Soul Train was a musical variety TV show focusing on R&B, hip-hop, and soul music. It aired from 1971-2006.
Grunion are a species of fish found only off the coast of California in the US and Baja California, Mexico. To spawn, males and females mate at very high tide on the beach before returning to the ocean in what is called a "Grunion Run." When it happens, the sand near the water is covered with flip-flopping small fish laying eggs and wriggling back to the water.
The Santa Monica Pier contains a small amusement park and concession stands. It first opened in 1909 and was significantly damaged in a 1983 storm (thus Chaz's remark about it reopening after reconstruction). It's also has been a popular filming spot for movies and tv shows since the 1930s.
"The New Monkees" was a one-season reboot of the 1968 show ("The Monkees"). It included 13 episodes and aired in 1987. The stars of the show also performed as a pop music group.