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Born and raised in Torrance, CA, I moved back in 2023 after living in New York for a decade.

 

I have a background in corporate accounting in the hospitality industry. I've been immersed in the hospitality industry for over a decade, working on the front lines and then pivoting to the back office. I quit my job because something was missing. I began to "work" on myself. Part of that journey was being part of a community.

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I began reading a lot of non-fiction books. I decided to try to join a Silent Book Club. Unfortunately, the closest silent book clubs were 20-30 minutes away from me. So I started one in Torrance. I then began to search for other communities since reading was just a portion that makes up my life. Life is complex.

 

I decided to create South Bay Spaces in June 2026, which is home to multiple community collectives - each one a representation of who I am - to begin satisfying the complexities and journeys of life that I could not find comfort, belonging and guidance elsewhere. ​

 

My hope is that you find what you are looking for here, whether it is to find connection, create, learn, or grow with others - or all of the above.

About Us

She has a strict 14-hour nap schedule that conflicts with our events. She frantically catches up on tasks when she wakes up at the South Bay Spaces headquarters and keeps Cookie in line.

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Specializes in shredding paper and "testing" the durability of the home furniture even though he's been told multiple times that it's not part of his job duties...

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Jonathan Palencia

Founder & Host

Small long-haired dog at South Bay Spaces office
Small dog in a yellow sweater at South Bay Spaces.

Cora

Head of Remote Operations

Cookie

Junior Intern (Probationary Status)

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Tori (Yimin) Huang

Writer in Residence & Co-Host

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