Community News

Celebration of Young Child

The City of Long Beach will host the seventh annual Celebration of the Young Child from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Downtown Long Beach. This free event will feature hands-on activities and community vendors that provide services and resources for children up to age 8 and their families.

The event will be held at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) and Lincoln Park, adjacent to the library. Free parking will be available in the Civic Center parking garage at the corner of Broadway and Chestnut Avenue.

This year’s programming consists of a variety of performances, including Brillantina’s Storytelling, a bilingual storyteller who uses fingerplays, action songs and props throughout her narrations. Also featured is Josue Cuentacuentos, a Latino musical storyteller who shares family stories, legends and cultural traditions. Mera Dance Troupe will also present three traditional Cambodian dances that celebrate cultural heritage and empower the next generation through education.

Additional activities include music and movement for toddlers and preschool-age 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 include:

• 10- to 20-minute walk-in developmental screenings using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3), provided by For the Child. This tool helps parents identify areas where their child may need additional support and includes results and connections to on-site resources.
• 10- to 20-minute walk-in speech and language screenings using the Preschool Language Scale (PLS-5), provided by Cal State Long Beach’s Speech and Language Clinic, including results and connections to on-site resources.
• Pediatric eye health screenings provided by the University of California, Los Angeles Mobile Eye Clinic to identify vision concerns and prevent future impairments. Screenings include vision education, resources and reading glasses if needed. Space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
• Vaccination clinics offering routine childhood immunizations.
• Oral health assessments provided by the Children’s Dental Health Clinic, including screening results, oral health education, dental resources, oral health kits and fluoride varnish applications.

Information booths from local and regional organizations that 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, people may visit longbeach.gov/earlychildhood.

Youth Power Budgeting

The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Office of Youth Development has announced the voting phase for the Youth Power Participatory Budgeting (PB) Long Beach, during which Long Beach youth will be invited to vote on how public dollars are spent on youth-centered projects being implemented this summer. A total of $500,000 will be funded through this process, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

Youth ages 12 to 26 who live, work or play in Long Beach are encouraged to share their voices by voting April 13-28 at one of the following sites during regular business hours:

Parks, Recreation & Marine Teen Centers:

• Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.)
• Cesar Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.)
• Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.)
• McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.)
• Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.)

Long Beach Public Libraries:

• Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway)
• Dana Neighborhood Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.)
• El Dorado Neighborhood Library (2900 Studebaker Rd.)
• Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.)
• Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.)
• Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.)
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• Economic Development Department’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Youth Career Services Center (508 W. Willow St.)
• Ron Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.)
• Youth Movement and Education Center (2217 E 6th St.)
• Long Beach Unified School District wellness centers in all high schools and middle schools

“We want every young person in Long Beach to know that their voice matters,” said Health and Human Services Director Alison King. “This voting phase is a chance to turn ideas into action, ensuring that Measure US funds are used for the summer projects that matter most to our next generation of leaders.”

Additionally, the Health Department will host a voter fair at the Long Beach Civic Center (411 W. Ocean Blvd.) from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, providing Long Beach youth with an opportunity to engage in the civic process at the heart of local government. During this event, young people can talk to community organizations who have projects on the ballot and learn more about them before they cast their vote. Youth voters will also have the opportunity to learn about summer programs, connect to local resources and enjoy food, entertainment and other activities.

In November 2025, the city announced the fourth year of the Youth Power PB Long Beach program. The program’s third year drew strong participation with more than 400 ideas submitted – more than nine times as many submissions compared to the previous year. A total of 1,976 youth voted across Long Beach in year three, more than tripling voter participation compared to the previous year. During the previous voting period, youth prioritized 11 programs focused on community care, housing, health and wellness, planning for the future and transportation, aligning with five of the six goals in the Long Beach Youth & Emerging Adults Strategic Plan. For more information about projects funded in 2025, visit longbeach.gov/youth.

Youth Power PB Long Beach, the city’s first citywide participatory budget process, funds projects led by community organizations whose work aligns with the Youth & Emerging Adults Strategic Plan. Participatory budgeting is a democratic approach to public spending that empowers young people in our community to help decide how funds are used.

Funding for Youth Power PB is provided by Measure US and Racial Reconciliation Funding. The program is organized by the Health Department’s Office of Youth Development, in partnership with The Nonprofit Partnership (TNP), Invest in Youth Coalition anchored by Khmer Girls in Action, and California State University, Long Beach. To learn more about the Youth Power PB process and find additional voting sites, visit investinyouthlb.org.

Lawn Bowling Invite

The welcoming members of the Long Beach Lawn Bowling Club invite the community to a free Open House on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by pizza and beverages with club members.

The event takes place at the historic greens of the Long Beach Lawn Bowling Club, a hidden gem where a friendly community gathers to play one of the most social and accessible sports around.

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, light exercise, or a fun way to meet people, lawn bowling might be the perfect fit. The Long Beach Lawn Bowling Club is located at 1109 Federation Drive. Info: longbeachlawnbowlingclub@gmail.com.

Book Signing Event

Inspirational author, speaker and faith leader Nicole S. Hayes will host a special book signing event for her transformative new book, Out Of Brokeness And Into Re-Newness, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Once Read Books, located at 5422 E. Village Rd.

Taking place one day before Mother’s Day, this powerful gathering is designed to uplift, inspire and encourage women and families to embrace healing. restoration and renewed purpose. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the author, hear her story of faith and transformation, and receive signed copies of her book.

The event will also include a special giveaway for the first 50 attendees, who will receive exclusive Spiraling Moments and Heavenly Devin T-shirts as a token of appreciation for their book purchase and will also be added to the casting call sign-ups for the movie.

Nicole S. Hayes is the founder of HOLYwood Heavenly Prayers Inc, host of Spiraling Moments, DYOA, JAGNS, and a passionate voice for healing, faith and personal transformation. Through her writing and speaking, she empowers individuals to rise from life’s challenges and walk boldly in their purpose.

This Mother’s Day weekend event is open to the public and welcomes anyone seeking encouragement, spiritual renewal and connection.

Mental Wellness Walk

The Rotary Club of Long Beach, in collaboration with Rotary District 5320, invites the community to come to a Mental Wellness Walk and Resource Fair on Sunday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to noon at Granada Beach, 5100 E. Ocean Blvd.

This family-friendly event is designed to bring people together to support mental health awareness and connect attendees with valuable local resources. Participants can walk at their own pace, visit booths from community organizations, and engage in meaningful conversations around mental wellness.

Event Highlights

• Community walk along the Granada Beach path
• Mental health resource fair featuring local nonprofits and providers
• Opportunities to connect, learn and support mental wellness
• Open to individuals, families, pets and community groups

Everyone is welcome. Whether you’re walking in support of a loved one, seeking resources, or simply want to be part of a positive community event – this walk is for you.

Local nonprofits and organizations are encouraged to participate in the resource fair. Sponsorship opportunities are also available to support the event and increase community impact.

For more information or to get involved, contact: Natalie Hale, nhale@mediapartnersww.com (562) 335-5661.

Shared E-Bikes

Lime, a provider of shared electric vehicles globally, announced the launch of 200 Gen-4 e-bikes across Long Beach. This new fleet arrives as a multimodal complement to the e-scooters and LimeGliders already popular throughout the city. To celebrate the launch, Lime is offering a special promotion of a month of free unlocks, through May 6, making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to explore the recently expanded service area on the Long Beach Bike Path, and beyond on two wheels.

Lime’s Gen-4 e-bike is designed for everyday trips, from short errands to longer rides along the coast. Built in-house using insights from hundreds of millions of rides, it features electric pedal assist, a step-through frame and a front basket for carrying small items. Features like a smartphone mount, internal Bluetooth lock and optional tethering via LimeLock support rider convenience while helping keep sidewalks clear.

Starting April 6, riders can locate and unlock Lime’s e-bikes through the Lime app, with vehicles available throughout the expanded service area.

Cohort Applications

The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) is now accepting applications for the fourth cohort of the Long Beach Public Service Corps Program (LBPSC), a civic service initiative designed to build a pipeline of diverse, local talent committed to serving their communities. Through immersive placements in city departments, fellows contribute to real projects that advance Long Beach’s priorities while gaining meaningful experience in public service. Applications are available online through Tuesday, June 9.

Facilitated by EDO’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, LBPSC provides local college students and recent graduates ages 18 to 30 with hands-on experience working in city government and the opportunity to explore careers in public service.

The program fosters economic inclusion and expands opportunities for young people to develop successful career paths. Fellows will engage in training and workshops focused on public service sectors, such as budgeting, community engagement, policy development, sustainability and government operations. Additionally, fellows will gain exposure to City Council and commission meetings, career development activities and opportunities to connect with peers across departments, strengthening their identity as a unified cohort serving Long Beach.

The fourth cohort will include approximately 30 fellows selected through a competitive process. Priority will be given to senior-level students at California State University, Long Beach or California State University, Dominguez Hills, particularly those facing barriers to employment. Additional information regarding eligibility and requirements is available on the LBPSC webpage.

LBPSC also recognizes participants’ economic needs. Prior cohorts have demonstrated that wages play a critical role in supporting basic living expenses such as rent, food and transportation, reinforcing the importance of paid service opportunities that reduce barriers to participation. In addition to wages, fellows may receive supportive services, such as transportation or professional clothing assistance, to help them fully participate in the program. Participants will be compensated $23 hourly for a maximum of 800 hours during the 2026 – 2027 academic year.

The LBPSC welcomed its first cohort in November 2023 with 50 students placed throughout various city departments as they engaged in a series of professional development workshops designed to highlight important topics in public service. The program later introduced its second cohort in 2024, followed by its third cohort in 2025.

The program is funded by a $2.5 million grant from the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps initiative, which strives to bring together youth across the state to help address urgent challenges in California’s communities. This funding also supports other youth employment efforts coordinated by LBWIN, including public service internships and the Long Beach Urban Planning and Design Internship Program. The LBPSC is also supported by a one-time allocation of $300,000 that the mayor and City Council approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget.

LBPSC is a collaborative effort between EDO, the Long Beach Human Resources Department and the city’s legislative offices. EDO staff provides case management, payroll coordination and career services to support corpsmembers during and after the program, including job placement assistance and continued career guidance.

For additional information about LBPSC, those interested may visit the EDO website at longbeach.gov/psc or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at (562) 570-4700.