Community News

Municipal Band Summer Concert Season

This summer, the Long Beach Municipal Band will celebrate their 115th season of free outdoor summer concerts in Long Beach parks. Concerts began June 25, with the last one taking place Friday, Aug. 2. Each performance week will showcase a different theme, offering spectators a variety of musical entertainment all summer long.

The Long Beach Municipal Band will perform on the dates listed below. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free.

• Whaley Park North on Tuesday, July 2
• Bixby Annex Park on Tuesdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30
• Los Cerritos Park on Wednesdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
• Recreation Park (behind Blair Field) on Thursdays, July 11, 18 and 25; August 1
• El Dorado Park West on Fridays, June 28; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; August 2.

“The Long Beach Municipal Band’s 115th season showcases a rich tapestry of musical performances, spanning genres from classical to contemporary, captivating audiences of all ages and continues to embody the spirit of unity and celebration that defines Summer in Long Beach,” said Long Beach Municipal Band Conductor Kurt Curtis.

Concert goers can look forward to exciting weekly themes for each concert week:

Week 1 (June 25-28) “Night at the Movies” – This will be an unforgettable evening of music from the silver screen with the captivating melodies of composers James Horner, John Williams and Hans Zimmer brought to life by the Long Beach Municipal Band. Vocalist Nicole Kubis, along with the Studio Band, will kick off the season in style.

Week 2 (July 2-5; no concert July 4) “Spirit of America” – Celebrate our country’s birthday and enjoy an Armed Forces Salute that honors the dedication of the brave men, women and their families who safeguard the freedom of our nation. The vocal fireworks of Mark Kopitzke will close this unforgettable night.

Week 3 (July 9-12) “For the Sport of It” – From the triumphant musical strains of the Olympics to the rhythmic beats of baseball, football and car racing, each piece this week will resonate with the excitement and passion of athletic competition. Vocalist L. Young teams up with the Studio Band for his premiere powerhouse performance.

Week 4 (July 16-19) “Maestro – Music of Leonard Bernstein” – With his boundless talent and innovative approach, Leonard Bernstein left an indelible mark on both classical and Broadway music with iconic works like “Candide” and “West Side Story.” The eagerly anticipated Meloney Collins shares her exceptional talent to close off this week’s concert.

Week 5 “(July 23-26) Constellation of Stars” – This week’s concert will showcase current sensations and legendary singers from the past, with a diverse array of musical styles from the classic “Moon River” to the iconic rock anthem “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Enjoy the vocal harmonies of The Swing Kittens featuring Nicole Perreira, Kaley Griffith and Nicole Kubis.

Week 6 (July 30-August 2) “Curtain Call” – The Municipal Band will close the season with a concert of Broadway hits from beloved classics to modern showstoppers from “Les Miserables,” “Mama Mia” and “Cats.” The Studio Band, along with the unique vocal styles of fan-favorite Crystal Lewis, will bring the house down!

The Long Beach Municipal Band concert series is made possible with sponsorship from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, Department of Energy Resources, Long Beach Environmental Services Bureau, the Port of Long Beach, Partners of Parks and the Friends of the Long Beach Municipal Band.

Early Childhood Development Workshop Series

The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with the Long Beach Public Library, has launched another round of the Parent Informational Workshop series. The workshops will offer parents and caregivers of children ages 0 to 5 years old an opportunity to learn about various topics, including speech and language development, special education and early start intervention.

This initiative aims to ensure Long Beach families experiencing developmental concerns about their child are connected to services in a timely manner.

The parent information workshops, which will also serve to connect families to resources, will resume July 2024. The monthly sessions will be taught by local experts who specialize in various fields of early childhood. Qualified attendees are welcome to attend multiple workshops. The schedule is as follows:

• Supporting Healthy Speech Development – July 18 at noon, Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway.)
• Connecting to Early Intervention Resources – Aug. 7 at 12:30 p.m., Burnett Library (560 E. Hill St.)
• Supporting Emotional Development and Regulation– Sept. 11 at 11 a.m., Brewitt Library (4036 E. Anaheim St.)
• Supporting Healthy Speech Development – Oct. 5 at 2:30 p.m., Mark Twain Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.)
• Special Education – Nov. 16 at 10:30 a.m., Michelle Obama Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.)
• Supporting Healthy Speech Development – Dec. 7 at 11 a.m., Bay Shore Library (195 Bay Shore Ave.)

“These workshops have become a safe space for parents and caregivers to learn about their child’s early development, ask questions from trusted local experts, navigate available resources, and connect with other families about shared experiences,” said Health and Human Services Director Alison King.

The Parent Information Workshop series also supports the library’s Dive into Learning program, an early learning initiative that supports early education for children ages 0 to 5 by incentivizing reading and providing school readiness and parent education workshops.

People can sign up for the library reading programs by visiting longbeach.beanstack.org or by downloading the Beanstack Tracker app from the App Store or Google Play.

The workshop series is supported by Help Me Grow LA, which is a collaboration between First 5 LA and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

In 2022, the City of Long Beach was awarded as one of seven community collaboratives to receive $500,000 over the course of three years as part of First 5 LA’s investment to strengthen and expand referral pathways to better connect families with services and supports to address their child’s developmental concerns. The investment is part of Help Me Grow LA’s effort to improve connections between providers so that every child receives support for developmental concerns.

Free Recreation Programs

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) is offering a variety of popular, free recreation programs for families, teens and older adults. Residents can call or visit their neighborhood park community centers for schedules and to register for activities.

Summer Fun Days engage children ages 5 to 12 in supervised fun such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and special events. This is a free drop-in program where registered participants may come and go as they please. The program will run weekdays Monday through Friday, Aug. 23, from noon to 5 p.m. each day at parks throughout Long Beach. Pre-registration is required at program locations, available on the Summer Fun Days webpage.

Be S.A.F.E. (Summer Activities in a Friendly Environment) offers free recreation activities at 13 city parks weekdays through Aug. 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. Residents have many options for spending time together including arts and crafts, games, sports, science activities and special events such as movies and cultural events. More information, including the list of Be S.A.F.E. locations and the movie schedule, is available on the Be S.A.F.E. webpage.

Movies in the Park, sponsored by Signal Hill Petroleum and Partners of Parks, will offer free, family-friendly movies at various parks throughout Long Beach and Signal Hill through Aug. 23. Movies begin at dusk. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic-style dinners and their family and friends. Visit the Movies in the Park webpage for the complete list of locations and movie titles.

The Mobile Recess Program, taking place through August 23, brings trucks loaded with supplies and equipment to neighborhood streets to provide free recreational activities for youth ages 5 through 14. Streets are blocked off for safety and kids participate in physical fitness and arts and crafts activities. Participants can register online or at any participating Mobile Recess location. Visit the Mobile Recess webpage for days, times and locations.

Long Beach recently announced its Summer of Opportunity initiative, a collective impact approach focused on fostering positive development among Long Beach youth while simultaneously addressing youth violence.

Biggest Pirate Fest

Avast Matey! There are pirates headed to Long Beach. Pirate Invasion Long Beach returns to Shoreline Aquatic Park on June 29 and 30.

Founded by Fred Khammar in 2007, the event is a cosplay favorite in the southland with fun for the whole family. Known as “The Biggest Pirate Fest in the West,” there’s something for every age. Activities for the youngest mateys includes face painting, inflatables, games, and unique pirate goodies. For those interested in the history of pirates, there is an interactive pirate encampment as well as pirate battles twice a day with muskets, cannons, swords, and pistols. Come dressed in your best pirate regalia and enter the adult costume contest to name the Duke and Duchess of the Pirate Invasion.

Blanketing the shoreline will be pirate entertainment including magic by Captain Jack Spareribs, black powder and sword fighting shows, pirates and mermaids who love to pose for pictures, food/drink and merchandise vendors selling pirate booty from the seven seas, a fire show after dark, and much more. Hard rock, sea shanties, and folk music will accompany the pirate adventure all day as bands are slated on a revolving stage.

Chips the Pirate will lead the pub tour for people 21 and older only (no babies or children in strollers allowed) who purchased additional admission up to the Peninsula Lighthouse, stopping at three sea shanties with a choice of one drink from an extensive list at each location including the outrageous Nowhere to Rum Bar. Then meet the Spanish King and Queen in the VIP area. Pub tours are scheduled for 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 1, 3, 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission to the Nowhere to Rum pub crawl is $45 and includes a commemorative T-shirt (first come, first served). Plan ahead and see ticket website for arrival times and payment details. One pub crawl admission is included in the Gold VIP price of $200, with a limited-edition souvenir tankard and T-shirt.

The limited-edition tankard is available to the first 100 VIP Gold ticket purchasers. It is specially designed hardwood of maple and mahogany, using FDA food safe lacquers, and sports a cast iron handle that is glued and riveted in place.

Ticket prices are $10 for kids 12 and under, $20 for adults, +$45 for the Pirates Pub Crawl, and two levels of VIP passes (Silver for $125 per person, and gold for $200 per person). For information and tickets visit https://www.pirateinvasionlongbeach.com or purchase at the event. Gates open at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. on Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Follow the Pirate Invasion Long Beach on Facebook for up to the minute details: https://www.facebook.com/PirateInvasionLongBeach and on Instagram @PirateInvasionLongBeach.

Summer Adaptive Recreation Programs

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) is offering new sessions of the ARISE Adaptive program for middle and high school youth and adult participants with disabilities to enhance their social, cognitive and physical needs while encouraging them to express themselves and get creative. Programs will run now through Friday, August 23.

Activities support physical fitness, building courage, and learning valuable social and life skills through arts and crafts, sports/physical activities, and games. Examples of activities include sports (basketball, outdoor soccer, indoor hockey, kickball, balloon volleyball, catch/toss, four squares, and more), parachute games, table games, musical chairs and other activities.

Staff provides hands-on support with activities to help each participant to tap into their full potential. The development of social skills and relationship building is encouraged.

Programs will take place on weekdays at Stearns Champions Park. The middle and high school programs, for youth grades six through 12, will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at a cost of $20 per week. The adult program will occur weekdays from 2 to 5 p.m. at a cost of $15 per week.

In-person registration is going on now at Stearns Champions Park. Participants must complete an intake process in-person at Stearns Champions Park by appointment only. To make an appointment or for more information, people may call (562) 570-1686.

This summer, PRM is also hosting a variety of free recreation programs and activities for families, teens and adults. Additional information about the various other PRM summer recreation programs and offerings is available by calling (562) 570-3150 or by visiting LBparks.org.

Long Beach recently announced its Summer of Opportunity initiative, a collective impact approach focused on fostering positive development among Long Beach youth while simultaneously addressing youth violence.

Foster a Pet

Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) invites the community to participate in Foster the 4th, an initiative focused on providing safe homes for shelter animals during the Fourth of July holiday period.

Every Independence Day, LBACS experiences a surge in incoming lost pets who run away from home due to the fear of fireworks. The sudden bright flashes and loud noises can cause animals to panic and run into roadways, resulting in unsafe conditions for both animals and drivers alike. The influx of lost animals results in strained resources and limited kennel spaces at the shelter. Currently, LBACS is over capacity and encourages the public to foster or adopt ahead of the Fourth of July holiday to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

A Foster the 4th opportunity will take place at LBACS (7700 E. Spring St.) on Tuesday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To become a short-term foster, the following are required:

• Submit a Foster Application online.
• Commit to fostering a pet for a minimum of 30 days or longer.
• Keep the foster pet separate from personal pets. This prevents diseases and ensures all pets are safe.
• Provide regular communication with the Foster Coordinator and/or LBACS staff with updates and pictures.

Selected fosters will be provided veterinary care, all food and supplies (bowls, bed, litter pans, crate, etc.), and foster guides and resources to help acclimate their foster pet to their new home. For more information on the Foster the 4th event, please visit the LBACS Fourth of July webpage.

“One of our main priorities is to ensure that people and pets stay together,” said Melanie Wagner, Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau Manager. “Pets separated from their families can be devastating for everyone involved. It can happen at any time, but especially during firework season. I encourage people to prepare their pets now by getting microchips, having current tags and also familiarizing themselves with the other pets in their community. Often, an animal’s best chance of getting reunited is by the people in our own neighborhoods.”

To ensure your pet’s safety during this holiday season, please follow these tips:

• Safer at Home – Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells. It is best to secure your pets safely and comfortably indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to soften jarring noises.
• ID Tags Are the Ticket Home – Pets can become so frightened during fireworks that they may escape the noise by breaking through windows or door screens. All pets should always wear collars with ID tags.
• Microchip Your Pet Now – Obtaining a microchip will help ensure that a pet can be identified and reunited with their owner if they become lost or separated due to the fear of fireworks. Ensure your pet is microchipped and is registered with your current contact information. Microchips are available for purchase at LBACS low-cost vaccine clinics held every Monday, second Friday, and fourth Friday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at LBACS (7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, CA 90815).

Long Beach Animal Care Services ensures “Compassion Saves” by supporting the people and animals of the community through outreach, education, guidance and support services, and protects shelter animals by creating an environment of care through enrichment and innovative programs. For more information on services and programs provided, visit longbeach.gov/acs.