Community News

Reproductive Rights

On April 6, Professor Jodi Balma of Fullerton College will speak about how reproductive rights have been impacted since the June 2022 Supreme Court Dobb’s decision taking away the constitutional right to abortion.

Guests are welcome to attend at this American Association of University Women program, which starts at 11 a.m. at Long Beach City College, 4900 E. Conant St. Follow signs to building O2, Room 208.

Please RSVP: aauwlongbeach.reservations@gmail.com

Republican Women

Greater Long Beach Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting Saturday, April 13, at the Grand, 4101 E. Willow St. Registration 9 a.m., buffet breakfast 9:30 a.m.

Guest speaker is Moti Gur, board member and one of the original founders of StandWithUs, a non-profit organization to advocate for Israel. His topic is Israel, its history, along with the ongoing Middle East conflicts and U.S. interest in the region. The cost is $30 for members, $35 for non-members. For a reservation, call Maryann von der Horst at (562) 760-1556 or email vonderhorstm@aol.com.

First Adaptive Sports Fair

Long Beach City College, The Long Beach City College Foundation, SoCal Adaptive Sports. and Playmakers are partnering to bring this event to Long Beach. 

Join us on April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Long Beach’s first ever Adaptive Sports Fair.  

SoCal Adaptive Sports’ mission is to enable people with disability to participate inclusively throughout society by creating greater equity and inclusion through developing, planning and implementing competitive and recreational sports and other opportunities.

The event will be held at Long Beach City College, 3932 Faculty Ave, Long Beach  (Free Parking off of Clark and Lew Davis drive)

What to expect...

• More than 25 sports and service vendors will be on display, (18 actual sports for the community to experience),
• The first ever California appearance of MLA (Mobile Learning Adventure). The Mobile Learning Adventure (MLA) is a traveling exhibit that provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn about the importance of early childhood education while they engage in fun activities with their children,
• Food and refreshments by: The Breakfast Bar, The Habit Burger Truck, Baskin Robbins, and The Long Beach Water Dept.,
• Our very own DJ “B Diamond”,

Momentum Fresh fully equipped adult accessible restroom with attendants (bring your own sling, if needed)

We’re extremely grateful to the more than 30 sponsors and nearly 100 volunteers who have been so generous in helping make this possible.

 So far more than 300 attendees have registered. It’s not too late to register. Visit www.letsbeplaymakers.org to register in advance to ensure that you received your “swag bag” upon check-in.

City Observes Earth Month

The City of Long Beach is celebrating Earth Month by hosting a series of fun, free and family-friendly events, workshops and volunteer opportunities for residents throughout April. Festivities will highlight a range of sustainable topics such as supporting local wildlife, reducing waste and stewarding community spaces.

Earth Day began in 1970 to bring attention to environmental issues and has since spread to monthlong events and celebrations around the world every April. This year’s Earth Month activities and events are organized around the 2024 theme, Planet vs. Plastics.

To commemorate Earth Month 2024, the city has created an Earth Month events calendar, available on the city’s Office of Climate Action and Sustainability webpage at longbeach.gov/sustainability, promoting a series of community activities and events throughout the month of April:

• Recycle Right Long Beach, Saturday, April 6, 10 to 11 a.m. – Learn the dos and don’ts to recycling right in Long Beach. This workshop will be held in English and Spanish at the Environmental Services Bureau (2929 E. Willow St.).
• Earth Day Community Clean-up and Week of Action Kick-off, Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to noon – Join the Long Beach Health Department, community groups and other City departments at a day filled with fun, education, music, photos, giveaways and most importantly, actions that help make the community a healthier, more beautiful place. This event will take place at DeForest Park (6175 De Forest Ave.) and will kick off a week of action leading up to Earth Day.
• Earth Day Tree Planting, Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. to noon – Celebrate Earth Day by helping to plant 40 trees in the Washington neighborhood, in partnership with the California Climate Action Corps. Registration is required for this event as capacity is limited.
• Learn to Compost Workshop, Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. to noon – Learn how to turn food scraps and yard debris into a valuable soil amendment for your garden or landscape. Unearth tips for setting up and maintaining a backyard compost bin and vermicompost (worm) bin and learn what materials can or cannot be placed in a compost bin and how to effectively use finished compost.
• Annual City Nature Challenge, Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Participate in this internationally celebrated event by observing local flora and fauna and sharing those observations with other cities across the globe via the iNaturalist app. Join in person at Willow Springs Park to explore the trails, help identify wildlife and take part in fun activities that celebrate Long Beach’s native habitat.

In addition to these events, city departments will also conduct a series of eco-conscious educational campaigns on the city’s social pages to help residents reduce waste. Throughout the month, the Office of Climate Action and Sustainability will share various resources about plastic pollution on their social pages at @lbsustainability to align with this year’s international Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastics.

In honor of Food Waste Prevention Week, recognized by communities across the nation April 1-7, the Public Works Department will provide tips for storing and extending the life of produce. Tips will be shared on the department’s social at @lbrecycles. The Health Department will also share details about community clean-up toolkits to encourage residents to join in the week of action April 15-22. Details will be shared on Facebook, X and Instagram @lbhealthdept.

For more information about these upcoming city events and other Earth Day activities happening throughout the Long Beach community, please visit the city’s Earth Month 2024 Calendar.

Questions on how to participate may be directed to the Office of Climate Action and Sustainability at Sustainability@longbeach.gov. More information about Earth Day is available at earthday.org.

New Tenants

2ND & PCH, Long Beach’s premier outdoor shopping center continues to be a one-stop destination for popular brands and retailers announces two apparel brands opening soon at the center including:

Vuori Clothing, opening March 29, is a new perspective on performance apparel that delivers elevated, everyday essentials inspired by coastal California lifestyle. The brand produces clothing that are built to move in and styled for life.

Amour Vert, opening April 4, is the destination for sustainable women’s fashion and accessories. The brand’s French-inspired design meets California-natural style, crafted with a commitment to transparency and sustainability from raw material to the final product. Shoppers can enjoy 100% recycled cashmere knits, washable silk separates, and hand-drawn prints in addition to organic denim and artisan accessories from brands that share Amour Vert’s values.

Additionally, Evereve opened at 2ND & PCH on Feb. 17 and brings curated, contemporary fashion for everyday life. Located on the first floor of the center near Whole Foods Market, shoppers can discover exclusive pieces from brands such as Citizens of Humanity, Hudson, Michael Stars and much more.