Community News

Free Youth Fishing Derby

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), in partnership with The Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, will offer their annual Free Youth Fishing Derby for youth ages 17 and younger on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at El Dorado East Regional Park, 7550 E. Spring St.

For over 20 years the Derby has been a unique learning experience for youth to enjoy outdoor recreation, get expert fishing tips and have opportunities to win prizes like fishing gear and gift cards.

Fishing poles and tackle will be provided to participating youth for free during the derby. Youth may also participate with their own fishing gear. Registration begins on site at 8 a.m. and a raffle will begin at 1 p.m. Those over the age of 16 are required to have a valid California State Fishing License. Vehicle entry to El Dorado Regional Park is free for the event.

For more information about the event, call El Dorado East Regional Park at (562) 570-1771.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

2nd & PCH invites the community to celebrate the start of the holiday season at its 6th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Arrival on Thursday, Nov. 20, 5-8:00 p.m. This highly anticipated family tradition transforms the coastal lifestyle center into a festive winter wonderland, complete with sparkling lights, cheerful décor and holiday spirit. This year’s tree stands an impressive 52.5 feet tall, the tallest real tree in Long Beach.

Guests can enjoy a live performance by SZN4 from the hit show Building the Band, the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, and an evening filled with holiday crafts, face painting and seasonal entertainment for all ages. The event will culminate in a fireworks display lighting up the Long Beach sky, marking the official start of the holiday season at 2nd & PCH.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to explore the center’s vibrant mix of restaurants, retailers and specialty boutiques.

Also at 2nd & PCH, Guests can capture holiday memories, including Santa Paws sessions for pets and Silent Santa experiences designed for sensory-sensitive visitors. Santa photos and special sessions run throughout the season, beginning Friday, Nov. 21, with full details and reservations available at 2ndandpch.com/Events.

PRM Recreation Classes

Registration for new and existing winter recreation classes offered by the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) began Monday, Nov. 3. PRM will offer over 700 classes, activities, sports and leagues throughout Long Beach for people of all ages and abilities. Everyone from preschool age to older adults will enjoy classes in arts, cooking, dance, music, nature, fitness, sports, special interests, cultural programs and more. Classes will start in December and extend through February 2026.

Below are select highlights of classes available to participate in this upcoming winter:

Preschool

• Hip Hop Tots (ages 2 years, six months to 5 years)
• Parent and Me Pre-K Readiness (ages 2 years to 3 years, 10 months)
• Little Campfire – Stories and Music (ages newborn to 4 years)

Youth

• Musical Theater (ages 7 to 13 years)
• Fiddle Scouts – Violin Class (ages 6 years, 6 months to 10 years)
• Traditional Karate (ages 5 to 17 years)
• D Up Ballers Youth Basketball (ages 7 to 16 years)

Teens

• Basic Cooking for Teens (ages 13 to 18 years)
• Dog Behavior Training 101 Positive Reinforcement (ages 10 years and up)
• 40-30-20 Interval Training (ages 16 years and up)

Adults

• Belly Dance (ages 18 years and up)
• Adult Ukulele (ages 18 years and up)
• Yoga (ages 16 years and up)

Older Adults

• Senior Line Dancing (ages 50 years and up)
• FUNctional Movement, Balance and Brains (ages 50 years and up)
• Zumba Gold Toning (ages 50 years and up)

Residents can register for classes by visiting LBParks.org and clicking on Online Registration under LB RecConnect, by calling (562) 570-3111 or by visiting the Registration Reservations Office, 2760 Studebaker Rd., M-F, 8-5.

Shop for Good Festival

Fair Trade Long Beach announced the upcoming Shop for Good/Shop Small-iday Holiday Festival, a vibrant celebration of ethical sourcing and conscious consumerism, taking place on Nov. 22, from noon to 3 p.m., at Sports Basement Long Beach. This event aims to create options to shop ethically for social good and show support for our fair-trade producers both globally and locally.

The fest will feature an Ethical Fashion Show, a Miss Purrfect Pinup Pageant with the “Catwalk” sponsored by The Little Lion Foundation, DJ HB Jukebox with Holiday Carol Karaoke, and 30 global and local artisan groups showcasing a diverse array of ethically sourced products, from handcrafted goods and clothing to delicious coffee, chocolate and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with fair trade artisans and learn about the positive impact of their work in communities worldwide.

Ten percent of all sales that day will benefit the mission of The Little Lion Foundation Rescue.”

For more details, reach out to Teresa Baxter at (626) 372-5285 or email fairtradelongbeach@gmail.com.