Community News

State of Journalism

Brian Addison, a Long Beach-based writer and editor, will discuss “What is the state of our local journalism and how do we keep it alive?” on Sunday, July 8, 12:15 p.m. at Grace First Presbyterian Church, 3955 N. Studebaker Rd.

Through an examination of past and current developments – including the failure of LA Weekly and the Press-Telegram and his direct involvement in the creation of the new Long Beach Post – Brian hopes to have a dialogue with Long Beach about how everyone, from writers and editors to business owners and every day citizens, affect the state of journalism. Perhaps most importantly, this will be a discussion on how local journalism is an essential cog for a healthy, functioning society.

Twisted at the Pike

Presented by Downtown Long Beach Alliance, Summer and Music (SAM) continues with Twisted at The Pike, the second of four free music events located in Downtown Long Beach this summer. Located at The Pike Outlets, the event starts at 5 p.m. on July 14 and will be headlined by the hypnotic punk band, L.A. Witch.

This season’s Twisted at the Pike will add elements from last year’s well-attended Punk Rock Prom, to its carnival-centric programming, so come dressed to impress! The evening will showcase Sirena Serpentina’s tribal fire belly dancers, stilt walkers, fire breathers, magic and more! Celebrating what makes Long Beach innovative, immersive, and unique, Twisted at The Pike presents visual and audible sensations for attendees to feed that inner rebel.

Additional remaining SAM events are Bicycle Drive-In August 4 and Buskerfest in the East Village Arts District on Sept. 8. For more information on SAM, visit www.summerandmusic.com.

Genealogy Presentation

Questing Heirs Genealogical Society will host speaker Jean Wilcox Hibben on the topic “City Directories:  More than an Address Book” and “Doing Research on So.                               California Mission Indians.”

It takes place on Sunday, July 15, at 1 p.m. at the Lakewood Masonic Center) 5918 E. Parkcrest St. The meeting is free and open to the general public. Learn tools for genealogical research from experienced experts. Info: http://www.qhgs.Info/

Willmore City Walking Tour

This Saturday, July 28, tour is designed as an educational introduction to a cross-section of early 20th century Long Beach residential architecture. There are numerous examples of variations on the Victorian style as well as turn-of-the-century transitional homes and the first modern architecture-the Craftsman. A few of the 1920’s revival styles such as the Spanish Colonial, Dutch Colonial and Tudor are found in the area.

The tour will include interior visits of the Bembridge House and, in contrast, a fully restored Queen Anne “workman’s” cottage. A few miscellaneous items to see will be a mysterious gold-domed temple and an original Catalina tile soda fountain.

The tour starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Bembridge House, 953 Park Circle, and lasts 2-2.5 hours. Cost is $15 per adult payable through PayPal or by purchase at the door