Community News

Gum Grove Nature Walk

On Oct. 3, from 8 to 10 a.m., walk with trained naturalists and learn about the sea eagles, hawks and other raptors of the Los Cerritos Wetlands. Hear about the native people who once lived on this unique land. The walk is for ages seven and up.

Meet in the Gum Grove Park lot at Crescent View & Avalon Dr,, Seal Beach. Email elizabeth@lcwlandtrust.org with questions or to RSVP.

November 2026 Election

Understanding the 2026 Election and Ballot Measures: Presented by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) on Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to noon. Long Beach City College Bldg. O2, Rm. 208 at 4900 E. Conant St. Follow signs.

Contact aauwlongbeach.reservations@gmail.com

Hispanic Heritage

Catalina Museum for Art & History celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a family-friendly festival featuring delicious tamales, live music, cultural experiences and fun activities for all ages.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, from 3 to 7 p.m., the free-entry Hispanic Heritage & Tamale Festival will showcase an expanded lineup of local tamale vendors offering homemade specialties that celebrate the flavor of Hispanic cuisine. Festivalgoers can participate in tamale tastings, purchase tamales and vote for their favorite.

In addition to the savory specialties, attendees can participate in engaging games, face painting for children, learn from shared cultural experiences and traditions, and dance the afternoon away to the beat of live music. Local artisans and vendors will also be present, offering handmade goods, traditional snacks and desserts, and merchandise. Margarita flights and other refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Free entry. Registration is encouraged.

Fire Corps Program

The Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO), in partnership with the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD), is now accepting applications for the third cohort of its Long Beach Fire Corps Program. The program provides young people ages 18 to 30 with hands-on work experience within the Fire Department along with professional training opportunities. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply online through Monday, Oct. 26.

Led by EDO’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, the program offers a seven-month course consisting of paid work experience, monthly workshops and professional trainings such as CPR certification and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.

Interns will work within the Fire Prevention Bureau’s Community Services Division to support communications-related activities and special events, including the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive and Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Participants will be compensated $22 per hour for a maximum of 450 hours. Priority will be given to Long Beach residents. Additional information regarding eligibility and requirements is available on the program webpage.

To support prospective applicants, EDO will host a virtual information session on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

“The Fire Corps Program allows us to invest directly in the next generation of public servants,” said Long Beach Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan. “Participants work alongside our team, contribute to meaningful community programs and learn how many different people and professions are needed to support a strong and effective fire department.”

The program’s first two cohorts consisted of a combined total of 33 participants. Additionally, eight participants secured employment with the Fire Department upon successful completion of the internship.

“We’re proud to work alongside the Fire Department to offer young people a unique opportunity to experience what it means to serve their community,” said EDO Director Bo Martinez. “Through this internship, participants will learn from those who serve on the front lines and gain experiences that will help inspire and prepare them for a future in public safety and service.”

For additional information about the program, the public may contact Reza Perl, Youth Programs Specialist, at (562) 570-4577 or Reza.Perl@longbeach.gov.

Small Business Summit

Thanks to a free summit offered for the first time by the Port of Long Beach, small business owners interested in contracting opportunities will be able to have direct access to a wide range of industry buyers and public agencies all under one roof.

The port will host its inaugural Small Business Summit on Oct. 8, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Westin Long Beach, where hundreds of entrepreneurs are expected to gather for an event dedicated to small businesses interested in connecting with government and industry buyers, exploring resources and preparing for government contracting opportunities.

The free daylong summit will give small business owners unique access to more than 30 industry buyers on exhibit, port divisions, city departments, Long Beach-based public agencies, technical assistance organizations, regional chambers of commerce and business associations.

“Small businesses fuel innovation, create jobs, help build resilient communities and play a critical role in the future success of the Port of Long Beach,” said Port CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “As we build the Port of the Future and advance our 2050 vision of doubling our annual cargo volumes to 20 million container units, we know that our success will depend on a strong and connected ecosystem of partners.”

The Port of Long Beach continues to demonstrate its commitment to the small business community. In the last five years, about $291 million of the Port’s contract funding has been invested in small businesses. In 2025 alone, $54.4 million was paid to small business vendors, accounting for about 44.6% of vendors paid by the Port last year.

“This summit is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about what the Port of Long Beach has to offer small businesses and network with like-minded entrepreneurs,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal. “Small businesses are crucial to strengthening the Long Beach economy and the Port’s competitiveness as a seaport.”

The Port recently announced the inaugural summit in conjunction with the official launch of Port Partners, a new web portal designed to centralize business resources, guidance and opportunities.

The event is free, but space is limited and registration is required to attend: polb.com/smallbusinesssummit.

LBC: The Next Episode

The Long Beach Collective Association, in partnership with 4Leaf Consulting and the City of Long Beach, will present LBC: The Next Episode – Building the Next Chapter of Long Beach Cannabis on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA).

This free networking event will bring together cannabis licensees, social-equity applicants, entrepreneurs, policymakers, regulators, workforce partners, public-health professionals, community organizations and ancillary businesses.

The program will explore the future of Long Beach cannabis, including licensing and regulation, social equity, business development, workforce opportunities, responsible cannabis education and stronger partnerships between the industry, government and community.

Register at: https://eventhi.io/events/lbc-the-next-episode-15033

Republican Women

Greater Long Beach Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting Saturday, Oct. 10, at The Grand, 4101 E. Willow St. Registration is at 9 a.m.; buffet breakfast starts at 9:30 a.m.

Guest speakers: Michael Gates, Candidate for California Attorney General and Herb Morgan, Candidate for California State Controller. Cost is $30 for members, $35 for non-members.

For a reservation, call Sandy Dubrowskij (562) 310-4283 or email glbrw2024@gmail.com

Howl-o-ween Festival

The Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will host its annual Howl-o-ween Festival at the El Dorado Nature Center, on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 2 to 6 p.m. Howl-o-ween Festival attendees are encouraged to get in the Halloween spirit by dressing up as their favorite ghoulish creature or by assembling a creative costume.

Families can enjoy a hair-raising trick-or-treating adventure through the El Dorado Nature Center trails (last trail entry at 5 p.m.). Families can also visit the animal education village and meet some creepy crawly critters, listen to spine-chilling stories and bounce around in the Opossum Patch bounce house. The festival will also feature face painting, arts and crafts for the whole family to enjoy, and food truck items available for purchase.

“The El Dorado Nature Center is one of our community’s most treasured natural spaces,” said Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw. “The Howl-o-ween Festival is another wonderful way for families to enjoy this space, connect with nature and celebrate the season together.”

Howl-o-ween Festival is presented in partnership with the Friends of El Dorado Nature Center and Partners of Parks. Parking is free, with last vehicle entry at 4:30 p.m. A donation of $5 per person is encouraged upon entry to support the Friends of El Dorado Nature Center. More information is available by calling the El Dorado Nature Center at (562) 570-1745.