Bits 'n' Pieces

Autism Acceptance Day

In a remarkable display of unity, community members, patients, staff and families from the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital came together to celebrate Autism Acceptance Day showcasing the importance of support and understanding for neurodivergent individuals on the autism spectrum. Autism Acceptance Day on April 2 marks the beginning of a month-long celebration and advocacy for understanding, compassion and acceptance.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability characterized by a diverse array of challenges that can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning through communication, social interaction and behavior. Autism manifests uniquely in each person, leading to a spectrum of symptoms and experiences. Today, 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism, highlighting the need for awareness and support.

“When my son Jack was diagnosed with autism at just two years old, it was a challenging time for our family,” shares Perala Mendoza. “But knowing that Miller Children’s genuinely cares has made all the difference. It’s so comforting for us parents to feel supported. Our kids deserve and want to be included and accepted for who they are. We’re not here today to change them; we’re here to raise awareness and promote their acceptance.”

During the event, patients, care teams, community members and firefighters from the Long Beach Fire Department participated in a striking visual representation of this statistic. Each attendee held a blue puzzle piece, while one patient held a white puzzle piece to represent the 1 in 36 children diagnosed with autism.

A highlight of the event was the presence of Mini Therapy Horses, who provided a calming and engaging experience for children and families. Patients had the opportunity to interact with the miniature horses, guiding them through engaging tricks such as smiling, high-fiving, and even playing a keyboard. These gentle animals offered a unique form of emotional support, reinforcing the power of alternative therapies in pediatric care.

“Today, 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, in a world that promotes conformity, today we are reminded of the beauty of diversity, embracing the differences that make each child unique,“ says Gary Feldman, M.D., medical director, Stramski Children’s Developmental Center. “Acceptance isn’t just about tolerance; it’s about love, compassion, and celebrating the extraordinary gifts and talents each individual brings to the world.”

Patients and families also enjoyed a range of sensory-friendly activities, including slime and fidget toys, and they had the chance to interact with Miller Children’s & Women’s beloved mascot, Millie the Dolphin. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to tour two fire trucks provided by the Long Beach Fire Department.

The Stramski Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s is a comprehensive center that cares for children – from birth to age 21 – with behavioral and developmental conditions, such as autism, Fragile X, ADHD/ADD, Down Syndrome, and other learning disabilities. For nearly 50 years, the Stramski Center has continued to provide care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder by evaluating them for diagnosis and making referrals to specialty centers for additional treatment as needed.

Free Community Harbor Tours Return for Summer

Register online anytime from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 14, for the opportunity to receive a free harbor tour at the Port of Long Beach in May.

The Port uses an online lottery sign-up system for reservations. Reservations will open on the second Monday of the month from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for tours the following month. The online reservation system provides a 12-hour window to register via computer or mobile device for an available tour the next month. A random drawing will select participants for each tour and within seven business days, you will receive confirmation of your reservation or notification that you are on a waiting list. You may reserve up to four seats; for larger groups, consult the FAQs.

Tours are generally scheduled four times a month, twice on Saturday mornings and twice on Wednesday evenings. Tours this year will be held from May through September. Check the tour page for the full schedule.

Reservations are required. You can find more information on the tour registration form. Visit polb.com/porttours for more information and to make reservations.

Author’s Day with Novelist Diane Marie Brown

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Long Beach will hold its 14th annual Author’s Day Event featuring Long Beach novelist Diane Marie Brown on Saturday, April 26 with check-in and silent auction starting at 11 a.m. on the campus of Long Beach City College. The luncheon is at noon followed by a talk by the author and the signing of her book, “Black Candle Women.” Proceeds from this event go to scholarships for students at Long Beach City College and California State University Long Beach.

All are invited to attend this benefit event which will be at Long Beach City College in Building T 1200 with complimentary parking in the nearby structure off Clark Street. Tickets are $80 and payment may be made via Zelle or sent by check. Silent Auction items may only be purchased by Zelle, cash or check. For more info call Sharon at (562) 493-4749 or email sharwest1@hotmail.com.

City Seeks Input on First Universal Playground

The City of Long Beach invites the community to help shape Long Beach’s first-ever universal playground by participating in a needs assessment workshop or completing an online survey. The new universal playground at El Dorado Park West is designed to serve children with disabilities and neurodivergent children, as well as their caregivers.

The in-person workshop will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Bridge Room at the Dr. Thomas J. Clark Community Center at El Dorado Park West (2800 N. Studebaker Rd.). Attendees will receive a presentation on universal design principles and project details, including budget and site constraints, and will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide input.

Additionally, an interactive activity will invite participants to share their needs and priorities that will aid in the development of the playground’s design. Interpretation services in Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, as well as American Sign Language and live captioning, will be available.

Community members who are not able to attend the in-person workshop are encouraged to share their feedback by completing the online survey by Monday, June 30, 2025, which is available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog. Feedback garnered through the survey will inform the design of the proposed universal playground. Those with limited access to a computer or smartphone may visit any open Long Beach Public Library location to use a public computer to complete the survey.

The city’s goal to expand inclusive park elements under the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan are guided by the principles of universal design, which promote inclusivity and accessibility for users of varying abilities. These principles emphasize features that support independence, encourage social interaction and create a sense of community.

Universal playgrounds incorporate a variety of play experiences, including sensory, cognitive and physical activities, while also integrating design elements that foster physical coordination, imaginative play, social inclusion and access to nature-based play.

While this is the first universal playground in the city, recent projects that have incorporated universal design elements include the Silverado and Ramona Park Signature Playground Projects, both of which recently broke ground.