Community News

Boat Show Launches

The Los Angeles Boat Show will be taking place Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, at the Long Beach Convention Center. Created by Legacy Show Productions, the Los Angeles Boat Show is the premier destination for boats and marine accessories in the state.

This year, attendees will have the opportunity to experience an extensive showcase of cutting-edge innovations in marine gear and personal on-water products, including the latest stand-up paddleboards and a wide range of equipment designed for on-water recreation. The event will feature an impressive selection of new towboats, pontoons, fishing and high-performance vessels, as well as family boats and personal watercraft, all available for in-person viewing.

The 2026 event will also feature live musical performances on Saturday and Sunday. A curated lineup of popular food trucks will be stationed near the entertainment area, providing convenient dining options for visitors as they explore the show.

Entry fees are $20 for adults; children 15 and under are free; seniors 65+ discounted price of $18 on-site only with identification. Consumers can purchase tickets on-site beginning Jan. 30.

Mentor Con 2026

January is National Mentoring Month, and Long Beach mentoring programs are joining together for a special event called “Mentor Con 2026” on Saturday, Jan. 31, 9-11 a.m. at Browning High School.

Partnering with City Prosecutor Doug Haubert to present the free event are mentoring groups Operation Jump Start, LB BLAST, Catholic Big Brothers/Big Sisters of LA, CAMEO, 100 Black Men of Long Beach and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater LA. Opening remarks will be made by LBUSD Board Member Erik Miller.

The celebration will spotlight, strengthen and promote local mentoring opportunities to the community. National Mentoring Month is aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities and connecting young people with caring adults. Long Beach’s Mentor Con 2026 is the first event of its kind in Long Beach to promote local mentoring programs.

“Mentoring is such a great way to help youth thrive, we want to celebrate the transformative experiences of Long Beach mentees and mentors, and share with others how to be involved,” states Haubert. “I have experienced the joy of serving as a mentor and personally want to invite the community to come learn more about how mentoring is helping young people in our city.”

Research shows that mentors play a powerful role in providing young people with the tools to make positive choices, attend and engage in school, and reduce or avoid negative behaviors. According to mentoring.org, mentored young people are:

• 55% more likely to be enrolled in college.
• 81% more likely to report participating regularly in sports or extracurricular activities.
• 78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities.
• More than twice as likely to say they held a leadership position in a club or sports team.

Yet, the same research shows that more than one in three young people in our country will grow up without a mentor.

In Long Beach, the community is invited to celebrate Mentor Con 2026. Visit https://bit.ly/4qGEEaJ to sign up.

National Mentoring Month is led by MENTOR, the national unifying champion of the mentoring movement. Each year since its launch in 2002, the campaign has enjoyed the strong support of the president and the United States Congress. Other well-known supporters include the late Maya Angelou, Clint Eastwood, Senator John McCain, Quincy Jones, General Colin L. Powell, Cal Ripken Jr., the late Bill Russell (MENTOR founding board member), and Usher. Each year, the president’s office also issues a National Mentoring Month proclamation highlighting the crucial role that mentors play in young people’s lives.

To become a mentor and to learn more about the role mentoring plays in our community, visit https://bit.ly/4qGEEaJ or check out the Long Beach Mentor Con Facebook page. Individuals may also go to mentoring.org and take the first step via the Mentoring Connector.

Bianco Valentine Speaker

Republicans who want California saved from progressive Democrat policies will “love” spending Valentine’s Day morning hearing the leading Republican gubernatorial candidate, Chad Bianco, speak at the Greater Long Beach Republican Women Feb. 14 breakfast meeting.

Held at The Grand in Long Beach, 4101 E. Willow St., registration starts at 9 a.m. followed by an all-you-can-eat breakfast served at 9:30 a.m. The cost is just $30 for members and $35 for non-members and there is free covered parking.

Polling remains fluid, but several have Sheriff Bianco edging out candidates from both parties. For instance, the Emerson College survey has Bianco leading the list, but poll results for both parties are within the margin of error.

“Since the top two primary vote getters (no matter the party) advance to the general election, it is extremely important for voters to hear from all the leading candidates,” said GLBRW President Sandra Dubrowskij. “Our intimate breakfast meeting is a great way for people from all parties to meet Sheriff Bianco and learn his plans for making California a better place.”

The independent Greater Long Beach Republican Women is a organization that brings together women and men who work together to pass propositions and elect officials that will have an impact on improving life in Long Beach, the state and nation.

For information and reservations, email glbrw2024@gmail.com or phone (562) 310-4283.

LLC Spring Programs

Registration is live on the LBCC Foundation website for the Lifetime Learning Center Senior Studies Program at LBCC Trades Technology & Community Learning Campus (formally Pacific Coast Campus).

Classes offered in person are: “Broadway Musicals” with Lucy Daggett, “New Classic Film Series” with Erroll Parker, “Genealogy Workshop” with Gail Carter, Computer, iPhone & Technology Classes including Understanding Artificial Intelligence with Phil Newell. Classes offered on Zoom are “Strength Training” with Jessi McMaster. Classes start February 17 and cost between $20 and $70.

The day tours on Luxury Buses are Los Angeles Chocolate Tour on Feb. 19 and A Taste of France including the Getty Museum with Curt Tucker. The adult classes and tours are open to everyone. Parking is only $5 a semester and is free with a handicap placard. Register online at https://lbccfoundation.org/lifetime-learning-center/classes/ or contact Theresa Brunella at (562) 938-3047.