Community News

Shore Christmas Parade

On Saturday, Dec. 3, 6-9 p.m. the Belmont Shore Business Association (BSBA), the Port of Long Beach and Councilwoman Suzie Price proudly present the long-awaited return of the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade in its 38th iteration, with the theme of “Christmas at the Movies.”

This year’s Grand Marshal is Bruce D.D. Mac Rae, vice president of U.S. Government Affairs for the West Region of UPS. Bruce is a second-generation Long Beach native.

For the first time ever, the parade will be live streamed, by Grant White Productions. Home viewers can visit belmontshore.org to watch the parade in real time.

Belmont Shore side streets will be closed at 2 p.m. and 2nd Street will be closed to traffic at 4 p.m. No property of any kind or physical obstructions are permitted on the sidewalk or center median until 5 p.m. (chairs, blankets, tables, coolers, tape, chains, ropes, etc). All unaccompanied items will be removed and taken to Bayshore Library for pick-up at the end of the parade.

Free parking in the Ocean Ave Beach Lot meters and after 3 p.m. you can find additional spaces in the Marine Stadium parking lots.

Go to: www.belmontshore.org for updated parade information and parade entry lineup.

Raptor Ramble

Ecologists will lead a nature walk of the Los Cerritos Wetlands on Saturday, Dec. 3, 8-10 a.m. Many raptors live and hunt in the wetlands. Participants might see red-tailed hawks, cooper’s hawks and ospreys. Kingfishers, egrets, owls and hummingbirds also reside in the wetlands.

Stroll along a lovely walkway among California native plants. This walk is appropriate for ages 7 and up. Closed toes shoes are required. Park on the inland side of the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and 1st Street, just at the border of Long Beach and Seal Beach. For more information or to RSVP, contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lcwlandtrust.org. Learn more about the wetlands at www.lcwlandtrust.org.

Candlelight Concerts

On Sunday, Dec. 4, a 51-year community Christmas tradition will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church of Long Beach, as it has since 1969. The public is invited to attend one of two candlelight Christmas concerts, “Peace to the World is Given,” at 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no admission fee. A freewill offering will be received to benefit the Music Ministry and Music Scholarship Fund.

Jordan Kirby, interim choral director, will lead this year’s concerts and has selected a variety of sacred choral and orchestral music. Sure to delight concert attendees is an array of uplifting anthems including “Rejoice!” by Tom Fettke.

Bethany’s adult choir will present anthems by Dan Forrest, Molly Ijames, Gustaf Nordquist and Mark Sheppard. The advanced handbell choir will present “Bright and Glorious is the Sky” and “On this Day Earth Shall Ring.” Children’s choirs will also be featured singing anthems which tell of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Guest organist is Robert Bottoms.

Osher Winter Registration

On Dec. 9 the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University, Long Beach will begin registration for its winter classes, which will be held on campus, at satellite community locations and online using Zoom.

Members have access to enrolling in 75 classes, including 14 new ones, featuring literature, films, computer skills, music, art, crafting, exercise and wellness, writing, history, current events, investing, gardening and many discussion groups.

The seven-week session begins on Jan. 4 and will be open to adults 50 and over. For more information including registration, visit the OLLI website at www.csulb.edu/olli.

Since 1996 OLLI at CSULB has been dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults through educational opportunities and social engagement.

Songs of Holiday Joy

The Long Beach Chorale recently voted “Best Performance Group” in the Absolute Best of Long Beach from LB Living, announces their holiday celebration concert, “Gloria! Songs of Holiday Joy” taking place on Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, at Grace First Presbyterian Church in Long Beach.

The LBCCO’s performances of “Gloria! Songs of Holiday Joy” will take place at Grace First Presbyterian Church, located at 3955 N. Studebaker Rd. The Saturday performance begins at 7 p.m. and on Sunday it starts at 4 p.m.

Tickets, available now, are $35 for general admission and $10 for students with ID. A pay what you can option is available for all. Tickets can be purchased online at www.LongBeachChorale.org.

Performances are at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Bixby Knolls, 4250 Atlantic Ave. Tickets are available at LBShakespeare.org.

Support SPCA

Make your way to Pigeon’s Roller Rink on Dec. 11, 12-2 p.m. where 20% of ticket sales will be donated to help shelter pets this winter season. Just mention ‘spcaLA’ at the door. Pigeon’s is located at 6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.

Info: www.spcaLA.com.

Holiday Cruises for 2022

This holiday season, Island Packers will be offering seasonal cruises for family and friends, as well as group functions. Ventura Harbor Holiday Cruises and Whale Watching trips are splendid ways to celebrate the winter season. (Masks are optional). Options include:

One-hour Holiday Lights Harbor Cruise in Ventura Harbor on select dates between Dec. 7-23. Cruise of the Ventura Keys to view decorated waterfront homes and listen to seasonal music. Dates are Dec. 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23. The fare is $18 per adult, $16 per senior (55+) and $12 per child.

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights Cruise and Fireworks: Dec. 16-17. Cruises depart at 5:45, 6 & 6:15 p.m. They are approximately 2-½ hours, Boat stages to watch the parade, cruise the harbor to view holiday lights (excludes the Ventura Keys due to boat traffic), and ends with a fireworks display (weather permitting). The fare is $38 for adults, $35 for seniors and $28 for children under 12. Group rates are available.

Winter Whale Watching starts Dec. 26 and runs through mid-April: This is an annual event to see the Gray Whales up close and personal aboard a comfortable catamaran.

Gift Certificates Available: Find the perfect gift for family or friends. Certificates for a Holiday Harbor Cruise, Whale Watch, Hike for the Day, Camp or Kayak, to the Channel Islands National Park. To purchase call or visit our Ventura office.

For information, reservations or to purchase gift certificates: Visit www.islandpackers.com, call (805) 642-1393, or visit Island Packers at 1691 Spinnaker Dr., Suite 105B, in Ventura Harbor Village for great stocking stuffers!

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