Community News

Exhibit Explores Water’s Environmental Impact

From above, Earth appears as a water planet with more than 71 percent of its surface covered with this vital resource for life. Water impacts climate, agriculture, transportation, industry and more. It inspires art and music. Rancho Los Cerritos (RLC) will examine water as an environmental necessity and an important cultural element as it hosts “Water/Ways,” a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). “Water/Ways” will be on view Aug. 30 through Nov. 9.

“Water/Ways” explores the endless motion of the water cycle, water’s effect on landscape, settlement and migration, and its impact on culture and spirituality. It looks at how political and economic planning have long been affected by access to water and control of water resources. Human creativity and resourcefulness provide new ways of protecting water resources and renewing respect for the natural environment.

The exhibition includes interactives that will help visitors explore the deep connections between water, work, traditions and faith. For example, a touchable relief map of the Elwha River watershed in Washington allows visitors to feel how terrain creates a watershed. Another interactive called “How Much Water” shows how many gallons of water it takes to grow or produce a variety of familiar goods from milk to chicken to blue jeans. “Water/Ways” also includes two multimedia kiosks that provide a variety of short videos about water as a natural resource and its influence on the environment and human culture.

Likewise, RLC’s sophisticated stormwater retention and reuse project titled “Looking Back to Advance Forward” combines traditional and innovative water capture elements such as permeable surfaces, water basins, rain gardens, filter strips and a 22,000-gallon underground cistern to capture and reuse 95% of water from each rainfall. The project positions the organization as a leader in water recapture in Long Beach and beyond. By strategically reclaiming rainwater, RLC has the capacity to withstand large storms without damaging its historic landscapes and is a compliment to the Smithsonian exhibition.”

2nd & PCH Free Dancing

Line dancing nights on Seaport| are 6–7:30 p.m. every 2nd Wednesday of the month (Sept. 10) Join us for a fun, all-levels line dancing class blending classic Western favorites with R&B and pop hits. Whether you’re a seasoned two-stepper or just looking to try something new, this high-energy event is a great way to get moving and connect with the community.

Salsa dancing class and social dancing is 6-9 p.m every 3rd Tuesday of the month (Sept. 16). A lively evening of salsa dancing, featuring a class led by Peter Araiza and Jenny Mee – no partner required. Expect incredible music, lots of laughs and plenty of opportunities to dance the night away.

All events are complementary and open to the public. Guests are also invited to explore the shops, restaurants and scenic waterfront before or after the festivities.

Hearing Aid Coverage

David J. DeKriek, Au.D., of Fidelity Hearing Center, will present an overview of insurance for people using hearing aids on Thursday, Sept. 11, 4-5 p.m. at the Weingart Center, 5200 Oliva Ave., Lakewood. Navigating medical insurance can be confusing – especially when it comes to hearing aids. Join us for an informative presentation that breaks down the basics of health insurance, explains the different types of plans, and highlights how coverage (or lack of coverage) for hearing aids works.

You’ll learn what questions to ask your insurance provider, and practical tips for maximizing your options. Whether your plan offers a hearing aid benefit, a discount program, or no coverage at all, this session will give you the tools to make informative decisions about your hearing healthcare.

Hearing Loss Association of America monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month, are captioned, free and open to the public and a friendly place to share questions, find solutions and learn about technology that makes living with hearing loss easier. For more information, text (213) 705-3629.

Republican Women

Greater Long Beach Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting Saturday, Sept. 13, at The Grand, 4101 E. Willow St. Registration is at 9 a.m.; buffet breakfast follows at 9:30 a.m.

The guest speaker is Denice Gary-Pandol, a knowledgeable political scientist and former U.S. Senatorial candidate. Her topic is “How Republicans Can Win in 2026. It’s Messaging.”

Cost is $30 for members, $35 for non-members. For a reservation, call Sandy Dubrowskij at (562) 310-4283 or email glbrw2024@gmail.com.

Fall Session Registration

On Sept. 15 the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University, Long Beach will begin registration for its fall session. Classes will be held on campus, at satellite community locations, and online using Zoom.

More than 85 classes, including 21 new ones, will be offered covering a wide variety of subjects including computer/tech skills, music, art, crafting, fitness and wellness, foreign languages, writing, movies, literature, literature, history, current events, personal finance and recreational activities. OLLI will also provide 14 free educational programs and workshops open to the community.

The seven-week session begins on Oct. 6 and is open to all adults 50 and over. The annual membership fee is $40 and classes are only $15 each. More information, including registration, can be found by visiting the OLLI website www.csulb.edu/olli.

For 29 years OLLI has been dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults throughout Greater Long Beach and Orange County by providing educational opportunities and social engagement.

Center to Host Zentara

Imaginarium’s new indoor-outdoor light spectacle, Zentara, will transform more than two-and-a-half acres at Lakewood Center into a mesmerizing and mystical world of color, imagination and wonder from Thursday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Jan. 4. The all-ages walk-through experience will unveil a never-before-seen landscape where glowing flora, shimmering pathways and magical creatures awaken beneath a canopy of five million lights.

A brand-new experience for Lakewood, Zentara will offer picture-perfect moments through surreal storybook realms brought to life with millions of lights and cutting-edge creativity. Guests will wander through romantic rose gardens blooming in gradient pinks and pastels; pass through a heart tunnel lit with warm hues; cross a misty Swan Lake; and enter a golden Sunflower Garden with a wish-making windchime wall. In the Fluorescent Forests, each grove will glow in a different color theme, from yellow to blue to pink and more, while interactive installations will invite visitors to bounce on illuminated spheres or doodle across projection walls.

The adventure will continue into the Volcano Realm, with a fiery laser maze and lava illusions, and on to the Galaxy & Stars, where fiber optic trees and starlight hammocks set the scene for celestial games. Beneath the waves in Ocean Fantasia, jellyfish drift overhead and a giant whale projection glides across the walls, where a shimmering Wishing Pool awaits. The journey culminates in the Crystal Mirror House & Diamond Tunnel, featuring kaleidoscopic reflections, light-reactive walls and sequin breeze sculptures.

The experience will feature performances from Cirque Legacy Medieval Circus Show running from Thursday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Sept. 7. Known for its multi-generational circus roots and emphasis on family entertainment, Cirque Legacy brings to life an enchanting 30‑minute performance filled with fairies, elves, acrobats and whimsical wonder. The show blends aerial feats, juggling, contortionists and comedy in a medieval setting designed to captivate audiences of all ages.

Then, from Monday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Jan. 4, John’s Adrenaline Circus will take over with pulse-pounding action. A high-energy fusion of traditional circus flair and extreme sports, the show features motorcycle daredevils, BMX stunt riders, aerialists and acrobats, jugglers and comedic clown acts and the world-famous “Globe of Death” – a jaw-dropping act where riders perform inside a steel sphere.

Located at 500 Lakewood Center Dr., Imaginarium’s Zentara will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, and from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. General admission starts at $21 per person. Parking is free.

For tickets or more information, visit www.imaginarium360.com or call (725) 272-2700.

Ranchos Walk Returns

The City of Long Beach will host the Seventh Annual Ranchos Walk on Saturday, Sept. 20. The community is invited to join in this free, unique hike experience to explore an urban trail that links Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos. The 9.4-mile scenic route connects the highest points across Long Beach and Signal Hill, including Reservoir Hill, Longview Point at Willow Springs Park and Hilltop Park in Signal Hill.

The Annual Ranchos Walk, which typically sees approximately 400 attendees each year, welcomed nearly 600 participants in 2024. This year, the Ranchos Walk will celebrate Long Beach’s urban forest and its benefits while highlighting notable local trees.

In addition to the full 9.4-mile urban hike, the walk will also feature shorter 3.5-mile and 6-mile route options. The Ranchos Walk will end at Rancho Los Cerritos, where participants can enjoy a fun afternoon of music, games and activities, as well as giveaways including limited-edition adventure completion pins and bandanas. Food, beverages and merchandise will be available for purchase.

Led by the city’s Office of Climate Action and Sustainability, the Ranchos Walk is also supported by various city departments, including Health and Human Services, Public Works and the Port of Long Beach.

This year’s tree theme will educate walkers about the environmental and social benefits of street trees and feature some notable species that are visible along the walk route. Participants may access a free audio tour using the IZI travel app, available for download on Apple and Android devices. Participation in the event is free with online registration.

Additional event details, including how to register and event starting locations, are available at lbcity.info/rw.

Free Magic Show

On Sept. 20, at 7 p.m., the Seal Beach Magic Club will be presenting its annual stage competition. This event will see eight magicians performing a 10-minute magic set in an effort to win the first-place trophy. The winner will be decided by a vote from the audience.

The stage competition is a family-friendly, all-ages, free event that is open to the public.

Last year’s winner, Paul Case, will be the host and emcee for the evening. Case will keep the evening moving with jokes and magic between the performing magician’s acts.

For more information about Ring 96 The Seal Beach Magic Club, visit www.ring96.com. Ring 96 is the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

Fall Mixer Fundraiser

The Bucket List Project Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to grant custom Bucket List wishes for adults with life limiting illnesses and limited resources. We’ve been serving the Long Beach community and local area for over ten years, making dreams come true for those in need.

We will be hosting our 2025 Fall Mixer fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 25 at Michael’s on Naples from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join us in honoring our cause and supporters while sharing in a heartwarming evening of connection, libations and heavy appetizers. The support of our attendees, donors and sponsors enables us to continue to make a difference in the lives of our wish recipients and their families, providing joy and memorable experiences during difficult times.

If you are interested in attending or supporting us, please visit our website: at www.thebucketlistproject.com or contact us by email by email at: foundationmanager@thebucketlistproject.com.