Community News

Free Youth Fishing Derby

The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), in partnership with Partners of Parks, the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, will offer their annual Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at El Dorado East Regional Park (7550 E. Spring St.). Registration begins day-of at 8 a.m. and is free.

The Youth Fishing Derby offers a unique experience for youth to enjoy outdoor recreation, learn to fish, get expert fishing tips and have opportunities to win prizes like fishing gear and gift cards. Fishing poles and tackle will be provided to participating youth to use for free during the derby, but youth may also bring their own gear to use.

Anyone over age 16 is required to have a California State Fishing License. Vehicle entry to El Dorado Regional Park is free for the event.

For more information about the event, please call El Dorado Regional Park at (562) 570-1771.

Upscale/Resale

It’s upscale/resale time at St. Bartholomew Church on Saturday (9-7) and Sunday (9-2), Nov. 18 and 19. This is the “don’t want to miss” event of the year and your chance to enjoy a fun and bargain-filled sale of jewelry, knick-knacks, artwork, jewelry, toys, Christmas decorations, etc.

It’s all happening in the Parish Hall at the corner of Granada and Broadway in Belmont Shore. Proceeds from this Women’s Council event go to support greater Long Beach charities.

Jazz Concert Fundraiser

The public is invited to attend the “My Favorite Things” jazz concert, featuring the Maria SchaferQuartet. This fundraiser benefits Rising TIDE, a free, non-profit afterschool program for children and youth in downtown Long Beach. The suggested donation is $20.

The event takes place Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Covenant Presbyterian Church, 607 E. 3rd St. At 1 p.m., interactive displays in the courtyard will highlight the Rising TIDE program (www.RisingTIDEatMKEC.org).

Vocalist Maria Schafer warmly welcomes jazz listeners into the 21st century with her polished, soaring vocal style and easy, empathetic charm. Ms. Schafer’s sensitive, uncontrived approach to jazz “stands out among the current crop of jazz singers (Jefferson Public Radio)”and is “just the right tonic for jaded jazz ears (Midwest Record).”

For more information, call (562) 437-0958, ext. 25.

Yo Soy Funny

The “Yo Soy Funny: Central American Heritage Festival” is dicated to celebrating the vibrant cultures of Central America. Scheduled for Nov. 25, noon to midnight at the Scottish Rite Event Center in Long Beach, this festival promises a full day of immersive experiences, ranging from culinary delights to comedic performances.

The Historic Scottish Rite Event Center is located at 855 Elm Ave. Info: (562) 416-6096.

Trading Ages

Independence at Home (IAH), a community service program of SCAN Health Plan, is offering a no-cost, in-person training designed for professionals and community members who work or interact with older adults. It offers insights into the changes that older adults encounter and provides techniques on how to better connect with them.

In addition to healthcare professionals and caregivers, IAH encourages personnel in retail (including grocery stores), pharmacies, banking, food service, hospitality, and others to prepare with the Trading Ages training.

The hands-on education session is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to noon. Visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLQS37Z to register by Nov. 22. In addition, IAH hosts virtual trainings and can arrange specialized times for groups.

Through long-term care management services, MSSP connects Medi-Cal eligible clients to the services they need to help them maintain independence and dignity in their current residences, and per the USC Leonard David School of Gerontology, aging in place saves costs and increases life expectancy.

Terror at the Pike

To finish out their 2023 season, Long Beach’s Garage Theatre is pleased to present “Terror at the Pike: Or How Come There Are No Waves in Long Beach,” a resurgence of their 5-part holiday melodrama, written by Jamie Sweet and directed by Rob Young.

“Good Guy” Rod is not the smartest. “Bad Guy” Ian is the magician trying to take over. Someone sabotages the rollercoaster! Who knows what else is about to ensue in this family-friendly comedy that is loosely based on our beautiful city’s historical, gone-but-not-forgotten, Pike!

Kid friendly, bring the whole family and throw stuffed tomatoes at the bad guys. And the cherry on top? FREE ice cream! Get your tickets NOW!

“Terror at the Pike” will be presented Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 10 - Nov. 18 & Nov. 30 - Dec. 16. Tickets are available online by visiting The Garage Theatre’s website http://www.thegaragetheatre.org/onstagenow.

Shore Christmas Parade

The 39th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade returns on Saturday, Dec. 2, 6-9 p.m. Presented by the Belmont Shore Business Association (BSBA).

The parade showcases local businesses, schools, and community groups and attracts tens of thousands of residents and visitors each year. The theme is “Christmas by the Sea,” emphasizing the coastal culture and community spirit of Belmont Shore. The parade starts at Livingston and 2nd Street, marching east along 2nd Street, turning around at Bay Shore Avenue and returning to Livingston.

Environmental Advocate Captain Charles Moore is the grand marshal. He is the founder of the Algalita Marine Research and Education and Long Beach Organic, as well as being a Belmont Shore resident. His work has initiated the global conversation on plastic pollution, underscoring the urgency of breaking free from our “throwaway mentality.”

The parade will be live streamed, by Grant White Productions. Home viewers can visit belmontshore.org to watch the parade in real time. Parade emcee’s Lisa Ramelow and BSBA Executive Director Heather Kern will be accompanied by Legends Sports Bar owner Matt Peterson as the announcer.

All of your favorites will be returning like the Royal Syncopated Drum Corps and the Corgis as well as many new fun surprise entries. The parade features over 100 entries, including floats designed by Long Beach businesses and organizations, marching bands, drill teams, local personalities, city officials and dignitaries. It’s a holiday spectacle not to be missed.

And of course, no Christmas Parade would be complete without an appearance by good ole’ St. Nick!

New this year we’ve added a live streamed pre-show featuring a preview of the entries and interviews from the line up. An accessibility parade viewing area will be provided along the sidewalk in front of Chase Bank, and will be first come, first serve starting at 5 p.m.

Belmont Shore side streets will be closed at 2 p.m. and 2nd St. 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. All unaccompanied items will be removed and taken to Bayshore Library for pick-up at the end of the parade.

Parking is free in the Ocean Boulevard beach lot meters, and after 3 p.m., you can find additional spaces in the Marine Stadium parking lots.

Visit belmontshore.org for updated parade information and parade entry lineup. If you’re interested in having an entry in the parade, sponsoring the parade, and/or volunteering at the parade please contact us at bsba@belmontshore.org

AIDS Day, CARE Center

The CARE Center at Dignity Health St. Mary Medical Center will be reopening their doors in their newest location and inviting the public to join them to commemorate World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. This day of remembrance will celebrate the lives of those that have passed with special ceremonies and art displays by local famed artist, Sergio Rodriguez. Local based groups of artists include patients of the CARE Center that have donated their work to commemorate World AIDS Day.

The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Parr Health Enhancement Center located on the St. Mary hospital campus at 1050 Linden Ave. Lunch will be provided, and parking will be validated. For reservations, please email rebecca.buckley@dignityhealth.org or call (562) 491-9225 or go to https://www.dignityhealth.org/socal/locations/stmarymedical/services/car...