Community News

Labor Exhibition

A new exhibition to highlight and celebrate the contributions of labor throughout the history of the Port of Long Beach will open Tuesday, Aug. 27, presented by the Historical Society of Long Beach in partnership with the port.

Debuting the week before Labor Day, “The Workers’ Harbor – How Labor Built and Shaped the Port of Long Beach” will be on display at the Port of Long Beach Administration Building in downtown Long Beach.

This special exhibition brings together historical photos and artifacts to look at the people who made the ports of the San Pedro Bay possible: longshore workers, skilled tradespeople, mariners, Navy personnel and many more – the laborers who made the Port of Long Beach and keep cargo moving today.

“The story of workers in the harbor demonstrates the tremendous feat of transforming muddy tidelands into a global economic engine and a source of employment for generations of local residents,” said Julie Bartolotto, Executive Director of the Historical Society of Long Beach. “Partnerships like this one with the Port of Long Beach expand the reach of local history and the work of the Historical Society of Long Beach.”

The exhibition will be on display in the Port of Long Beach Administration Building Lobby, 415 W. Ocean Blvd., in the downtown Long Beach Civic Center, from Aug. 27 through Nov. 15, weekdays only from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entrance to the exhibit is free.

Find more information at polb.com/workersharbor.

Public Asked to Provide Input on Senior Center

The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) invites community members to provide their input on the city’s relocation plans for the Long Beach Senior Center. Residents are encouraged to share their feedback on the city’s plans via an online survey or at the upcoming community meeting taking place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at the existing Long Beach Senior Center location (1150 E. 4th St.).

The Long Beach Senior Center will relocate from its existing location to 125 Elm Ave. The new Senior Center will occupy the entire ground floor of the 125 Elm Ave. building, measuring 44,514 square feet. The center will offer social and recreational programs, health and wellness activities, meals and nutrition, cultural enrichment, community and support networks, and access services and information.

At the community meeting, residents can expect a presentation about the project followed by the opportunity to interact with PRM staff and the project consultant, ask questions and provide input.

Community members are also encouraged to take the online survey, offering an additional way for residents to provide their input and suggestions. The survey, available now in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, is open through Sept. 30, 2024. Those with limited access to a computer or smart phone may visit a public computer lab available at any open Long Beach Public Library location to access the survey. The survey will also be available at the community meeting.

For more information, residents may contact Sheryln Beatty, acting manager, Parks, Partnerships and Planning Bureau, at (562) 965-3751.

Wetlands Tour

Learn about the history of Los Cerritos Wetlands, the restoration of wetland habitat and the plan to reintroduce tidal flow into the wetlands during their nature walk on Sept. 7, from 8 to 10 a.m.

Bring binoculars, if you have them, to view wetlands wildlife. This walk is appropriate for ages 7 and up. Closed toes shoes are required. Park at the intersection of PCH and 1st St., just at the border of Long Beach and Seal Beach. For more information or to RSVP for the nature walk, contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lcwlandtrust.org.

Celebrate Waffle Day

Saturday, Aug. 24, is National Waffle Day, a richly deserved honor for a breakfast treat that’s as prestigious as it is delicious! When you celebrate the big day with an order of waffles at one of these eateries, you’ll be armed with some Waffle Fun Facts:

Precursors to waffles existed over 4,000 years ago. The waffle’s familiar grid pattern emerged in the 15th century. Waffles started appearing in America in the early 17th century, brought here by Dutch immigrants.

Thomas Jefferson helped make waffles more popular after he returned from France with a souvenir waffle iron in 1789! Cornelius Swartwout of Troy, New York patented an easy-to-use waffle iron on Aug. 24, 1869, paving the way for National Waffle Day.

Zuzu’s Petals, 801 E 3rd St. – This cute and cozy spot near the corner of 3rd Street and Alamitos Avenue, named after George Bailey’s daughter Zuzu in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is doing very well with its breakfast and lunch menus of contemporary American cuisine. Co-owner Evan Papadakis raved about the Waffles Suzette, created by executive chef Jessie Franco: “It’s extraordinary –an explosion of flavor! It’s served with caramelized banana and our house hazelnut butter drizzled on top, along with strawberry jam and pure maple syrup.”

Arize Bistro, 306 Elm Ave. – Arize Bistro in the East Village is popular for American classic breakfast and lunch dishes, and for Asian infused dishes such as Chicken Satay and Thai-Chinese Style Fried Rice. Arize serves a delicious Belgian Waffle (deeper and thicker than a traditional waffle) – but it’s the Crispy Chicken Waffle Sammich that gets the “must try” accolade! Available with the original or the spicy recipe, the dish features tender and juicy seasoned chicken which is battered, deep fried to perfection, and served on top of a Belgian waffle, along with red skin potatoes and two sauces.

Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, 730 E. Broadway – Roscoe’s has been doing its part to raise the waffle to icon status ever since Harlem native Herb Hudson founded the soul food restaurant chain in Hollywood during the mid-70s. Soul food staples such as candy yams and red beans are served, but it’s the waffle combos that get the major attention. You can get waffles as a side dish for your omelet or chicken tenders. The Herb’s Specials – 1/2 chickens prepared “southern style” or smothered with gravy and onions – are accompanied by the legendary waffles as well. At Roscoes, the live music is just as tasty as the food.

The Breakfast Bar, 70 Atlantic Ave. – If you haven’t yet tried The Breakfast Bar, stop in for a Belgian Waffle topped with fresh berries. It’ll be your gateway dish in a place known as one of the best around for homemade, family-style food and a huge, colorful adult beverage selection. “Our waffle is unique because of our old family recipe,” said general manager Alberto Nunez. “It’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And it only takes three minutes to make.”

Omelette Inn Café, 318 Pine Ave. – The Omelette Inn Cafe has been a downtown mainstay for decades, and for a great reason; The food is superb! The omelet menu alone is so awesome, you’ll have the good problem of being unable to decide on one. The sandwich, salad, and griddle menus are equally nice. “Many, many customers have told us over the years how much they loved our waffles with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup,” said general manager Alma.

Potholder Café, 301 W. Broadway – Looking for a gluten-free waffle option? Try the Potholder Cafe. You can get one there, topped with bananas, blueberries, and strawberries. The Potholder also serves chicken & waffles – buttermilk chicken tenders accompanied by a bacon waffle and maple syrup. The big news here is the weekly Waffle Wednesdays! Get an old fashion-style waffle with two eggs any style and your choice of bacon or sausage.