100 Days of Summer

DSB Journey Tribute Band Kicks off 100 Day 2011

2011-05-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (LBPRM) will kick off the “100 days of summer” with a performance by DSB (Don’t Stop Believin’), the preeminent Journey Tribute Band at Marina Vista Park, at Colorado Street and Santiago Avenue on Friday, May 27. The fun will begin at 5 p.m. with bouncers, face painting, and family games leading up to the DSB performance at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic dinners and relax on the lawn for a great evening of family fun.

DSB delivers the nostalgic concert experience that will keep you believin' by capturing the lush and signature sound of renowned vocalist Steve Perry and Journey in their prime. DSB has filled venues in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Los Angeles to capacity singing the chart topping hits of Journey.

The DSB concert is the first event in LBPRM’s “100 Days of Summer” campaign being done in partnership with the Long Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. The campaign encourages residents to “stay and play” in Long Beach by taking advantage of hundreds of free or low cost cultural programs, sports activities and special events taking place between Memorial Day and Labor Day. A website, www.100daysofsummer.org will be a resource for residents to plan activities and take local “staycations”

Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific

2010-09-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a great place to visit any day of the year and they are open today on Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Explore exhibits for Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the North Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Visit www.aquariumofpacific.org for more information.

Hit the Beach!

2010-09-03T14:20:00.001-07:00

Relax and play this Labor Day weekend on the shores of Long Beach. Long Beach's sandy bay beaches stretch six miles and offer gentle waves, beautiful views, a bicycle pedestrian path, concessions, a fishing pier and convenient and plentiful parking.

Alamitos Beach, Alamitos Ave. to 15th Place
Bayshore Beach, 5414 E. Ocean Blvd.
Belmont Plaza Beach, 39th to 54th Place
Colorado Lagoon, 5119 E. Colorado
Junipero Beach, 15th to 39th Place
Marine “Mother’s" Beach, 5839 Appian Way
Peninsula Beach, 54th to 72nd Place

"The Princess and The Frog" at King Park

2010-09-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

Parks, Recreation & Marine's Movie will screen the movie "The Princess and the Frog," tonight at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Avenue. The movie will begin about 8 p.m. The successful summer "Movies in the Park" series was sponsored by Signal Hill Petroleum. Free movies were shown in 28 parks and brought families and friends together for a great evening's worth of entertainment.

Sound FX at Chavez Park

2010-09-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

This summer’s free Thursday Night Concert in the Parks series will conclude with an appearance by Sound FX at Chavez Park on September 2 at 6 p.m. Sound FX entertains with diverse song stylings including contemporary dance music and music from the 40's to the 90's including Salsa, Disco, Funk, Hip Hop, Swing, Cha Cha, Jazz Standards, and Reggae.

Go Fly a Fite!

2010-08-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

For spontaneous fun, go fly your kite at breezy, beautiful Bluff Park on Ocean Blvd. between 20th and 36th Place or along the beach. Chances are you won't be the only one launching your craft and you can enjoy the colorful spectacle of many different kites gliding against the blue sky.

El Dorado Regional Park Model Plane Flying

2010-08-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

El Dorado Regional Park has many great recreational amenities. One of the most unique is the model radio controlled aircraft flying area in the Area III section. Here is a short video by the Press Telegram about the program:

http://lang.presstelegram.com/flash/101606_airplanes/index.asp, and membership information for the El Dorado Silent Flyers Group: http://www.edsfclub.org/Membership%20App%202010.pdf

Long Beach Dog Parks

2010-08-27T23:34:00.000-07:00

Long Beach has several Dog Parks for Long Beach residents to exercise their dogs off leash. These facilities feature spaces for both large and small dogs, benches for owners, free doggie waste bags and water fountains. Double entrance and exit gates provide a secure environment for dogs. The Dog Parks are non-supervised, and patrons should use at their own risk. Visit www.longbeach.gov/park/parks_and_open_spaces/parks/dog_parks.asp for locations and dog rules.

Roller Hockey Pick Up Games

2010-08-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

Drop by the Bayshore Roller Hockey Rink at 14 54th Place on Monday or Wednesday evenings for pick-up roller hockey games. Games are for ages 16 and up. Minor players require written parent/guardian permission on the file prior to play. Call 570-1736 for times, or see pick-up schedule posted at rink. Full equipment required including HECC approved helmet with cage or half shield. Goalies play free. 16-player maximum per hour. Fee: $6/session.

El Dorado Regional Park Fishing

2010-08-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

El Dorado Regional Park has two fishing lakes stocked with trout and catfish. Fishing licenses are required for 16 years and older. Park admission is free. Vehicle entry is: $5 Monday through Friday; $7 Saturday and Sunday; and $8 on Holidays. Park hours are 7am-dusk, closed on Christmas. Dorado East Regional Park is located at 7550 E. Spring Street. Click here to map it. For more information call (562) 570-1773.

Long Beach Farmers' Markets

2010-08-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

Today I overdid it (but in a good way) at the Southeast Farmers' Market. I filled two sacks with fingerling potatoes, arugula, heirloom tomatoes, berries, and other fresh produce. My mother bought corn, cauliflower, and also got the trio berry basket of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. We eyed the sunflowers on the way out, but our arms were full. The market is held on Sundays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. along east Marina Drive. The Uptown Market is held on Thursdays from 3-6:30 p.m. at 46th Street and Atlantic Avenue, and a downtown market is held on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CityPlace Center, at Promenade N. and E. 4th Street. Craft vendors and live music add to the fun. For more information about local farmer's markets visit www.farmernet.com.

Long Beach Tiki Festival

2010-08-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Enjoy traditional island music, food and fun at the Long Beach Sea Festival’s Tiki Festival today from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and tomorrow, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Granada Beach. Activities include an Island Market Place and Cultural Center, traditional arts & crafts including tiki carving, the Taste of Aloha Food Court, island music and dance performances, a Kid's Zone and Play Areas, Crazy Al Evans Tiki Museum, canoe rides and a Sunday morning Hula Praise and Worship Service. For more information, visit www.alfredosbeachclub.com.

Walk the El Dorado Nature Center Trails

2010-08-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

The 100-acre El Dorado Nature Center is the perfect place to an escape our busy urban environment. Depending on your route choice of the ¼-mile paved trail or the one or two-mile dirt trails, you will wind around lakes, a stream and forested areas and have provide plenty of opportunities to see the animals, reptiles, insect and birds that call the Nature Center home. The kids will also love the educational displays in the Visitor Center /Gift Shop.

Hours:
Trails: Tue.-Sun., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitor Center: Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sat. and Sun., 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Admission:

Admission is free. Vehicle entry into El Dorado Regional Park is $5 M-F, $7 Sat. & Sun., and $8 holidays.

Long Beach Golf

2010-08-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

Take advantage of the longer days and get out on the links! Long Beach offers five municipal golf courses, offering a variety of challenges and playing experiences.

1. The recently renovated Skylinks Course offers a great layout with over 70 sand bunkers across its 18 holes.

2. El Dorado Park Golf Course is popular due to its playability for novice and experienced golfers alike.

3. Recreation Park 18, one of the oldest courses in So. California provides rolling hills and a variety of hole layouts.

4. The Recreation 9 Hole Course is adjacent and is ideal for fine-tuning one's short game.

5. Heartwell Golf Course is a par 54 course perfect for a beginning golfer or anybody wanting a quick round of golf.

Advanced tee time reservations are available online for all golfers and additional booking benefits are available specifically for Long Beach city residents by visiting LBCGolf.com

Long Beach Junior Tennis Open

2010-08-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow’s tennis champions are playing today in the USTA sanctioned 2010 Long Beach Junior Tennis Open at El Dorado Park Tennis Center. Play continues tomorrow starting at 11 a.m. For more information visit www.longbeachtennis.com

Get Cooking With Parks, Recreation and Marine

2010-08-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

This summer the executive chefs from the Maya Hotel joined the “100 Days of Summer” fun with a special food and wine class on August 4.

Parks, Recreation & Marine offers cooking classes for all ages. Kids can get comfortable in the kitchen while creating healthy and delicious food. “Little Mini Chefs” for 2-5yrs will be offered at Whaley Park on Fridays from 11-11:45 a.m. from 9/3-24, 10/1-22, or 10/29-11/19. Ages 6-10 can develop a passion for cooking at the “Calling All Jr. Chefs” at College Estates Park on Mondays from 4-5:15 p.m. from 9/13-9/27, 10/4-10/18 or 11/1-11/15. Both classes are $45 with a $20 material fee. Parent participation is required. Adults can learn to cook Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes at “Easy Exotic Indian Cooking” ($30) at Whaley Park on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on 9/8, 10/6, or 11/3. You can also impress your friends by taking “Cake Decorating” ($60/$35 material fee) at Whaley Park on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. from 9/7-9/28 or 11/2-11/23.

Rancho Los Cerritos Garden Tours

2010-08-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

Free Docent-led tours of the historic Rancho Los Cerritos gardens will be held on the second and fourth Sundays of the month through November. Tours begin on the half hour between 1-4 p.m. Visitors can see these historic gardens first planted by John “Don Juan” Temple in the 1840s. Some trees date to the 1840s when John Temple, owner of the 27,000-acre Rancho from 1844-1866, planted the first garden. In 1931, renowned landscape architect Ralph Cornell created an estate garden for Llewellyn Sr. and Avis Bixby, preserving Temple’s remaining trees, reintroducing flora that was here in the 19th century, and adding fruit trees and native plants.

Ride the El Dorado Express

2010-08-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

The El Dorado Express train ride is a fun activity for all ages. The train is located at “Caboose Corners” in El Dorado Regional Park Area III and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prices are: $2 for child and adults; infants free. Weekend vehicle admission to El Dorado Regional Park is $8. Train rides and party packages are available. Visit www.caboosecorners.com for more information.

Free Concerts in the Park Continue

2010-08-13T10:27:00.001-07:00

Free concerts in the park continue through Labor Day weekend to provide opportunities for families and friends to gather and have fun. Upcoming hows include the Durell Coleman Band at Silverado Park on August 19, the Emperors at Stearns Champions Park on August 26 and Sound FX at Chavez. Allensworth will perform at the El Dorado Nature Center on August 19, and Sligo Rags will bring their Celtic sounds to Rancho Los Cerritos on August 27. For more information, please visit www.100daysofsummer.org.

Long Beach Sea Festival "Taste of the Coast"

2010-08-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, August 1, the Long Beach Sea Festival presented "Taste of the Coast," a fund-raising event that benefited homeless children in Long Beach. Forty Long Beach restaurants served food samples to attendees who also enjoyed live music and ocean views from the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier.

McBride Park Teen Center

2010-08-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

A groundbreaking ceremony for a teen center at McBride Park was held today. The project will include a new 5,275 square foot teen center, parking lot and skate park. The Teen Center building will include a multi-purpose room, kitchen, game room, lounge, study room and computer room. An additional .15 acres of park space will be added along the 16th Street side of the park. Construction will begin in August 2010 and the Teen Center is scheduled to be open to the public in summer 2011.

Long Beach Municipal Band Features Derek Bordeaux

2010-08-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Derek Bordeaux entertained with the Long Beach Municipal Band at El Dorado Park last night with renditions of R&B classics like "What's Going On" and "Soul Man." The band's 2010 season winds down next week with a Broadway Review theme at Bixby Bluff on Tuesday, Los Cerritos Park on Wednesdays, Marine Stadium on Thursday and El Dorado Park on Friday. Janelle Sadler will be the guest vocalist.

Long Beach Skate Parks

2010-08-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Long Beach skate parks provide safe fun places for skaters to enjoy their sport. The parks are free and are open daily from dawn to 10 p.m. Skate Parks are located at Houghton Park, El Dorado Park and at 14th Street Park where the Michael K. Green Skate Park opened earlier this year. There is also a skate plaza at Drake Park. BMX bikes are allowed at Houghton and Green Skate Parks. Helmets, knee and elbow pads are required for all skate park participants while inside the skating areas. For more information about Long Beach Skate Parks, call (562) 570-3150.

Free Movies on the Beach Continue

2010-08-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

The Long Beach Sea Festival’s free “Movies on the Beach” are screened Tuesday nights at Granada Beach, Wednesdays at Cherry Beach and Thursdays at Marina Green Park. Shows begin at dusk or about 8 p.m. Alfredo’s Beach Club restaurants are open each night for dinner and snacks. Visit www.alfredosbeachclub.com/seafest-movie.html for more information.

Coming up:
Aug. 3: Ghostbusters
Aug. 4: Little Rascals
Aug. 5: Mama Mia
Aug. 10: Where the Wild Things Are
Aug. 11: The Burbs
Aug. 12: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Aug. 17: The Blind Side
Aug. 18: Willy Wonka
Aug. 19: E.T.
Aug. 24: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Aug. 25: The Wizard of Oz
Aug. 26: Jaws

Free Movies in the Park Continue

2010-08-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

Parks, Recreation & Marine's free "Movies in the Parks" sponsored by Signal Hill Petroleum has been entertaining families all summer long. Before the movies start at dusk, there is plenty of time to relax, picnic, let the kids play on the moon bounce, and catch up with family and friends. Here are the movies that are coming up this month:

"Aliens in the Attic: 8/2- 14th Street Park, 8/4 Whaley Park, 8/6 Scherer Park

"Planet 51" 8/9 - Drake Park, 8/11, Cherry Park, 8/13, Heartwell Park

"The Princess and the Frog" 8/16, Ramona Park, 8/18, Orizaba Park, 8/20, McBride Park

"Up" 8/23, Signal Hill Park, 8/25, College Estates Park, 8/27, Houghton Park

"Toy Story 1" 8/30, Veterans Park, 9/1, El Dorado Park

Long Beach Sea Festival Dragon Boat Festival

2010-08-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

The Long Beach Sea Festival continued this weekend with the annual Dragon Boat Festival at Marine Stadium. The event continues until 5 p.m. today and features races of magnificently decorated canoes and Dragon Boats that showcase pageantry, diversity and sportsmanship from across the globe.

The “Civil War Remembered"

2010-07-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend hundreds of uniformed combatants from the North and South are re-creating the epic conflict of the Civil War at El Dorado East Regional Park. Visitors can see exciting cavalry charges, artillery barrages and infantry assaults, as well as living history presentations. The event is also taking place tomorrow, August 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The soldier’s camps will display authentic field provisions, cooking tools, clothing and crafts, and camp bands will play period music. Battles will be held at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is adults, $12; Seniors (62+), $10; children under age 11, $6; and ages 4 and under free. Park admission and parking is $7 per carload. Visit http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com for more information.

57th Annual Kid's Fishing Rodeo

2010-07-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

The 57th Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo was held today at Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier. Hundreds of youth fished at the free event. The event was part of the Long Beach Sea Festival and featured fishing instruction, prizes in various fishing categories, a raffle and refreshments. The Long Beach Sea Festival continues thoughout August with great family events every weekend. A complete list activities, with event location and information, can be found at www.longbeachseafestival.com.

Thursday Night Concerts in the Park Continue

2010-07-29T13:07:00.001-07:00

Summer Concerts in the Park are free and a great way to spend time with family and friends. On July 15 the Mahana Polynesian Revue brought the spirit of the Islands to Houghton Park with their traditional dances and music. On July 22 “Fantastic Diamond” payed tribute to Neil Diamond at Whaley Park. Mark your calendars for upcoming concerts:

July 29: Southland Mega Groove, Ramona Park, 6 p.m.

August 1: (Sunday @ 4 p.m.) Elm Street Band at Whaley Park
August 5: The Emperors at Somerset Park, 6 p.m.
August 12: Peggy Nelson Project at DeForest Park, 6 p.m.
August 19: Durell Coleman Band at Silverado Park, 6 p.m.
August 26: The Emperors at Stearns Champions Park, 6 p.m.
September 2: Sound FX at Chavez Park, 6 p.m.

Shakespeare in the Park

2010-07-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Outdoor theater is a special summer treat for the whole family. The Long Beach Shakespeare Company performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Recreation Park on July 11 and will stage this play again at Chavez Park at 6 p.m. on August 1. This summer the Long Beach Sea Festival will present Shakespeare for Kids by the Sea’s production of “Twelfth Night” on August 21 and 22 at Bixby Park at 11 a.m. at 6 p.m. each day. All performances are free. For more information visit www.longbeachshakespeare.org

Long Beach Mayor's Trophy Golf Tournament

2010-07-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

On Monday, July 19, American Golf and the American Golf Foundation joined Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine to conduct the Fifth Annual Long Beach Mayor’s Trophy Charity Golf Tournament presented by Titleist/FootJoy at Skylinks Golf Course. Hosted by Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, the event raised more than $29,000 for Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) and Long Beach junior golf programs. Pictured with SOSC athletes and junior golfers are representatives from Titleist/FootJoy, Long Beach Junior Golf and Chick-fil-A.

Miracle Park Summer Fun Days

2010-07-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Miracle on 4th Street Park located at 1518 E. 4th Street, offers free “Summer Fun Days” programs Monday-Friday from 12-6 p.m. and Saturdays 12-4 p.m. through August 20. Beginning in the fall kids will be able to drop in after school for games, homework help, sports and crafts Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-4 p.m.

Homeland Cultural Center Dance Fest.

2010-07-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

The 2nd Annual Homeland Dance Fest was held on Sunday, July 18 at the Center Theater in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. The free event showcased the diverse performing ensembles in residence at the award-winning Homeland Cultural Center in Long Beach’s MacArthur Park. The audience enjoyed performances from West Afrikan Drum and Dance Ensembles, the Hmong Association of Long Beach, Kutturan Chamoru Performers, Demolition Krew KRUMP dancers, Ballet Folklorico Maria, Culture Shock LA, Ancient Khmer Martial Arts, belly dancer Tehani, Orlando Greenhill and Sound Army, and DJ Ervin Arana. For more information about Homeland programs, call (562) 570-1655.

El Dorado Nature Center Classes

2010-07-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

Every month El Dorado Nature Center offers a variety of classes designed to build an appreciation and understanding of our natural world. Water wise gardening, drawing, bird watching and outdoor cooking are examples of the fun, educational experiences offered. On July 10 students in Campout Cooking learned the basics for building an outdoor cooking fire and preparing a delicious dinner under the stars. Call (562) 570-1745 for more information about upcoming classes at El Dorado Nature Center.

Summer Fun Days Continues

2010-07-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

There’s never a reason for your child to be bored this summer with Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine “Summer Fun Days” at parks throughout the city Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Coolidge Park kids have been having fun with sack races, hula hoops, flag football, and apple bobbing and dance contests. For a list of sites and activities, visit: http://www.longbeach.gov/park/recreation/after_school_activities/parks.asp

Long Beach Sea Festival

2010-07-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

2010 Long Beach Sea Festival events are happening throughout the City to get all residents involved in celebrating Long Beach’s shoreline and aquatic programs, and great low cost local entertainment.

On July 10 the Bixby Knolls Dragster Expo and Car Show displayed the best in special interest vehicles along with live music, kids activities, art displays, and classic footage from the old Lion’s Drag Strip and racing movies. The day culminated in Top Fuel dragsters firing up their 3000-HP engines. Also at Marine Stadium that day, the Kahakai Sprints matched six-person, two-person and individual outrigger canoes in competition rowing on a 500-meter straightaway course.

The Sea Festival's free “Movies on the Beach” are the answer to the current heat wave. Every Tuesday at Granada Beach, Wednesday at Cherry Beach and Thursday at Marina Green, classic summertime flicks are shown beginning at 8 p.m. Visit www.alfredosbeachclub.com for movie titles.

Visit http://www.longbeachseafestival.com/ for the complete Sea Festival schedule.

Long Beach Municipal Band at Whaley Park

2010-07-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

The 101st season of the Long Beach Municipal Band continues this week. The theme is "Marching Along" and will feature all types of marches including military, opera, circus and even 'Pomp and Circumstance," so appropriate just after June graduations. The wonderful Barbara Morrison closed the show with her jazz stylings. I liked her version of "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" from the musical "My Fair Lady." The band plays through August 13 with performances Tuesdays at Bixby Bluff Park, Wednesdays at Los Cerritos Park, Thursdays at Marine Stadium and Fridays at El Dorado Park. For more information visit

http://www.longbeach.gov/park/recreation/lb_municipal_band.asp

Voxinglero Performs at Rancho Los Cerritos

2010-07-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

Voxinglero performed at the Rancho Los Cerritos historic site on June 25. The crowd enjoyed their Latin rhythms and original compositions. The Rancho has also scheduled Steel Parade, “A Happy Southern California Funk Rock Reggae Calypso Soca Island Party Dance Steel Drum Band to perform on July 23, and Sligo Rags will bring their unique brand of Irish music to the Rancho on August 27. Gates to the Rancho’s main garden open at 5pm for picnicking, and concerts begin at 6pm, lasting until 7:30pm. Parking is limited to Virginia Road, so bicycles and carpooling are encouraged. No pets are allowed on the grounds. The Rancho is located at 4600 Virginia Rd., northwest of the intersection of Long Beach Boulevard and San Antonio Drive.

El Dorado Nature Center Summer Concerts

2010-07-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

El Dorado Nature Center’s summer concert series started on July 1 with Steel Parade’s performance in their outdoor amphitheater by the lake. Be sure to mark your calendars for upcoming shows on July 15 with Jennifer Corday, August 5 with Sligo Rags, and August 19 with Allensworth. Bring low chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner. All shows start at 6 p.m. $3 admission and $5 vehicle entry fee.

Long Beach Municipal Band Starts 101st Year

2010-07-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Long Beach Municipal Band began its 101st year this week with a patriotic program in honor of Independence Day weekend. My father was a Navy Lieutenant, so I stood with my family as “Anchors Aweigh” was played as part of a salute to the armed forces. The crowd also clapped along with “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Phillip Sousa and enjoyed "America the Beautiful" and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." After the break, vocalist Nicole Kubis entertained. I liked her version of "Everything" by Michael Buble. El Dorado Park was a great venue for families and friends to gather for a fun evening.

Long Beach Teen Centers

2010-07-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

This summer teen centers are open for Long Beach teens to have fun with sports, swimming, field trips, tournaments, crafts, computers and making new friends. Teens can visit the Chavez Park Zone, 401 Golden Ave M-F from 3-7 p.m.; the McBride Park Teen Center, 1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. M-F, from 2-7p.m.; the Houghton Park Teen Center, 6301 Myrtle Ave. M-F, from 3-7p.m.; and the Silverado Teen Center, 1545 W. 31st St. M-F, from 3-7p.m. This week teens were testing their skills with indoor soccer and expressing their creativity with jewelry making.

Recreational Swim Session

2010-07-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

Summer is the time to cool off and swim at a local Long Beach Pool. Children under 48” tall must be accompanied by an adult in the water at all times, and swimsuits are required. Visit http://www.longbeach.gov/park/recreation/aquatics/pools/default.asp for schedule. Pools include Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool, 4000 E. Olympic Plaza; Jordan High School Pool, 6500 Atlantic Avenue; Martin Luther King Jr. Park Pool, 1910 Lemon Street; Millikan High School Pool, 2800 Snowden Ave.; Silverado Park Pool, 1540 West 32nd Street; and the Will J. Reid Scout Camp Pool, 4747 Daisy Ave.

Orizaba Park Neighborhood Celebration

2010-06-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

The second annual "Hood Games" neighborhood summer kick-off celebration was held at Orizaba Park today in partnership with the West East-Side Community Association, Fourth District Councilmember Patrick O'Donnell, the Long Beach Neighborhood Services Bureau, the East Anaheim Street Business Alliance and the Long Beach Police Department. The free event was a big success with skateboarding, a DJ, arts & crafts, games and refreshments.

El Dorado Nature Center Artisan Craft Fair

2010-06-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

I stopped by the El Dorado Nature Center Artisan Craft Fair today. I bought a necklace and browsed through booths with pottery, candles, totes, handbags and other great handmade items. The fair is held on the fourth Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features crafts made by local artists.

"Upstream" Kicks Off Free Thursday Night Concerts

2010-06-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for Thursday nights this summer for "Concerts in the Park." The free shows will be held at a different park each Thursday and offer an exciting variety of music from Latin Jazz, Pop, R&B, Rock and Soul. All shows start at 6 p.m. with the exception of the Elm Street Band show at 4 p.m. on August 1 at Whaley Park. Last night "Upstream" took the stage at Tanaka Park and entertained an appreciative audience. For the complete schedule, visit www.longbeach.gov/park/recreation/conmov/parkconcerts.asp.

Summer Park Programs for Youth

2010-06-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Summer is in full swing at Long Beach Parks. Free drop-in supervised "Fun Days" and Summer Day Camps are going on all over the City. Today the five and six year olds at El Dorado Park West played "Capture the Flag."

Rancho Los Alamitos Povuu’ngna Event

2010-06-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 13 the Rancho Los Alamitos Historic site presented "Come Home to Povuu'nga." The Povuu'nga is the sacred place of emergence of the Gabrielino/Tongva people of the Los Angeles basin. Artists, dancers, storytellers and members of the Tongva communities engaged attendees with exhibits on California native foods and cultural materials, and ancestral storytelling, dance, music and games that evoked the spirit of Mother Earth. The fun afternoon was filled with sand painting, a live raptor exhibit and sample tastings of wiiwiish, chia seed and yucca blossom.

Children Today 2nd Annual 10K/5K Run/ Walk

2010-06-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of supporters of Children Today, a non-profit organization that provides services to children and families experiencing homelessness, met at Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier on June 12 for the 2nd Annual 10K/5K Run Walk to raise money for the cause. The event is part of the Long Beach Sea Festival.

The Choral Creature Feature

2010-06-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

On the afternoon of Sunday, June 6, the Long Beach Chorale, led by artistic director Eliza Rubenstein and accompanied by Bob Gunn, presented The Choral Creature Feature, a program of animal-themed music in the beautiful setting of Rancho Los Alamitos. The estimated 225 music-loving listeners picnicked in the shade of the giant Morton fig trees at one of Long Beach’s most exquisite historical venues. The atmosphere was casual and relaxing as children romped and rode the saddled wooden horse among the fig trees’ massive roots. The program, billed as being from the serious to the silly, included songs about cows, birds, cats, dogs, and even a hippopotamus.

Pacific Open Water Festival

2010-06-08T12:56:00.001-07:00

Many of the “100 Days of Summer” in Long Beach will be filled Long Beach Sea Festival events. On June 4 and 6, the Pacific Open Water Festival and USA Open Water National Championships were held at Marine Stadium and featured the USA top long distance swimmers in both 5K and 10K championship events.

2010-06-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

Long Beach saw its first beach soccer championships produced by Beach Soccer USA from May 28-30 at Alamitos Beach. Dozens of teams including the best youth and adult players from around the world and professional players from Senegal, Brazil and Portugal competed for a $4,000 purse. Spectators watched the exciting soccer and enjoyed live entertainment and food.

"Avatar" Kicks off "100 Days of Summer" in LB

2010-06-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the “100 Days of Summer” blog. Throughout the next 100 days, I will post information about the “100 Days of Summer” campaign to encourage residents to “stay and play” in the City of Long Beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A new web site, http:www.100daysofsummer.org, produced by the Long Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is a great source for free and low cost movies in parks and beaches, concerts, programs at El Dorado Nature Center and City historic sites, Long Beach Sea Festival event, and cooking classes at the Terrace Theater Plaza and Hotel Maya. The site will also remind you about ideas for spontaneous fun like biking, golf, tennis, kayaking, swimming, and free drop-in youth and teen programs.

On day 1 of 100, May 28, Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine screened the hit movie, “Avatar” at the El Dorado Regional Park Archery Range. There was a good-sized crowd for the first time LBPRM has screened a movie at this venue.