Community News

The Barre Grand Opening

The Barre, Long Beach’s newest boutique fitness studio specializing in Barre, Pilates and Community, announced its Grand Opening today at 5 p.m. The celebration will feature a ribbon cutting, hoers d’oeuvres and refreshments, and will be held at the studio location 5207 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach.

All classes start on Saturday, May 31. As part of the Grand Opening celebration, The Barre is offering its first class free to all new students. Guests can redeem this exclusive offer by using the promo code “FirstFREE” at checkout when signing up for the First Timers Class at www.TheBarre.Fit or on The Barre’s app available for download in the Apple and Google Play stores.

The Barre is also introducing a limited-time Founder’s Membership. Early supporters can lock in unlimited classes for just $125/month with a one-year commitment – an exceptional value designed to honor the studio’s founding community.

“We’re raising the barre on fitness in Long Beach,” Amanda Parsons DeRosier, owner of The Barre said. “We invite everyone to experience the benefits that Barre and Pilates bring and join our growing supportive community – because at The Barre, it’s always happy hour and we hope you become a regular!”

The Barre’s grand opening event will include refreshments, meet-and-greets with instructors and a tour of the space. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring friends.

To sign up for the free first class or secure a Founder’s Membership, visit www.TheBarre.fit or follow @thebarrelb on Instagram for updates.

Youth Employment Opportunities Sought

The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department (EDD) is seeking businesses and nonprofits throughout Long Beach and Signal Hill to help support the next generation of workers by partnering with its work experience programs for young people. These programs empower youth to gain real-world work experience and contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy and provide opportunities for all.

Businesses selected to become a participating worksite will support Long Beach youth through jobs, mentorship and training – all at no cost to their business.

Facilitated by the EDD’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, formerly known as Future LB, youth work programs are available for young people ages 14 to 30. Youth can be placed in diverse roles and industry sectors, such as healthcare, information technology, hospitality and public service.

Youth participants are compensated an hourly wage for work experience, personal enrichment training and professional development activities. Wages and workers’ compensation insurance are paid through the programs so there is no cost to participating businesses. Businesses are required to meet certain insurance and safety requirements.

Local businesses are encouraged to sign up to become a worksite for youth by completing an online Worksite Interest Form.

“Here in Long Beach, we’re developing homegrown talent and ensuring that all young people have access to meaningful opportunities,” said Economic Development Director Bo Martinez. “Now more than ever, we’re encouraging our local businesses to open their doors and embrace the next generation of Long Beach workers.”

The work experience programs for youth are made possible through the support of several key funding sources, including the city’s General Fund allocation, Los Angeles County’s Youth@Work Program, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor #CaliforniansForAII Youth Jobs Corps initiative, Hilton Foundation and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Together, these partners are investing in the future of young people by providing meaningful work experience, career exploration opportunities and skill development that prepares youth for success in the workforce.

Over the past year, the EDD has provided more than 876 youth with paid work experience opportunities, including internships and work-based learning activities through initiatives such as the Long Beach Public Service Corps Program and Space Beach Camp.

For additional information about youth employment services, those interested may visit the EDD’s website at longbeach.gov/youthservices or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at (562) 570-4700.

Gun Buy Back Event

The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is hosting a Gun Buy Back Event on June 28, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., where community members can turn in the firearm(s) to receive a gift card. The event is sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office.

Gift cards will be valued as follows: $50 for non-functioning firearms, $100 for working pistols, rifles and shotguns, $200 for ghost guns (guns with no serial numbers) and $300 for assault rifles.

The value of the firearms, such as 3D-printed firearms, will be determined at the event.

“I am pleased to be partnering with the county on this upcoming Gun Buy Back. This is an opportunity to raise community awareness and focus on reducing gun violence” said LBPD Chief Wally Hebeish. “We remain committed to supporting programs which can reduce the availability and accessibility of firearms in our community.”

The LBPD adopted a multi-faceted strategy to make the city safer. This event provides the community with an incentive to anonymously surrender firearms that could otherwise be used in an unlawful manner.

“We know that guns are the problem,” said LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This is part of a series of gun buybacks I am organizing with law enforcement agencies across my district to give residents an opportunity to get guns out of their homes and help make their community safer. To date, we have taken 2,388 guns off the street.”

Those participating are directed to enter the event at Admiral Kidd Park, 2125 Santa Fe Ave., with the unloaded firearm(s) in their vehicle’s trunk. Community members will be instructed to remain in their vehicle while Detectives recover the firearm(s). Community members will then receive gift card(s) and the firearm(s) will be secured with the LBPD’s Forensics Science Services Division.

Info: (562) 570-7370.