Community News

Older American’s Month

The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will celebrate Older American’s Month, recognized nationally each May, by offering a wide variety of free activities.

During the month of May, adults ages 50+ can enjoy a wide range of events and activities taking place throughout Long Beach, including art workshops, basketball and swimming competitions, field trips, enrichment activities, dinner and dance, job fairs, and a talent show.

Pre-registration is required for the following activities, as space is limited:

May 8 – Long Beach Port Tour: Enjoy a 90-minute narrated excursion to learn how the Port of Long Beach impacts our local, regional and national economies. Get close to some of the biggest ships in the world, learn about the Port’s zero-emissions operations and take pictures of amazing machinery and ocean life. Register at any Long Beach Senior Center. Call (562) 570-1675 for more information.

May 9 – Arts & Crafts Workshop at Houghton Park: Enjoy a relaxing day of instructor-led step-by-step painting and spring card making. All materials and lunch will be provided. Call (562) 570-1640 for more information.

May 11 – Senior Olympic Basketball at Chavez Elementary School Gym: Come show off your basketball skills or root for your loved ones. The events include a men and women’s three-on-three tournament, a coed free throw tournament, and a three-point shooting competition. Sign up to participate in the competition (registration for spectators not required). Call (562) 570-8890 for more information.

May 14 – Senior Olympics Swimming at Silverado Park Pool: Sign up to participate in the 25-meter, 50-meter, 100-meter, 4 x 25-meter relay, 4 x 25-meter individual medley, and open swim. The events will conclude with a medal and certificate ceremony. Deck activities featuring group games, crafts, interactive play and much more available for non-swimmers. Registration required to participate in an event (registration for spectators not required). Call (562) 570-1721 for more information.

May 16 – Older Americans Got Talent at the Alpert Jewish Community Center: Musicians, singers, dancers, rappers, actors, comedians, and magicians have a chance to shine at the Older American’s Month “Older Americans Got Talent Show.” Registration required for an audition slot prior to the event and for competition day. Call (562) 570-3500 for more information.

May 29 – Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Los Cerritos Wetland: Sign up required. Call (562) 570-1605 for more information.

May 30 – Light up the Night Dance and Dinner: Registration required for the event. Call (562) 570-1618 for information.

All other events do not require any registration and are open for all to attend. The complete list of activities and events is available at longbeach.gov/events with additional details, including registration and activity locations, available on the Long Beach Senior Programs webpage.

More information about these programs and other activities is available on the Long Beach Senior Programs webpage or by calling (562) 570-3150.

Port Sponsorship Program Accepting Applications

Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for the Port of Long Beach’s Community Sponsorship Program, which funds community events and activities that help inform residents about the port. The events center on the arts, environment, education, social justice and historic preservation.

Community groups may submit sponsorship applications online starting now through 5 p.m. Friday, May 31. Due to the application review process, applicants are advised to plan well in advance for their events. Once the application period closes, a 60-day period is needed before the proposed sponsorships can be considered by the Board of Harbor Commissioners for approval.

Sponsorships for the May call are generally for events and projects taking place Aug. 1 and later. For the September call later this year, sponsorships are generally for events and projects Dec. 1 and later.

Applications are judged on how effectively the proposed events and activities can help the Port inform the community of its critical role as an economic engine and job creator. For more information on the port’s Community Sponsorship Program and how to apply, go to www.polb.com/sponsorship.

For the last sponsorship call in January, Harbor Commissioners awarded 220 community sponsorships totaling $895,200, the second-largest award in a single call to date.

Women’s Health Expo

The KJLH Women’s Health Expo is a free experience filled with fun activities, Live radio broadcasts, workshops, panel discussions, healthy food demos, dancersize, free massages, skin demos, free health screenings, giveaways and more. Don’t miss this epic event happening May 11, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Utilities Budget Workshop

The Long Beach Utilities Commission will be hosting a series of community budget workshops. This will include a discussion on water, sewer, and gas rates for fiscal year 2025; rates are established annually to fund utility services to the community.

Long Beach residents and businesses are invited to provide input at public workshops hosted by the Long Beach Board of Utilities Commissioners on Thursday, May 16 and Thursday, June 6.

All workshops will be held at 9 a.m. at the Long Beach Utilities Administration Building, 1800 E. Wardlow Road.

The budget, inclusive of rates, is expected to be adopted by the Board of Utilities Commissioners at the final public workshop on Tuesday, June 6. Budget workshops will include in-depth discussions about proposed improvements to the water, gas, and sewer systems, including pipeline replacements and water quality enhancements.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meetings and share input. Comments can also be sent via email to commission@lbutilities.org.

For more information, visit lbutilities.org/budget.

First Annual BBQ, Brews

The Lakewood Rotary Club  announced its first annual BBQ and Brews event, slated to take place on June 6 at Roxanne’s, located at 1115 E. Wardlow in Long Beach. This exciting event brings together the best of local BBQ flavors from the iconic Long Beach BBQ establishment, Shady Grove Foods, paired with craft beers from esteemed local breweries, creating an evening of gastronomic delight and community celebration.

Guests at the event can anticipate a culinary journey featuring a tantalizing menu curated by Shady Grove Foods, showcasing a range of BBQ favorites such as BBQ Chicken, Grilled Sausage, Pulled Pork, St Louis Style Ribs, Sticky Bones, Vegetarian Gumbo, and Tri Tip. The aroma of these delectable dishes being grilled on-site will surely tantalize the taste buds of attendees, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Adding to the festivities, the event will feature a series of exciting drawing items for attendees to win, adding an element of fun and anticipation to the evening. Additionally, the Lakewood Rotary Club will introduce the first annual “Service Above Self” awards, honoring three individuals or organizations that have made (1/2) significant contributions and impact on the Lakewood community. This recognition underscores the Rotary Club’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating community service and leadership.

Tickets for this memorable evening are priced at $75 and are available for purchase now. For more information, including ticket purchases and event details, interested individuals can visit the Lakewood Rotary website at rotaryoflakewood.org or contact Dean Lockwood at dean@heydean.com or (562) 270-4460.