Featured SoCal Events and Services
Aquarium of the Pacific debuts first HoloTheater® on the U.S. West Coast

Pictured: New HoloTheater® at the Aquarium of the Pacific Photo Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific. The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Ocean Theater has transformed into a brand-new immersive experience that opens on September 4, making it the first HoloTheater® on the U.S. West Coast. Developed by BASE Xperiential, a live entertainment and media company based in Houston, Texas, the HoloTheater® … [Read More...]
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition at the California Science Center closes September 7, 2026
The California Science Center will be closing Mummies of the World: The Exhibitionon Monday, September 7, 2026. The exhibition brings together naturally and intentionally preserved human and animal mummies from South America, Europe, and ancient Egypt, including a new selection of specimens never-before-seen in Los Angeles. Guests can explore the science of natural mummification in … [Read More...]
PLAZA MEXICO A Place for Everyone “Sueños y Esperanza” (Dreams and Hope) Providing Community and Space for People with Special Needs Every Friday from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm

For years now Plaza México has been providing a safe space for the special needs community, a place where they can meet up with old friends, or make new friends as sing karaoke dance the night away and just enjoy life! Each Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Plaza México in Lynwood, CA., hosts Sueños y Esperanza (Dreams and Hope) a non-profit organization providing a sense of community with … [Read More...]
See whales off the SoCal coast with the Aquarium and Harbor Breeze Cruises

Pictured: Blue whale / Photo Credit: Cheryl DeMatteis The Aquarium of the Pacific and Harbor Breeze Cruises invite the public to set sail on an ocean adventure in search of whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea birds, and other animals. Learn about marine life on one of the two daily three-and-a-half-hour whale watch excursions from the Aquarium’s naturalist team, who will be on board … [Read More...]
SoCal City Kids News

2026 Optimism Cal Tri Newport Dunes Returns Sunday, November 1
October 29, 2026 By DeniseB Leave a Comment
Credit: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina and Cal Tri Events present the 2026 Optimism Cal Tri Newport Dunes on Sunday, November 1, from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Now in its 48th year, the event is recognized as the world’s longest-running triathlon held at the same venue. Once again designated as the Cal Tri Events National Championship, the … [Read More...]

Spooky Season at Santa Monica Place – Line Dancing, Cooking Classes & More!
October 16, 2026 By DeniseB Leave a Comment
Credit: Santa Monica Place Here’s a quick look at what’s happening: Western Wednesday: Halloween Edition Wednesday, October 28 from 6–8 p.m. HaLouLouWeen Night Saturday, October 31 at 6 p.m. until late Kid’s Halloween Baking Classes at The Gourmandise School Sunday, October 25 from 2–4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 31 from 10 A.M–12:00 p.m. Halloween Harvest Date Night at … [Read More...]

Santa Monica Place Brings Western Wednesday Back for October
October 11, 2026 By DeniseB Leave a Comment
Free weekly line dancing returns to Center Plaza, with a Halloween-themed edition on October 28! Santa Monica Place invites locals and visitors to kick up their heels with Western Wednesday, a free weekly line dancing experience in Center Plaza throughout October. Professional instructors lead lessons for beginners and seasoned dancers alike, with complimentary giveaways available while … [Read More...]

Hyper SoCal Launches Fall 2026 Season with Regional Arts Programming Across Southern California
October 11, 2026 By DeniseB Leave a Comment
LAX Gateway’s Kinetic Light Installation. Photo courtesy of Panic Studio LA. Glendale Library, Arts & Culture and Brand Library & Art Center unveiled the fall 2026 lineup for Hyper SoCal, the regional initiative redefining how audiences experience Southern California’s creative ecosystem. The fall roster mobilizes a new grouping of partner venues to deliver innovative exhibitions, … [Read More...]

Hot Wheels™ Stunt Show Revs Up For Its First-ever U.S. Tour Roaring Into Long Beach Arena & Crypto Arena
October 8, 2026 By DeniseB Leave a Comment
After thrilling sold-out crowds across Europe, the Hot Wheels Stunt Show is crossing the Atlantic for its first-ever United States tour in 2027, and it's coming to Long Beach Arena in Long Beach for three shows on March 26-27 and Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for three shows on June 26-27. Produced by Family Entertainment Live in collaboration with Mattel, the show transforms the world's most … [Read More...]
Featured Products
Nest & Notebooks: Printables for Learning and Time Together

A story to read with your child, a writing activity for a quiet afternoon, or a journal you can fill in together—Nest & Notebooks offers printable resources for learning and family life. Available on Teachers Pay Teachers, the collection includes short stories with questions for reading practice, beginnings of stories for children to finish, and journals where they can write or draw about … [Read More...]
Halloween Treats that aren’t Candy!

A healthier option! Looking for something other than candy to give the kids this Halloween? They are sure to get more candy than they need! Here's a healthier option that kids and adults are going to love! My favorite is the all mango! Crispy Green, maker of Crispy Fruit freeze-dried fruit snacks made with just one ingredient, has a few easy ideas for adding something different to the … [Read More...]
Spooky and Fun Halloween Gift Suggestions for the Kids!

Available on OrientalTrading.com Oriental Trading 54" x 54" Halloween Let's Get Spooky Fleece Tied Blanket Craft Kit | MSRP: $27.99 | Available on OrientalTrading.com Decorate your haunt with a blanket featuring a haunted house! This convenient craft kit includes two pieces of fleece with pre-cut fringe that kids can tie together to create a blanket that has the image of a haunted house, … [Read More...]
More Back-to-School Must-Buys!

Here are some of my favorite food products for Back-to-School time! Clover Sonoma Greek Yogurt is a must-try! As families gear up for back-to-school season, many parents are looking for nutritious snacks and breakfasts that keep kids energized and focused throughout the day. I'm reaching out on behalf of Clover Sonoma. We’d welcome the opportunity to support you on a lifestyle or … [Read More...]
Back-to-School for College Students!

Here are some great gift suggestions for your college students! This Air Fryer is the coolest! Fritaire Air Fryer upgrades dorm cooking beyond ramen and microwave meals. Its 1500W halogen heating system and vortex convection technology create crispy, evenly cooked food, while the self-cleaning glass bowl makes cleanup quick and easy in compact living spaces. I love how stylish this is and … [Read More...]
More Back-to-School Food Must-Buys!

Amasar Better Breakfasts with Breadfruit: Amasar's Fiber-Forward Innovation Helps Families Fuel the School DayPuerto Rico-based Amasar helps families simplify back-to-school mornings with naturally gluten-free, fiber-forward breakfast solutions. As families prepare for another school year, one nutritional challenge continues to concern health professionals: most Americans consume far less … [Read More...]
More Featured Products...
Giveaways
Media Reviews
Dunson, Oct. 30 Pet of the week

Looking for his forever home! Here’s Dunson, a funny-face fellow who at only a year old has done almost everything a shelter dog can do! He’s had so much fun doing it, too, and so have all his volunteer pals at Long Beach Animal Care Services. Dunson spent two months boarding as a foster with one volunteer. He attended an event with another and did great both in the car and with the people … [Read More...]
Klara and the Sun * Based On Kazuo Ishiguro’s Novel, Reimagines Science Fiction By Asking Whether Kindness Matters More Than Being Gifted

Based on the bestselling novel from Nobel Prize-winner Kazuo Ishiguro and written and directed by Academy-Award® winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit), Klara and the Sun introduces audiences to Klara (Jenna Ortega), an Artificial Friend who wants nothing more than to find the perfect home. When Klara meets Josie (Mia Tharia), each immediately senses a kindred spirit in the other. Josie has a fraught … [Read More...]
Not My Dog * A Touching Coming-Of-Age Story Thanks To The Help Of Man’s Best Friend

When a stray dog begins trailing 12-year-old Bridget through her small town, she tries everything to shake him. The more they wonder, they more she learns about loyalty, courage, and the kind of friendship she never knew she needed. "Not My Dog" is a heartfelt family film about letting go of fear and opening your heart, one paw-step at a time. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Spencer C. comments, … [Read More...]
More Media Reviews...
Beauty and Fashion Corner

Summer Fragrance Must-Have!
My favorites are Chakra 4 and Chakra 7 Looking for the perfect Summer perfume collection? Auratherapy has you covered! Their motto is Spray. Breathe In. Transform. Everyone loves a chakra boost! Return to your center with their expertly crafted essential oil perfumes, designed to heal with intention. Each spray initiates a mood shift-from easing stress to inspiring focus-bringing your chakras … [Read More...]

Looking for Summer Skin Care? The Olea Essence Skincare Collection is a Must-Try!
Olea Essence, a skincare brand rooted in the power of unfiltered extra virgin olive oil and botanical ingredients, introduces its comprehensive line of natural skincare products designed to nourish, restore, and rejuvenate skin from head to toe. Featuring regenerative olives grown on Olea Essence Farms and a 100% olive oil–based skincare line where the regenerative olives are grown on the Olea … [Read More...]

It’s still Butterbeer Season! ORLY Butterbeer Nail Polish and Nail Care Products are a Must-Buy!
Harry Potter/Orly Butterbeer was first introduced in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the trio huddled in The Three Broomsticks. With its butterscotch and shortbread notes, Butterbeer has become a global fan favorite. Butterbeer Season is the annual salute to the flavor, scent and look of Butterbeer and takes place between March 1 and May 31. I love the nail products available … [Read More...]

Eco-Friendly Teen Skincare Line is a Must-Try!
SKWAD SKWAD, founded by Elise Kandrac, was inspired by her concern for her teenagers' self-esteem and the gender-specific nature of skincare products for young teens. The Hawaiian values are reflected in the brand's mission. SKWAD is committed to environmental responsibility, choosing packaging and ingredients with the planet in mind. Their marine-safe formulations are custom-made, and they … [Read More...]
Pet Corner

Sunshine, Oct. 23 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWW! You are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine … Meet our only Sunshine, all ready for you to snap on her leash and go trick-or-treating! And her buddy volunteer Kristi says she’s a treat to walk! Sunshine checks in often with her walker, and even though she’s curious about everything around her, she never pulls on the leash. Bikes, passing humans—no reaction at all. But she loves to interact … [Read More...]

Jonas, Oct. 16 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWW! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just ask the Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) vet team, their cat volunteers and anyone who meets Jonas. Jonas is a 9-year-old senior fellow who came to LBACS in June. He was, frankly, a mess—he had mange, conjunctivitis, a few missing teeth and entropion, an ocular condition in which the eyelid margin rolls inward, causing eyelashes and fur … [Read More...]

Maguire, Oct. 9 Pet of the Week
The blue flowers in the background are no match for Maguire’s arctic orbs. Maguire’s favorite walking buddy, volunteer Metzli, can’t resist either those eyes or his personality, which she calls “playful and goofy.” She loves walking with him on the grounds and stopping for cuddles along the way, which gives both of them a mood boost. If you have something bothering you or just need to vent, … [Read More...]

Stella, Oct. 2 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWW! Meet Stella, a 10-year-old pittie mix who arrived at Long Beach Animal Care Services with a doggie housemate older than she was. When Stella’s human died a couple of months ago, the two dogs had nowhere to go, so our shelter took them both in. The older dog was a small dog and had more of a chance at adoption, and indeed he was, almost right away. But Stella was left wondering … [Read More...]











