Community News

Republican Women Meet

Greater Long Beach Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting Saturday, April 12, at The Grand, 4101 E. Willow St., Long Beach. Registration is at 9 a.m. and buffet breakfast at 9:30 am.

Guest speaker is Dr. Wen Chen, a biologist and information scientist at Cal Tech for 25 years. She is a renowned expert on communism and Chinese culture. Her topic is All Things China.

Cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. For a reservation, call Sandy Dubrowskij (562) 310-4283 or email glbrw2024@gmail.com.

Distinguished Speakers

The Distinguished Speaker Series presents three must-see voices offering expert analysis on the future of politics, economics, technology and health. Zanny Minton Beddoes appears on April 24; Emily Chang on May 22; and Dr. Sanjay Gupta on June 10. All three are speaking live at the Long Beach Terrace Theater.

These experts will tackle the critical issues shaping our world, from economic uncertainties to technology’s impact on politics and public health. Don’t miss your chance to gain essential insights and understand the forces driving today’s volatile landscape. Secure your seat now – subscription packages, pro-rated for the remaining three speakers, range from $180 to $330. Each presentation begins at 7:30 p.m.

“Come for the experience, stay for the conversation! We invite friends and neighbors to join our vibrant and diverse audience experiencing brilliant minds shaping our world. The Distinguished Speaker Series is all about learning from those making real change, tackling today’s biggest challenges in politics, tech, health and beyond. Don’t miss out – you can still get tickets and be part of something special!” said Kathy Winterhalder, co-owner.

Zanny Minton Beddoes, the first female editor-in-chief of The Economist, will take the stage in Long Beach on Thursday, April 24. Minton Beddoes, a trailblazer in global economics and politics, will bring her decades of analyzing the world’s most pressing economic and financial challenges to her upcoming talk. She will dive into how inflation, the rise of populist movements and the changing global power balance are influencing everything from trade policies to international relations, offering a clear road map through today’s complex and turbulent landscape.

Emmy Award-winning journalist and host of Bloomberg Technology, Emily Chang, will join the Distinguished Speaker Series on Thursday, May 22, to share her unparalleled insight into how technology is reshaping the world. With her extensive relationships with top tech founders & CEO’s, Chang brings a rare insider perspective on the influence of social media, AI and the growing power of big tech companies in shaping government policies. As issues like disinformation, privacy and tech regulation dominate the conversation, Chang’s deep understanding of both the industry, its power players and its political implications make her talk a must-see for anyone looking to understand the digital age’s impact on global politics.

The series will conclude on Tuesday, June 10, with renowned neurosurgeon and CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s insights on the future of public health. His upcoming talk will focus on the intersection of healthcare, politics and policy in the wake of a global health crisis. With a deeper understanding of how public health issues intersect with political decisions, Dr. Gupta will discuss how today’s political climate influences the health and safety of citizens worldwide and how political decisions have far-reaching impacts on public trust in science and government.

Audience members have the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with each speaker during a moderated question and answer session at the conclusion of all events. The Distinguished Speaker Series will be held at the Long Beach Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Each program takes place on a weeknight at 7:30 p.m.

The series is open to the public in subscription packages only. Tickets for the remaining three speakers range from $180 to $330 for all three evenings. Single tickets are not available. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.speakersla.com.

The Distinguished Speaker Series was established in 1995 in response to Southern California’s need for an enlightening entertainment alternative. The Distinguished Speaker Series is currently held at four locations, the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, the Bank of America Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center and the Terrace Theater in Long Beach.

To Save Our Coast

Without the Coastal Act, California’s coast would look very different than it does today and there would be far less public access. Thus, the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust will be hosting a screening of “To Save Our Coast” on Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m. at the Art Theatre of Long Beach. Tickets cost $10 (free for students).

This documentary tells the story of that historic grassroots campaign through the voices of those who waged it, showing how a diverse group of underdogs took on the state’s most powerful corporations to save the California coast for the people.

You be able to view the film and hear guest speakers, including Todd and Heidi Holmes, the filmmakers, as well as Sarah Christie, legislative director for the California Coastal Commission.

Summer Day Camps

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will offer Summer Aquatics and Park Day Camps from June 16 through August 22. Registration begins Saturday, April 12 at 9 a.m., online at LBParks.org.

Youth ages 5 to 12 will enjoy games, crafts, physical fitness, enrichment activities and more. Summer Park Camps will operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those enrolled in extended care. The weekly cost is $115 for regular day and $150 for extended care.

The Summer Park Day Camps will take place at the following sites:

• Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave.
• El Dorado Park West, 2800 N. Studebaker Rd.
• Pan American Park, 5157 Centralia St.
• Silverado Park, 1545 W. 31st St.
• Stearns Champions Park, 4520 E. 23rd St.
• Veterans Park, 101 E. 28th St.
• Wardlow Park, 3457 Stanbridge Ave.
• Whaley Park, 5620 E. Atherton St.

PRM will also offer two aquatics day camps for youth this summer. The Belmont Junior Beach Camp, for ages 5 to 7, located at Belmont Plaza Pool (4320 E. Olympic Plaza), will feature games, crafts, beach play, songs, excursions, kayaking, canoeing and American Red Cross swimming lessons. Campers at Bayshore Beach Camp, for ages 8 to 12, located at Bayshore Park (5415 E. Ocean Blvd.), will enjoy the same activities as the Belmont Junior Beach Camp in addition to marine biology lessons.

The weekly cost for both aquatics camps is $165 for regular day; extended care fees are $28 for a.m. (7 to 9 a.m.) or p.m. (4 to 6 p.m.), or $56 for both a.m. and p.m. extended care.

The online portal can be accessed through a personal home computer or smartphone, or at designated city self-serve enrollment locations. On April 12 from 9 a.m. to noon, PRM staff will be onsite with internet capable devices for families to self-register at the locations listed below. Staff will be available to assist with registration questions, but customers will be responsible for self-enrollment. These locations will open at 8 a.m. and registration for all customers, both online and self-serve enrollment, will begin at 9 a.m. at LBParks.org.

Self-serve enrollment locations include:

• Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.)
• Pan American Park (5157 Centralia St.)
• Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.)
• Veterans Park (101 E. 28th St.)
• Whaley Park (5620 E. Atherton St.)

Additionally, community members can visit any open Long Beach Public Library location to register at one of the available public computer labs. Open days and times may vary per library location, so the community is encouraged to check hours of operation before visiting.

Financial assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For information about these programs, including financial assistance, and other activities for youth, visit LBParks.org or call (562) 570-3150.

Visions of H.O.P.E.

The Long Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority presents Visions of H.O.P.E., an awards breakfast celebrating outstanding community leaders and scholarship recipients. The event takes place on Friday, April 12, at 9:30 a.m. at The Centre in Lakewood.

Among this year’s honorees is Cassandra Chase, vice mayor of the City of Lakewood, recognized for her impactful contributions to the community. Proceeds from the event will directly support scholarships for local students and fund community service initiatives led by the chapter.

For more information, contact Breanna Niche Jones at Breanna.niche@gmail.com.

Celebration of the Child

The City of Long Beach will host the sixth annual Celebration of the Young Child from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, in Downtown Long Beach. This free event provides hands-on activities and showcases vendors who provide services and resources for children up to 8 years old.

The event will be co-located at Billie Jean King Main Library, 200 W. Broadway, and at the adjacent Lincoln Park. Free parking will be available in the Civic Center parking garage located at the corner of Broadway and Chestnut Avenue.

Late last year, the Early Childhood Education team conducted a community survey to gather insight into how this year’s Celebration could best support child development for babies and young children. The survey, which informed this year’s activities, found that families look forward to experiences that feature healthy food options, hands-on activities and on-site enrollment assistance for programs. Families also expressed a need for increased resources addressing developmental and sensory needs, as well as safe spaces for children to play during the event and family resting areas.

This year’s event will feature a variety of performances, including interactive live musical dance by Kids Imagine Nation and a folklorica dance performance by students from Cesar Chavez Elementary School. Also featured at the event will be Mika Storey, pediatric speech therapist and author of “Nixon’s Engine Words,” who will read her book and give a presentation about speech and language development in a child’s early years.

Additional activities include music and movement for toddlers and preschool-aged children, read-aloud story times, a sensory exploration area, and other educational hands-on activities.

Early intervention resources and screenings will also be provided free of charge to families with children who may benefit from them. Services will include:

• Ten- to 20-minute walk-in appointments for the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)-3, a widely used tool used to help parents identify areas of development in which their child may need more support, along with screening results and connection to on-site support resources.
• Ten- to 20-minute walk-in appointments for the articulation component of the Preschool Language Scale (PSL)-5, along with screening results and connection to on-site support resources.
• Pediatric eye health screenings, courtesy of the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic, to help identify vision concerns and prevent future impairments. Eye screenings will also include vision education, resources and reading glasses, if needed. Space is limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early to sign up for a walk-in appointment.
• Vaccination clinics to provide children with their routine immunizations.

Information booths from local and regional education centers, agencies and vendors who provide services to families and children up to age 8 will also be set up outside on the library terrace with educational handouts that promote healthy child development and resources for parents.

The celebration is a collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services’ Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives program, the Long Beach Public Library and the Mayor’s Fund for Education. To learn more about the Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives program, visit longbeach.gov/early childhood.