BEST BET

Beach volleyball is not only one of the South Bay’s most popular sports to play, it’s also a favorite spectator event. Crowds of up to 20,000 people are expected at Hermosa Beach today to watch the second and final day of the Miller Lite USA Championship, sanctioned by the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals. Today, two-man teams will battle each other on the sand behind Pier Avenue, with the semifinals beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the finals at 4 p.m. For those wanting extra excitement, a group of parachutists will fall out of the sky above the Pacific at noon and come in for a sand landing on center court. Several food and beverage companies will also be on hand to distribute free samples of their latest products. The championship will be providing free shuttle service to the pier, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from parking lots at Mira Costa High School and the Hermosa Beach Community Center. Admission to the viewing stands is also free.