Everything Long Beach » Neighborhoods

Justin Rudd Hosts Annual Long Beach Father/Daughter Dance Sunday

Editor — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:00:05 +0000

More Than 50 couples are expected to attend the 8th annual Long Beach Father/Daughter Dance hosted by Justin Rudd and his nonprofit 501c3 Community Action Team (C.A.T.).

The dance will take place Sunday, Febuary 12, 2012, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the expansive, carpeted community hall of Bay Shore Church on The Toledo (@ Nieto Ave.) in Belmont Shore. Rudd says more than $1,500 is expected to be raised from ticket sales for C.A.T.

Read the rest of Justin Rudd Hosts Annual Long Beach Father/Daughter Dance Sunday

Long Beach Mardi Gras Returns to Rainbow Harbor

Editor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:00:22 +0000

A rollicking Long Beach tradition returns Saturday, February 18, 2012 as Long Beach Mardi Gras once again invades Rainbow Harbor!

Enjoy an afternoon of live music, food and drink specials, and the wildest annual parade to hit the shores of Long Beach! Participation in this year’s parade is FREE – send in your entry form, and join the fun at 3pm for this year’s Mardi Gras parade!

Read the rest of Long Beach Mardi Gras Returns to Rainbow Harbor

3rd Annual Inspiration Vintage, Fashion, Art & Kulture Show Kicks Off With Preview Party

Editor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:30:36 +0000

Art, fashion, culture and vintage enthusiasts from around the globe will gather again at So-Cal’s premiere historic art deco destination, The Queen Mary, for the Inspiration 2012 Vintage, Fashion, Art & Kulture show, Friday-Saturday, February 10-11th, 2012. But the weekend’s fun will kick off a day early on the evening of Thursday, February 9th with an open-to-the-public preview party from 6-9pm at inretrospect [2122 E. 4th Street] in the heart of Long Beach’s 4th Street/“Retro Row” indie shopping district.

Read the rest of 3rd Annual Inspiration Vintage, Fashion, Art & Kulture Show Kicks Off With Preview Party

The World Dodgeball Society Launches Long Beach Season

Editor — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:30:47 +0000

World Dodgeball Society (WDS), the premier co-ed sports and social organization based on nostalgia and camp of the 80s, kicks off their first 2012 season with an open gym play time today, Tuesday January 31st at 8pm at Cesar Chavez Elementary School; the official league will start the week after on February 7th.

Read the rest of The World Dodgeball Society Launches Long Beach Season

Let The Good Times Roll at First Fridays in Bixby Knolls February 3rd

Editor — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:41 +0000

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! First Fridays on February 3 lets the good times roll and welcomes Long Beach Mardi Gras to Bixby Knolls. Enjoy Dixieland music, food, king cake, mask making, and plenty of beads to keep things festive. You are encouraged to stroll, dance, strut, walk, or skip while you follow Queen Rae and King James around Atlantic Avenue.

Read the rest of Let The Good Times Roll at First Fridays in Bixby Knolls February 3rd

Health Department Receives $1 Million Kaiser Permanente Grant to Improve Health in North Long Beach

Editor — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:49 +0000

Healthy choices will be easier in North Long Beach due to a Kaiser Permanente’s $1 million 3-year investment in Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL). The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) received this grant from Kaiser Permanente to promote the public’s health in targeted areas of North Long Beach. The Health Department has been granted the funds as the coordinating agency of the Coalition for a Healthy North Long Beach, an alliance of community groups focused on improving health for all residents in North Long Beach.

Read the rest of Health Department Receives $1 Million Kaiser Permanente Grant to Improve Health in North Long Beach

Ride a Bike to Trader Joe’s for Free Home Delivery in Bixby Knolls

Editor — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:30:40 +0000

Pedaler Society uses a cargo bike to help cyclists bring groceries home safely.

Beginning January 28, 2012, and at no additional cost to the shopper, Pedaler Society will offer a grocery delivery service for residents residing within a one- mile radius of Trader Joe’s in Bixby Knolls. This service has been made possible by the Bike-Friendly Business District (BFBD) program in partnership with the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association. The BFBD program is made possible by the Department of Health and Human Services through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the City of Long Beach.

The couriers (or “Flyers” as they are called within Pedaler Society) will provide a courteous and efficient method to get your groceries home after riding your bike to Trader Joe’s. Customers will benefit from a healthy bike ride to and from Trader Joe’s and a great conversation with your “Flyer” on the way home!

Read the rest of Ride a Bike to Trader Joe’s for Free Home Delivery in Bixby Knolls

Community Involvement to be Honored at DLBA’s Celebrate Downtown Event

Editor — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:00:51 +0000

The DLBA will host Celebrate Downtown on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Themed Recognizing the Spirit of Our Community, this event will highlight contributions members of the community have made to Downtown and introduce the inaugural Spirit of Downtown Award.

Read the rest of Community Involvement to be Honored at DLBA’s Celebrate Downtown Event

Councilmember Steven Neal Hosts third North Long Beach Community Assembly, Saturday

Editor — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:00:38 +0000

Councilmember Steven Neal

Councilmember Steven Neal, invites North Long Beach families to the third North Long Beach Community Assembly, Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the North Long Beach Community Center. This assembly is a platform for neighbors to meet each other, receive neighborhood updates, and discuss the progress of the North Long Beach community.

Read the rest of Councilmember Steven Neal Hosts third North Long Beach Community Assembly, Saturday

Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance to Meet Monday January 23rd

Editor — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:00:07 +0000

The next meeting of the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance ( WANA ) will be Monday, January 23, 2012 from 7-9pm at Veterans Park Social Hall, 101 E. 28th Street, 90806.

Read the rest of Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance to Meet Monday January 23rd

February Marks 4th Year for Bixby Knolls Literary Society; Monthly Selection will Honor Black History

Editor — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:30:27 +0000

A discussion of Black Warriors: The Buffalo Soldiers of World War II, by Ivan J. Houston with Gordon Cohn, will honor Black History Month and highlight the fourth anniversary of the Bixby Knolls Literary Society when the group meets on Wednesday evening, February 8, 2012 at Expo Arts Center.

Houston, a vigorous 86 years of age, will discuss his experiences and respond to questions. The Buffalo Soldiers formed the only Negro infantry division to fight in Europe during World War II, when America’s military was racially segregated.

Read the rest of February Marks 4th Year for Bixby Knolls Literary Society; Monthly Selection will Honor Black History

DLBA and Long Beach Officials Dedicate Downtown Long Beach Bike Banners

Editor — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:30:29 +0000

(from left to right) John Case, Bike Station; Martin Howard, Bikeable Communities; Vice Mayor Dr. Suja Lowenthal, Second District; Councilmember Dr. Robert Garcia, First District; Kraig Kojian, DLBA President and CEO; and Tony Cruz, Long Beach’s Bicycle Ambassador and Olympian.

On Thursday, January 12, 2012, the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA), Vice Mayor Dr. Suja Lowenthal, Second District, Councilmember Dr. Robert Garcia, First District, and Martin Howard, Bikeable Communities, officially dedicated new street banners that celebrate the dedicated bike lanes along Broadway and Third Street.

Read the rest of DLBA and Long Beach Officials Dedicate Downtown Long Beach Bike Banners

Vice Mayor Lowenthal to Host Draft Downtown PBID Community Forum

Editor — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:00:54 +0000

Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal

Vice Mayor and Second District Councilmember, Suja Lowenthal, will be hosting a community forum to discuss the current draft Property-Based Improvement District management plan on Thursday, January 12, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Main Library Auditorium 333 West Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802 (located in the downstairs foyer). The purpose of the meeting is to provide a face-to-face opportunity for property owners in the downtown to express their position to Dr. Lowenthal about the draft PBID management plan proposed by the Downtown Long Beach Associates.

Read the rest of Vice Mayor Lowenthal to Host Draft Downtown PBID Community Forum

Portfolio Coffeehouse Presents ‘Long Beach Writers Read’ Featuring Greggory Moore

Editor — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:30:42 +0000

Greggory Moore

Local authors return to Portfolio Coffeehouse in January for Long Beach Writers Read, a public reading and discussion where they will share select portions of their recently published works and answer questions from the audience. On January 23, author Greggory Moore will read from his novel, The Use of Regret, from 7-8:30 pm.

Read the rest of Portfolio Coffeehouse Presents ‘Long Beach Writers Read’ Featuring Greggory Moore

North Long Beach Community Action Group To Host 8th Council District Candidate Forum

Editor — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:00:48 +0000

The North Long Beach Community Action Group will be having a Candidate Forum on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at the Expo Arts Center located at 4302 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA. The doors will open at 4:30 and the forum will begin at 5:00pm. All media outlets are welcome.

Read the rest of North Long Beach Community Action Group To Host 8th Council District Candidate Forum

Blackbird Cafe Spices Up Breakfast for Diners in California Heights

Editor — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:00:13 +0000

Blackbird Cafe offers a tempting array of contemporary cuisine and Latin-inspired dishes.

Blackbird Cafe sits in California Heights in a building that doesn’t seem like it would have a restaurant inside of it. Nestled in next to computer repair shop and across from other businesses, there is a small waiting area outside that was full the day we ventured out.

We were sat quickly and the host was endearing and friendly. The menu itself was interesting, and contained several delicious looking items. It is almost impossible not to have your curiosity piqued by the Benedict list and while sitting there, you will notice so many delicious looking dishes being carried out, it becomes daunting to make a decision on what to order!

Read the rest of Blackbird Cafe Spices Up Breakfast for Diners in California Heights

Volunteers Needed For Tree Planting in Bixby Knolls

Editor — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:30:38 +0000

On Sunday, January 8th 2012 The Camp Fire Bixby Knolls Association will be planting 16 Desert Willow trees along Atlantic Blvd. in coordination and support form with Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, the city of Long Beach and OSH Long Beach. Arborist, Jerry Rowland will guide us in planting the Desert Willows Sunday morning. The money raised at the cake auction was applied towards this Kiniya community project.

Read the rest of Volunteers Needed For Tree Planting in Bixby Knolls

Realm Group Acquires Downtown Long Beach Office Building

Editor — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:30:28 +0000

Realm Group II, LLC of Newport Beach, CA has acquired, through its affiliated company Realm 200 Pine Holdings, LLC, the 200 Pine Avenue office and retail building located in the heart of downtown Long Beach. Realm acquired the property for $9,580,000 or $143 per foot. The 67,000-square-foot building contains 54,000 sf of office and 13,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. 200 Pine is situated at the corner of Pine Avenue and Broadway, just two blocks east of Ocean Boulevard. The building was 70% occupied with local and national tenants such as Ignify and XO Communications. In addition to the office, the project’s retail tenants include Octopus Restaurant and Gaucho Grill.

Read the rest of Realm Group Acquires Downtown Long Beach Office Building

The Downtown Residential Council Host Holiday Forum Monday December 19th

Editor — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:30:27 +0000

The Downtown Residential Council (DRC), will hold its end of the year holiday forum December 19, 2011 at Avia Long Beach. Meetings are free, open to the public, and all Downtown residents are encouraged to attend.

The Downtown Residential Council is comprised of resident leaders from the six Downtown neighborhood associations: Promenade Area Residents Association, Ocean Residents Community Association, North Pine Neighborhood Alliance, West End Community Association, Willmore City Heritage Association, and East Village Association.

Read the rest of The Downtown Residential Council Host Holiday Forum Monday December 19th

Tickets Now on Sale For DLBA’s New Year’s Eve Celebration

Editor — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:30:19 +0000

Photo by wolfro54

Tickets are now on sale for the Downtown Long Beach Associates’ (DLBA) massive New Year’s Eve celebration taking place on Pine Avenue and Broadway. Kicking off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2011, the high-energy street party will encompass two-square blocks and feature live music by Wayward Sons and Love Fool, covering hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and the ‘90s.

Read the rest of Tickets Now on Sale For DLBA’s New Year’s Eve Celebration

Coastal Cool The Beach House, Retail Sanctuary

Editor — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:30:40 +0000

Submitted by Elizabeth Anderson

The Beach House has everything going for it: unique gifts and a proprietor who defines coastal cool. Greta Simbler is armed with charm, good taste and an eclectic mix of beautiful merchandise that reflects the pleasures of being at the beach.

Discover botanicals, collectables, ornaments, home décor, gorgeous shell wreaths, clothing, hand-made jewelry including pendants made of rare, locally discovered sea glass ~ symbols of reinvention, rejuvenation and new beginnings. Appropriate, as Greta breathes new life into Shoreline Village, a destination modeled after a 19th century fishing village.

Read the rest of Coastal Cool The Beach House, Retail Sanctuary

LBCC Downtown Small Business Development Center Opening Tuesday

Editor — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:44 +0000

The City of Long Beach Redevelopment Agency (RDA) and Long Beach City College (LBCC) will celebrate the opening of the LBCC Downtown Small Business Development Center at 10 am, Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 309 Pine Avenue in Downtown Long Beach.

“The new Downtown Center will be an incredible opportunity for small business owners to connect with the great resources at Long Beach City College and our own city economic development programs and tax incentives,” said Mayor Bob Foster. “It’s a great move and I applaud LBCC for opening this center.”

Read the rest of LBCC Downtown Small Business Development Center Opening Tuesday

Bixby Knolls It’s A Grind Lends Support to Operation: Santa Paws Toy Drive

Editor — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:30:52 +0000

In an effort to bring the holiday spirit to abandoned and abused pets, It’s A Grind asks Long Beach residents to open their hearts to help support our four-legged friends. Teaming with Justin Rudd for Operation: Santa Paws, the coffee shop will have a donation box for those who want to provide toys, treats, or supplies for sheltered and rescued animals. Upon donation, supporters will receive a free drink.

Read the rest of Bixby Knolls It’s A Grind Lends Support to Operation: Santa Paws Toy Drive

The UPS Store and Toys For Tots Book Drive Helps Deliver the Gift of Reading

Editor — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:00:53 +0000

The UPS Store located on Atlantic Ave. in Long Beach, CA, in conjunction with The UPS Store locations nationwide, is teaming up with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Sony Pictures’ holiday movie, “Arthur Christmas,”to help deliver the gift of reading through a new book.

Throughout the holiday season, The UPS Store in the Bixby shopping center on Atlantic Ave. will sponsor a book drive in order to benefit Miller’s Children’s Hospital. From now through Dec. 16, participants may drop off new books for the patients at The UPS Store’s in-center drop off bin.

Read the rest of The UPS Store and Toys For Tots Book Drive Helps Deliver the Gift of Reading

Where to go see the fantastic displays of Christmas lights in Long Beach

Barbara Holbrook — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:25:14 +0000

Have you gone to see one of the Long Beach Christmas parades this year? The colorful lights and cheery crowds are always a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the holidays. When I really need a boost of Christmas spirit—say after 10 hours fighting crowds in the mall—there’s one activity guaranteed to make me feel festive again. Going to look at lights!

Now that Long Beach has a slight chill in the air, it’s the perfect time to go look at Christmas lights.

Whether you prefer to stroll the streets and get an up close view or drive the decorated avenues listening to a custom playlist of cheery tunes, there are several places to take in the awesome displays of holiday lights. If you’re looking for something to do tonight, try one of these popular destinations to see Christmas lights in Long Beach.

Read the rest of Where to go see the fantastic displays of Christmas lights in Long Beach