Community News

Free Tax Preparation

College of Business students from Cal State Long Beach are providing free in-person tax preparation assistance to families who make $67,000 or less, low-income students, elderly, non-residents and individuals with limited English proficiency. All student-volunteers are certified by the IRS.

The free service is part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance clinic (VITA), an IRS-sponsored program. Last year student volunteers at CSULB filed state and federal tax returns for over 1,500 clients resulting in over $1.2 million in refunds.

“VITA benefits both our business students and the local community,” said Professor Sudha Krishnan, faculty advisor for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. “The students get hands-on experience while also helping those in the community who may not have the disposable income to pay for a professional tax preparer.”

The VITA service offers face-to-face, drop-offs, walk-ins and virtual services on Zoom. An appointment is recommended, but not required except for Zoom clients. Walk-ins and those dropping off documents should go to room 243 in the College of Business Building. There is a fee to park on campus.

The hours of service are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until April 9. The service will be closed for spring break from March 31 until April 6.

Civil Service Commission Accepting Applications

Mayor Rex Richardson announced the opening of the application period for the Civil Service Employee Rights and Appeals Commission.

“Long Beach is modernizing its hiring systems to be more efficient and to recruit the next generation of dedicated public servants from our local community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The new Employee Rights and Appeals Commission will work to ensure that the dignity and rights of Long Beach employees are preserved and protected as they work to deliver the quality services that our residents depend on.”

The application is open to all Long Beach residents who can meet the responsibilities of the commission. Basic requirements include:

• Attend monthly Commission meetings
• Complete approximately 10 hours of outside preparation work each month
• Complete a LiveScan background check
• Participate in required ongoing training for commissioners.

The purpose of the commission is to carry out the City Charter mandate to hear and review disciplinary appeals filed by classified city employees, continue to receive and resolve complaints relative to the hiring process of the classified service, rule on appeals of industrial retirement determinations and to implement classified local hiring preferences.

This commission was enacted as a key part of Measure JB, also known as the “Long Beach Jobs Promise,” a charter amendment approved by Long Beach voters in November 2024. It is modernizing the city’s hiring system by reducing the time it takes to fill vacant positions, establishing innovative hiring preferences for Long Beach residents and creating a single unified city department to manage all hiring activities for the city.

Interested residents are encouraged to apply by visiting longbeach.gov/readytoserve.

Five Weeks of Fun

Spring into the season aboard the iconic Queen Mary from March 17 to April 19, 2025, with five weeks of immersive entertainment, delightful family-friendly activities, special events and unforgettable experiences perfect for kids and the kids-at-heart. From scavenger hunts to beer tastings, to exploring over 23 exhibits, there’s truly something aboard for everyone to discover this spring break.

“We love being part of creating special moments and lasting memories aboard the Queen Mary,” said Steve Caloca, managing director of the Queen Mary. “Adding to our already robust calendar of happenings on deck, we’re excited to offer new and engaging experiences this spring break that everyone can enjoy.”

Starting March 17, daily scavenger hunts will have young adventurers (ages 5–11 at 1 p.m.) and older explorers (ages 12+ at 4 p.m.) uncovering hidden treasures around the ship. Successful scavengers will receive a special collectible button to proudly wear as a keepsake of their adventure. Guests can mingle daily with the ship’s officers from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the commodore’s office, explore over 23 fascinating exhibits, and watch captivating Queen Mary educational videos in the QM Theater from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., all included with general admission.

Beginning March 21, families can meet Theodore, the Queen Mary’s lovable teddy bear mascot, Fridays through Sundays at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Spring breakers can also immerse themselves further into the ship’s rich history through the “Experience Points” self-guided audio tour, available in five languages.

For adults seeking relaxation and refreshment, Beer Tastings will spring to life each Friday in the Observation Bar from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering unique brews for just $30 per person. Each Saturday, guests can savor springtime elegance with Afternoon Tea from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring an assortment of delightful teas, sandwiches and pastries.

On Friday, March 21, in honor of Women’s Empowerment Month, guests can unleash their creativity at the “Brushes and Bubbly” painting event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Led by an expert instructor, attendees will craft their own artwork while enjoying a charcuterie board and a complimentary drink. All painting supplies: canvas, easel and apron, are provided, making it accessible and fun for everyone. Tickets are $59 per person.

During the five weeks, families can take advantage of free access after 3 p.m. for children ages 11 and younger Monday-Friday with the purchase of an adult general admission ticket on-site. For those looking to extend the fun, the Voyage Into Spring hotel package offers an overnight stay in a historic stateroom, a $75 food and beverage credit, 15% off guided tours and complimentary access to exhibits and the self-guided museum tour.

Beyond the special spring offerings, guests can also enjoy nightly activities aboard the Queen Mary, such as the popular “Meet Me at the Mary,” lively karaoke nights at the Observation Bar, live music performances, renowned Sunday brunch and much more. For a full list of activities and events, visit the Queen Mary’s website and explore what’s on deck.

For more information, upcoming events, programming and more visit www.queenmary.com/seasonal-events.htm and queenmary.com/whatsondeck, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.

Free Guided Nature Walk

April 5, from 8 to 10 a.m., check out interesting wildlife, including egrets and herons, at Los Cerritos Wetlands. You will spend time at Marketplace Marsh, currently off-limits to the public. Learn about the innovations and restoration of these long-degraded wetland areas. The walk is for ages seven and up. Meet at the corner of PCH and 1st Street in Seal Beach.

Spring Book Sale

The Friends of the Signal Hill Library invite you to find treasures at our Spring Book Sale on Friday April 11 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Come fill up a bag, which we will provide, for only $5. Cash only. The book sale of gently used books & DVDs will be held on the Front Patio entrance of the Signal Hill Library, 1800 East Hill Street (off Cherry Ave). Parking is free.

You will find lots of kid’s books, biographies, cookbooks, history, novels, self-help, spirituality, textbooks, teens, travel & more. We will also offer special, unique & rare books priced separately at $5 to $10.

Held during National Library Week across America, proceeds go back into Literacy & Children’s Reading programs. Thank you for your help keeping books out of landfills! For more information, please call (562) 989-7323.

City to Host Veteran and Service Member Job Fair

The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Veterans Support, invites the community to participate in a Veteran and Service Member Job Fair. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Adult Career Services Center, 4811 Airport Plaza Dr.

The event will offer opportunities for veterans and service members transitioning from military to civilian life to network and meet with prospective public and private sector employers and will feature a resume review bar and interview stations. Additionally, mental health, health care, housing and homelessness prevention resources, including a Veterans Administration home loan workshop, will be available for attendees. While the job fair will focus on resources for veterans and transitioning service members, this free event is open to the public. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP online.

Participating employers include the Long Beach Police Department, Long Beach Fire Department, Long Beach Human Resources Department, Long Beach Civil Service Department and Allied Universal. The event is presented in part with support from the Port of Long Beach.

For additional information about the Veteran and Service Member Job Fair event, contact Alexandria O’ Bard, preparedness and response support specialist, Department of Health and Human Services, at (562) 570-4035 or Alexandria.O’Bard@longbeach.gov.

Red Cross Giving Day

The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region is issuing a call to help ensure no one faces a disaster alone by donating on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26.

During the first 50 days of 2025, Red Cross volunteers responded to more big disasters in the U.S. than days – including the Palisades and Eaton fires. And that’s on top of everyday crises like home fires that have upended lives. Meanwhile, more Red Cross blood donations have gone uncollected so far this year due to weather than throughout all of 2024.

“This year’s disasters have set a whirlwind pace, displacing thousands of people from their homes across the country and disrupting the nation’s blood supply for patients,” said Joanne Nowlin, CEO, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “As we enter spring disaster season, families are relying on us to come together as a community and support them when help can’t wait during future crises. Join us today by making a financial donation or giving blood or platelets.”

Visit redcross.org today to make a financial donation or schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets in March:

Make a Financial Donation: Donations will be part of Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to rally 30,000 individuals to help people affected by disasters big and small. A gift of any size makes a difference. For example, a donation of $3 can provide a comfort kit with supplies like a toothbrush, comb and shampoo and a gift of $11 can provide a nutritious meal, snack and drink.

For those who are able, any donor who gives $140 or more in March will receive a choice of a Red Cross monopack or a pair of socks as a thank-you for supporting our mission. Donors can make their gift and claim their thank-you by visiting redcross.org any time during March.

Give Blood or Platelets: To help overcome the significant weather impact on blood donations, the Red Cross also urges the public to give lifesaving blood or platelets by making an appointment today at RedCrossBlood.org, on the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. People of all blood types are needed now to help avoid further strain to the blood supply.

The Red Cross is expanding its health offerings by performing free A1C testing (commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes) on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March. Additionally, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details on both offers.