Community News

Movies on the Beach

The Moonlight Movies on the Beach series is back for another summer of cinematic magic under the stars, thanks to the unwavering support of generous community partners. After facing potential cancellation due to funding challenges, the series was saved by a constellation of sponsors who stepped up to ensure this cherished tradition continues.

The Port of Long Beach, LBS Financial, Kristina Duggan, Don Temple Storage, and Cambrian Homecare all played a crucial role in securing the series’ future. Their commitment to fostering community spirit and providing accessible entertainment is truly commendable.

Schedule of Summer Screenings

• July 16, The Princess Bride at Granada Beach
• July 23, The Sandlot at Granada Beach
• Aug. 6, The Breakfast Club at Granada Beach
• Aug. 13, Mama Mia at Granada Beach
• Aug. 20, A League of Their Own at Granada Beach
• Aug. 22, Karate Kid, LBCC PCC

Bring your blankets, chairs and loved ones for an enchanting evening of movie magic. Arrive early to secure your spot on the sand and enjoy the pre-show festivities. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Info: Instagram @longbeachstuff

7 Saturdays of Summer

The Shell at Rec Park had a great start to the season with over 1,000 people attending each of the Bluegrass Festival and kJAZZ/LB Blues Society events (https://www.forpbs.org/gallery/24-lb-bluegrass)!

Upcoming we have our 7 Saturdays of Summer concert series July 13 to Aug. 24, sponsored by Kristina Duggan and the Port of Long Beach.

Schedule: www.forpbs.org/cal

• July 13, 4-7, Neptune Cocktail Surf Band
• July 20, 4-7, Manuel the Band
• July 27, 4-7, Latin Jazz with Bossa Vai Vai
• Aug. 3, 6-7:30, Camerata Singers, Music of Laurel Canyon
• Aug. 10, 4-7, King Salmon and the Funk Yard Horns
• Aug. 17, 4-7, The Salty Suites with Honey Whiskey Trio
• Aug. 24, 4-7, Knyght Ryder

2nd & PCH

A variety of family-friendly entertainment awaits visitors this month at 2ND & PCH, as four free, outdoor summer event series continue including PCH Explorers Kids Club, Beachside Beats Fest, 2ND & PCH Movies & Moonlight and artisanal vendor pop-up markets.

PCH Explorers Kids Club continues on Tuesday, July 16, for a Fairy Tale Party including special character meet and greets as well as storytimes, facepainting and balloon twisting and on Tuesday, July 30, for a hands-on reptile show featuring an educational presentation with various exotic animals.

The center’s live music concert series, Beachside Beats Fest, continues on the main stage July 25, 5-8, as the performance band plays top RnB hits at the grand staircase. The series continues with the following lineup:

• Aug. 8, Duo with Dasha, current top 40 all-genre music, grand staircase
• Aug. 22, reggae/island music, main stage
• Sept. 19, salsa/cumbia music & salsa class, grand staircase

Discover artisan crafts from local makers at the Unidos Vendor Market: Carnival on Saturday, July 13, 2-8, and Dreamers Market’s Mermaid-themed market on Saturday, July 27, noon-6, The pop-up markets feature hundreds of curated items and vendors, photo opportunities and live entertainment.

National Night Out

The Long Beach Police Department invites neighbors, community groups, and businesses to join them in celebrating in the 41st Annual National Night Out, on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Neighborhoods throughout your city are invited to join over 38 million neighbors across 18 thousand communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide.

National Night Out is nationally sponsored by NATW (National Association of Town Watch), ADT Security Services, Starbucks, Associa, L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence) and co-sponsored locally by the Long Beach Police Department.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work. Together, we are making that happen.

“National Night Out is a special night for our department to celebrate partnerships, friendships, and relationships we share as a community,” said Police Chief Wally Hebeish. “It is truly a privilege to be invited into the homes, businesses and places of worship throughout our city to show appreciation for the work the employees of the Long Beach Police Department do on a daily basis.”

From time to time, neighbors throughout your city and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on their front porch lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and law enforcement.

Along with the traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, most communities celebrate National Night Out by hosting block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other various community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more.

National Project Coordinator, Matt Peskin said, “This is a night for our nation to stand together and promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement. When law enforcement and the community work closely together, some amazing things can happen.”

If you are hosting a National Night Out event for your neighborhood please register before July 26. For additional information, please contact LBPDCommunityEngagement@longbeach.gov or (562) 570-5274.

Don’t have an organized Community Watch group yet? National Night Out is the perfect time to start. For more information, visit  bit.ly/LBPDCommunityWatch

The Long Beach Police Department would like to thank community members who plan to participate in National Night Out. It’s through your continued support and partnership with us that together we can solve crime. We look forward to seeing you on Aug. 6.

Team Spirit Cancer 5K

The annual Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K is celebrating its 25th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 26 by taking over the coast of Long Beach and building on the more than $1 million raised since the first walk. For thousands of people throughout Long Beach and the surrounding communities, this annual event has brought additional psychosocial programs and support for those with cancer.

“Historically at Long Beach Medical Center, like many cancer treatment centers, we’ve heavily focused on the most advanced technology and pharmacology to address the physical aspects of returning people to health. However, the mental, emotional, and spiritual spheres of cancer treatment and recovery should also be addressed in a comprehensive way as they determine the experience of cancer diagnosis and treatment as well as their outcomes,” says Mariusz Wirga, M.D., medical director, psychosocial oncology, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Medical Center.

“Unfortunately, despite their necessity, many supportive programs aimed at these spheres are not covered by insurance. Thanks to the support of our community and their dedication to the cause, we are able to provide these cancer support programs at the highest level in Southern California to all cancer patients and their families, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Since 1999, Team Spirit 5K has put its fundraising dollars to work, expanding access to psychosocial programs each year. Since its inception, Long Beach Medical Center has been able to provide the Women Guiding Women: Cancer Support and Education Program, where newly diagnosed patients are connected to a mentor who has had a similar experience and can lend support and friendship.

In addition, a nurse navigator and oncology life coach have been added to the program to ensure that patients are supported along their cancer journey.

Team Spirit will be open for early bird registration from June 15 to July 26 for only $35. After September, registration goes up to $55.

For more info about the walk, please visit: memorialcare.org/teamspirit.

Estate Planning Workshop

Did you know that approximately 68% of adults in the United States do not have a will? If you do not have your advance directive in place, your wishes may not be taken into consideration with respect to your healthcare decisions and the lack of a power of attorney could tie your hands in ways you didn’t expect.

Come to learn how you can create the Playbook to Plan for Those You Love on Sunday, July 21, 12:15 to 2:45 p.m., at Grace First Presbyterian Church 3955 N. Studebaker Road, Long Beach.

Each session will be presented by accomplished specialists in Document Preparation, Advance Directives, Legacy Giving, Will Trust and Estate Preparation and Considerations for your Memorial or Remembrance. To register contact office.gracefirst@gmail.com or call (562) 420-3393. Refreshments will be served.

 For more information on the Estate Planning workshop at Grace First, contact Rev. Dr. Jonas Hayes at jonas.gracefirst@gmail.com or (562) 420-3393, ext. 12.