Community News

Spirit of St. Mary Awards

Dignity Health - St Mary Medical Center held its fourth annual Spirit of St. Mary Awards at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) on April 7, 2026. The event honored individuals and organizations whose service and commitment reflect “humankindness” – the ideal of making life better for other people every day. “Hello humankindness” is the tagline of CommonSpirit Health, the parent company of St. Mary.

This year’s honorees, Dr. Lisa Lighthall Haubert, Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert and Precious Lamb Preschool, were recognized for their dedication to supporting the most vulnerable residents of Long Beach while strengthening our community. Attendees enjoyed a tour of the museum, luncheon and program, including the debut of St. Mary’s award-winning humankindness video.

St. Mary Hospital President, Carolyn Caldwell and Chief Philanthropy Officer, Michael Neils presented the awards to Lisa and Doug Haubert and to Precious Lamb Preschool board chair, Matt Cullen and Executive Director, Cheri Bazley. This annual recognition program is supported by Title Sponsors Arline and Dr. Mike Walter, and others, including the Port of Long Beach.

Arline Walter offered a closing reflection on the importance of humankindness.

Free Nature Tour

On May 2, 8-10 a.m., walk with an ecologist through the Marketplace Marsh to check out wildlife, including egrets and hummingbirds. This is Great Blue Heron nesting season. Learn about the restoration of these long-degraded portion of the Los Cerritos Wetland.

The walk is for ages seven and up. Meet at the corner of PCH and 1st Street in Seal Beach. Email elizabeth@lcwlandtrust.org with questions or to RSVP.

Outstanding Seniors

The Lifetime Learning Center is honoring Elizabeth Lucas and Braden Phillips for a “Lifetime of Service” on May 19 at The Grand at 11:30 am.

Braden Phillips served 27 years in the U.S. Navy. As a naval aviator he logged over 5,000 flight hours and 500 aircraft landings during the Vietnam War, Gulf War and Desert Storm. He was appointed LBPD Bureau Chief in 2001 and retired in 2015. Braden has served as board chair for ChildNet Youth and Family Services, Fisher House, and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Healthcare Systems. He volunteers his leadership skills with the Rotary Club, and Greater Long Beach YMCA boards.

Elizabeth Lucas is an artist, calligrapher, author and educator who has enriched our community through decades of artistry and selfless giving. As a grateful survivor of cancer, she has provided countless hours and generous support to St Mary Medical Center and Pacific Shores Medical Group. Liz is also active in the Rotary Club, Fisher House and Jr. League.

Individual tickets are available for $80 each and there are tables and sponsorship opportunities still available on the website, www.lbccfoundation.org. For more information contact Theresa Brunella at tbrunella@lbcc.edu or call (562) 938-3047.

The Lifetime Learning is a non-profit organization that offers programs to engage older adults mentally, physically and socially.

QM 90th Anniversary

The Queen Mary will commemorate the 90th anniversary of her historic maiden voyage with a signature, daylong celebration on May 27, 2026, the exact date the legendary ocean liner first set sail in 1936. As a centerpiece of the ship’s ongoing year-long anniversary programming, the free event invites guests to step aboard for a dynamic lineup of experiences that honor her legacy while bringing new life to one of the world’s most iconic vessels.

The celebration culminates in the one-night only debut of the inaugural Starlight Lounge, a revival of the ship’s famed Starlight Club, once a premier nightlife destination at sea during her transatlantic voyage years. A separate ticketed event and located on the Sun Deck within the original Verandah Grill, the restored Art Deco venue will make a special return as an elegant evening experience featuring live music, dancing, a three-course meal with homage to the original 1930’s menu, and cocktails, reintroducing the glamour and sophistication that defined the Queen Mary’s golden era.

The day’s festivities begin at noon. as ship’s officers welcome guests at the iconic ship’s Bell, inviting them to explore a curated lineup of experiences, including the Art Gallery, Special Anniversary Tours, arts and crafts, and interactive moments throughout the ship. At 2:00 p.m., the official program takes place in the Queen’s Salon, featuring remarks from Captain James and Officer Danny, a special performance, an address from Long Beach city official, an award presentation from the U.S. Veterans Magazine, and remarks from Caloca, followed by a closing performance.

At 3:30 p.m., guests can attend a special lecture by maritime historian Dik Barton, with the formal program concluding at 5 p.m. The celebration continues into the evening with live music, tours and onboard experiences, leading into the highly anticipated debut of the Starlight Lounge at 6 p.m. with “Date Night at the Verandah Grill,” where guests can enjoy live entertainment, dancing and elevated dining in the ship’s newly revived Art Deco venue.

As part of the day’s ceremonial programming, Queen Mary ship officers will lead a special christening of the vessel, commemorating 90 years since her historic maiden voyage. The celebration will also include the unveiling of a new historical artifact, along with a dedicated tribute to the commodore in the visitor’s center.

First setting sail in 1936, The Queen Mary remains one of the most recognized and celebrated ocean liners in the world. Throughout 2026, the ship continues to mark 90 years since her maiden voyage with a robust lineup of new exhibits, immersive tours and limited-time experiences, inviting guests to explore her legacy in new and meaningful ways.

As part of the 90th anniversary year-long celebrations, guests can take part in a range of special offerings designed to celebrate this historic milestone. This includes the $90 Royal Sunday Brunch available through June 30, and a limited-time $90 per night hotel room offer valid on select dates through June 2026, Sunday through Thursday only. Restrictions and blackout dates apply. Visitors can also experience the newly introduced Embarkation Tour, alongside commemorative anniversary logos, themed décor, and additional activations that honor The Queen Mary’s legacy.

Tickets for the May 27 anniversary celebration are free with an online reservation. Tickets to the Starlight Lounge debut event are available today on the Queen Mary website. For more information on 90th anniversary happenings and offerings visit www.queenmary.com/anniversary.htm.

Fairy Tales Come Alive

Fairy tales leap off the page and into a glowing, larger-than-life world at Imaginarium’s newest light spectacle, “Utopia… Where Fairy Tales Come Alive,” now illuminating nearly three acres of Lakewood Center through Monday, Sept. 7.

Imaginarium’s first and only indoor-outdoor experience, Utopia invites guests of all ages to step into a magical destination where beloved storybook characters, illuminated fantasy realms and interactive experiences bring classic fairy tales to life. With over five million lights, dozens of photo moments and immersive activities around every corner, Utopia offers endless opportunities to explore, play and capture unforgettable memories. Event highlights include:

Multiple magical kingdoms: Guests follow winding paths through illuminated gardens and forests filled with animated foliage, towering glowing trees and fairy tale characters, offering romantic moments for couples and endless excitement for kids.

Infinity mirror rooms: Spellbinding mirror rooms create the illusion of infinite light and reflection, surrounding guests in a dreamlike visual experience.

Photo boxes: Fan-favorite photo boxes return with new fairy tale-themed rooms.

Immersive activity rooms: From laser mazes and interactive art to bouncing balls and a playful ball pit, guests of all ages are encouraged to embrace their inner child.

John’s Adrenaline Circus and Neon Thrill Circus: Two unique, always-free live shows take place daily on the Utopia stage, featuring clowns, fire juggling, aerial performances and jaw-dropping motorcycle stunts inside the Globe of Death.

Located at 326 Lakewood Central Mall in Lakewood, California, Imaginarium’s Utopia is open from 7 to 10 p.m. on Sundays, from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays and from 5 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. General admission starts at $20 per person, with discounted tickets available for children aged three to 12, seniors aged 62 and older and military personnel with a valid ID. Children two and under are free. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase. Parking is free.

For tickets or more information, visit Imaginarium360.com or call (725) 272-2700.

National Bike Month

This May, the City of Long Beach will celebrate National Bike Month, joining local community groups and neighborhoods nationwide in recognizing bicycling as a fun, healthy and sustainable mode of transportation. Residents of all ages are invited to take part in bike events throughout the month that highlight safe riding and offer fun ways to bike around the city. Every ride is a chance to be seen, be safe and bike on. 

With more than 150 miles of bikeways, Long Beach makes it easy for everyone to ride this National Bike Month and year-round. From scenic rides along the San Gabriel River Trail to quick trips using the city’s Bike Share program, residents of all ages can enjoy getting around on wheels. With plans to expand the network to 300 miles of bikeways by 2040, the city is committed to making bicycling a fun, convenient and everyday way to explore Long Beach.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, National Bike Month offers something for everyone:

Moonlight Mash, Pedal Movement (223 E. 1st St.), Saturday, May 1, and May 30, 8 p.m. – A fun and festive 9-mile social bike ride through Long Beach, ending with a beach hangout

Recycle Your Bicycle, Various locations, Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m. – Drop off gently used, nonmotorized bicycles at four local parks across the city. Only non-electric models will be accepted

Pedal to the Metal May Ride, ISM Brewing (Promenade and 3rd St.), Tuesday, May 5, 6:30 p.m. – Moonlight Mash and ISM Brewing are teaming up for a fun, social bike ride through Long Beach’s iconic spots all while listening to metal music

National Bike to Work Week Pop-Up: Harvey Milk Promenade, Friday May 15th 8a.m. - 9:30a.m., Join Walk and Roll and DLBA on your morning bike commute during Bike to Work Week for free bike safety gear and light refreshments. Check our website for other bike to work week events

MacArthur Park Community Bike Ride, MacArthur Park, Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – A four-mile community bike ride past four Long Beach parks, designed for riders of all ages and skill levels

Kidical Mass, Pixie Toys (3914 Atlantic Ave.), Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. – A relaxed, family-friendly bike ride through the Bixby Knolls neighborhood, covering 4 to 4.5 miles and welcoming riders for all ages and skill levels

E-bike Demo Day, La Verne Parking Lot (5200 E Ocean Blvd.) Saturday May 30, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. – Curious about e-bikes? Stop by this family-friendly event for an on-site test ride and enjoy a fun day in Long Beach

For more details, visit longbeach.gov/bikemonth.

Water Safety Day

The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), in partnership with the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Marine Safety Division, will host Water Safety Day on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. at Belmont Plaza Pool (4320 Olympic Plaza), Martin Luther King Jr. Park Pool (1910 Lemon Ave.) and Silverado Park Pool (1540 W. 32nd St.). This free community event will educate people of all ages and swimming levels, including children and families, on how to stay safe in and around the water by learning essential skills for the upcoming summer season.

Water Safety Day will feature fun, interactive and educational water safety stations for both in and out of the water, including survival floating and swim lesson evaluations for swimmers of all ages and skill levels, proper lifejacket fitting, education for water watchers, water rescue tips, beach, pool and sun safety, hands-only CPR, how to call 9-1-1 and more. At the conclusion of the event, participants are encouraged to stay for a free recreation swim from 1 to 3 p.m. at each of the three locations. Participants should plan to bring a swimsuit, towel and sun protection items such as sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.

Registration is required and can be completed on LB Rec Connect, PRM’s recreation class online registration platform, available on LBParks.org. In-person registration will also be available at each location on the day of the event. Those registering should refer to the following class numbers to register for their preferred location:

• Belmont Plaza Pool (Class #70901)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Park Pool (Class #70902)
• Silverado Park Pool (Class #70903)

This is the second year PRM and LBFD have partnered to offer this vital community preparedness event, reinforcing their shared commitment to water safety education. This year’s event includes an additional location at Martin Luther King Jr. Park Pool, broadening community access to additional neighborhoods in the city. Additional information about PRM’s pools is available here.

Water Safety Day supports PRM’s Parks Make Long Beach Strategic Plan goal of offering meaningful recreational programming and events by expanding aquatics programs for underserved communities.

For additional information about Water Safety Day call (562) 570-3150.