeds directly support the Wally Ford Scholarship, an endowed scholarship for geology students at El Camino College. The scholarship honors Waldo “Wally” Ford, the first geology professor at ECC and a founding member of the South Bay Lapidary and Mineral Society in 1948. The El Camino College Foundation manages the scholarship, with applications accepted during the fall semester. The scholarship aims to continue Ford’s legacy of fostering geological education and exploration.
Bridging the Gap Between Society and Students
The collaboration between the South Bay Lapidary and Mineral Society and El Camino College deepened last year when society treasurer Ed Whitefire reached out to geology and oceanography professor Jwan Wageman. “We didn’t have enough members volunteering,” explained Nancy Ozolins, a society member and volunteer. “And the El Camino class really helped support this group so much. We just have extremely positive things to say, it’s a highly great relationship back and forth.” This year, over 30 ECC students volunteered at the show, assisting with activities, staffing tables, and even earning extra credit in lieu of traditional coursework.
Studio art major Anh Tran, 18, contributed her artistic skills by creating new, illustrated signs for the various activities. “We had some issues with the ‘Flip the rock over’ [activity] at first, as we only had words there, so I drew it and it was a lot easier for people to know what to do,” Tran said. Students from metalsmithing and jewelry-making courses also attended, seeking materials for their projects.
A Resilient Tradition and a Fortuitous Uncover
The show’s revival after the pandemic was largely credited to Whitefire, who previously organized a science fiction convention in Burbank in 1994, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. “When COVID hit, it really hit our members hard,” Whitefire said. “For a few years we didn’t do shows… I said, ‘Look, What we have is a small thing compared to what I’ve done before, so I can do this. I pulled it together for them.’”
Society president Chris Figueroa, who demonstrated the cutting of 10-million-year-classic Moroccan geodes, estimates the show typically attracts around 500 attendees over the two days. This year’s attendance may have been slightly impacted by a nearby “No Kings” rally at Torrance City Hall, Figueroa noted. However, the show continued to draw enthusiasts, including vendor Dale Harwood, who jokingly wondered if protesters were targeting his impressive display of Bolivian cylindrite – a fortuitous purchase of 300 pounds that earned him the moniker “Cylindrite King.”
Looking Ahead: Continued Collaboration and Community Outreach
The South Bay Lapidary and Mineral Society maintains a strong connection with El Camino College, with ECC faculty and students frequently presenting at the society’s monthly meetings, held at 6 p.m. On the first Tuesday of each month at the Katy Geissert Civic Center Library. The society also actively engages in local youth outreach and educational events. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 2nd, and will be open to the public.
The continued partnership between the South Bay Lapidary and Mineral Society and El Camino College promises to strengthen both organizations, providing valuable educational opportunities for students and ensuring the preservation of a beloved community tradition. More information about the South Bay Lapidary and Mineral Society can be found at southbaylapidaryandmineralsociety.com.
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