Community News

Plane Pull

Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) host the annual plane pull at Long Beach Airport tomorrow to raise money for SOSC athletes. The event’s co-presenting sponsors are Aviation Capital Group and UPS.

Experience the thrilling plane pull competition with teams competing to pull a 124,000-pound UPS jet 12 feet – the fastest. Teams consist of law enforcement agencies, businesses, community groups and sponsors. Each team will have an athlete copilot pulling with their team.

The plane pull is Sept. 23 at the Long Beach Airport, 2830 E. Wardlow Rd.

• 8     Registration
• 8-12        Supercar Show
• 9      Opening Ceremony
• 9:45 Pulls every 5 minutes
• 3 p.m.     Competition complete

All funds raised through the plane pull will help empower people with intellectual disabilities to live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. It’s a great event for the whole family that includes a festival area with supercar show, stage entertainment, dunk tank and food available from Legends. Kids are invited to join the plane pulling fun by teaming up to pull a small CHP aircraft. Hear inspiring stories from athletes about how Special Olympics has helped change their lives.

Info: www.sosc.org/planepull

Farm to Tableaux

In its continued effort to combat food insecurity and food waste, Food Finders is hosting its 2nd annual Farm to Tableaux fundraiser on Sept. 23 from 5-9 p.m. at The Betty Reckas Cultural Center.

Currently, 1 in 4 people in Los Angeles County suffer from food insecurity, and despite the need, 38% of all food produced in the US goes uneaten or unsold.

The event will be a celebration of the art and culture of Frida Kahlo. Guests will enjoy a taste of Mexican cuisine and Mexican-inspired performances from local entertainers and artists. All proceeds will support Food Finders’ main food rescue program.

Last year’s event raised $168,000, which provided 1,848,000 meals to the communities Food Finders served. In 2022, Food Finders rescued 13,507,207 pounds of food, providing meals to 3,750,000 individuals!

VIP tickets are $175, general admission are $125. To purchase tickets for the event, visit https://foodfindersinc.ejoinme.org/tickets.

Aquarium Events

Baja Splash Cultural Festival – Sept. 23-24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The twenty-second annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival is a celebration of cultures from México, Central and South America, and beyond. The event features traditional dance, live music, educational programming in English and Spanish, and booths.

Southeast Asia Day – Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nineteenth annual Southeast Asia Day festival will highlight the beauty and diversity of the cultures of Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos. Guests can enjoy music, dance and cultural craft demonstrations.

Seniors Day – Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free to people ages fifty and above. Special exhibits and presentations for seniors will be featured.

Info/Tickets: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events.

2nd & PCH Concerts

Oct. 5: Start Me Up! (Rolling Stones Tribute Band). Reputed as the most authentic recreation of the Rolling Stones, the sights, sounds and moves of Start Me Up! and Tina Turner impersonator bring a high energy show that will have the crowd dancing and singing along all night.

Oct. 12: Kenny Metcalf as Elton The Early Years (Tribute Band). Kenny Metcalf recreates performances by lively and legendary, Elton John, with dazzling outfits, impressive vocals and a spectacular band that take the audience on a nostalgic adventure.

Oct. 26: Bruno and the Hooligans (Bruno Mars Tribute Band). Specializing in a complete Bruno Mars concert production, this tribute band includes a high-stepping male vocalist and talented musicians, who together provide an exciting mix of the funk and R&B sound of Bruno Mars with unmatched detail.

Guests are encouraged to set up their chairs and blankets along Seaport Way as early as 11 a.m. A dancing area will be designated for guests ready to dance the night away! Complimentary face painting and airbrush tattoos will also be available, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

This is a free family-friendly community event, no tickets required for attendance. Self-seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, space is limited. ADA accommodations are available. The center offers an array of restaurants, retailers and specialty services for the community to enjoy before, during or after concerts.

Catalina Museum

First Fridays at the Museum: Oktoberfest, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.

Since 2017, the Catalina Museum has been the go-to place in Avalon to celebrate Oktoberfest. Enjoy live music by The Hammerstein Band, singing the traditional Schnitzelbank in both German and Catalina Island versions.

Engage in an Oktoberfest-themed art project, savor German beer and delight in a fun-filled experience for all ages. Bring your own stein for a chance to win a raffle. Bratwurst with toppings and a side are included with your ticket.

Info: https://www.catalinamuseum.org/

80s Flashback

Friends of Pathways announced its 27th Annual Fundraiser in support of Pathways to Independence, a leading social impact organization dedicated to empowering single young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, starting at 5:30 p.m. at CSULB with the theme of “80s Flashback.”

The Friends of Pathways 27th Annual Fundraiser is a celebration of the progress achieved by Pathways’ clients who have graduated to live fulfilling and independent lives. Guests will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the women served by Pathways while enjoying food from 35 local restaurants, listening to live music from 80s band Knyght Ryder, dancing in your best retro outfit and big hair, and all while bidding on silent and live auction items.

To ensure your place at this event, visit www.pathwaystoindependence.org to purchase tickets. Early booking is recommended as space is limited.

All funds raised during the event will directly support the programs and services provided by Pathways, whose mission is to promote independence, education and empowerment for young women to break the cycle of poverty and abuse.

Wetlands Turtle Trek

Walk with ecologists, learn about the flora and fauna of Los Cerritos Wetlands and search for the Pacific Green Sea Turtles who have taken up residence in the San Gabriel River. This two-hour nature walk on Oct. 7 begins at 8 a.m. and is appropriate for ages 7 and up. Closed toes shoes are required.

Parking is available on the inland side of the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and 1st Street, 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.