Featured SoCal Events and Services
EVENT SATURDAY, SEPT. 12: Santa Monica Block Fest Returns September 12 with 20,000+ Expected as Monthly Series Extends Through December
SMBF Vol. VII takes over all three blocks of Third Street Promenade with live electronic music, headline performances, and a sprawling food night market. Santa Monica Block Fest (“SMBF”) returns Saturday, September 12, transforming all three historic blocks of Third Street Promenade into an open-air celebration of music, food, and local culture. Festivalgoers are expected to enjoy … [Read More...]
13th Annual Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion Returns to Ontario, September 18-19
Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion in 2025. Photo provided by Greater Ontario California (GOCAL). Greater Ontario California (GOCAL) is excited to announce that the 13th Annual Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion will return to the iconic Euclid Avenue in Ontario on September 18 and 19, 2026. Coinciding with the Route 66’s centennial celebration this year, the beloved classic car show is planning its biggest … [Read More...]
Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Riverside Plaza, September 19th
Photo credit: Riverside Plaza. Ignite the afternoon with vibrant rhythms and rich traditions as Riverside Plaza hosts its first-ever Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on September 19th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This free event invites the community to experience an unforgettable afternoon honoring cultural heritage through infectious Latin beats, soul-stirring mariachi music and the … [Read More...]
Getty’s Family Events with Artist Demonstrations and Workshops
Artists from Tahiti visit the Center! One weekend only: Artist-at-Work: Tapa Making and Stories in Ink: Tātau Bookmark Workshop Friday–Sunday, Sep 18–20, 2026 Getty Center Drop-in at 11am, 1pm, and 2:30pm Discover the Polynesian art of tapa making with artist-researchers from Tahiti. See how tree bark is transformed into cloth and decorated with patterns using natural dyes … [Read More...]
SoCal City Kids News
Aquarium releases critically endangered frogs into local mountains, marking its 1000th released
Recently released mountain yellow-legged frogs rest in a stream in the San Gabriel Mountains after being raised and released by the Aquarium of the Pacific into their native habitat August 19, 2026. Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific. Approximately 653 critically endangered southern mountain yellow-legged frogs (Rana muscosa) were recently released into their native California mountain region … [Read More...]
Aquarium Helps Nearly 500 Trafficked Animals After Recent Seizure By Wildlife Officials
Pictured: Confiscated animals behind the scenesPhoto Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific The Aquarium of the Pacific provided immediate help by taking in nearly 500 animals, including endangered and near threatened species, after a large seizure by wildlife officials. Animals included marine fish, invertebrates, and sharks. The animals arrived at the Aquarium on June 19, 2026, and staff worked … [Read More...]
New QM Cares Merchandise Collection Gives Queen Mary Visitors a Way to Give Back as the Ship Celebrates a Year of Community Impact
Proceeds Support Initiatives Benefiting Queen Mary Team Members, Local Families and the Greater Long Beach Community. Photo Credit: The Queen Mary. The Queen Mary in Long Beach is giving guests a new way to support the community. With the launch of its new QM Cares merchandise collection, visitors can help benefit the ship’s Queen Mary Cares initiatives with every purchase, transforming … [Read More...]
PLAZA MÉXICO’S MERCADO PRESENTS ‘JUEVES DE LOTERÍA’ ( LOTERÍA THURSDAYS) 4:00 pm -6:00 pm *Free*
We are thrilled to invite you to our weekly “Jueves de Loteria” at Plaza Mexico’s ‘Mercado’. Join us every Thursday evening from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm for a fun-filled night of Lotería, the traditional Mexican game that has captured hearts for generations. This event is FREE to play and offers you the chance to win fantastic prizes! Lotería is a colorful and exciting game, similar to … [Read More...]
Art Installation “Gentle Giants” by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry at Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station
Rendering of Gentle Giants in Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry Gentle Giants by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry is on display at the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station from Monday, July 13 - Friday, October 2, 2026. Gentle Giants presents a gathering of tall, hand-formed characters who share the space with a calm, watchful presence. Each giant stands as part of a loose “family,” … [Read More...]
Featured Products
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...]
It’s Time for Back to School!
A Must-Have this school year! The back-to-school season is all about getting organized, and adding a simple hand-cleaning solution to your family's routine can make a big difference. Handzies delivers a true soap-and-water clean in a convenient wipe. Made with natural castile soap, water, and essential oils, Handzies helps keep hands fresh and clean throughout busy school days from the … [Read More...]
More Summer Fun for the Kids!
Smart Games IQ Flow SmartGames IQ Flow by Smart Toys & Games MSRP: $14.99 | Ages 7+ | Available at Specialty Toy Stores & Amazon Smart Games IQ Flow is an addictive travel puzzle game that challenges players to solve 120 progressive challenges ranging from easy to expert. IQ Flow provides hours of engaging brain-building fun, developing essential STEM skills like … [Read More...]
Summer Food Faves!
Perfect for quick Summer meals! Looking for something quick and easy to make for dinner this Summer? Safe Catch has a great option that is also healthier! Better than many chicken nuggets! They’re made with wild-caught Alaska pollock, have 18g of protein per serving, and use avocado oil instead of the typical seed oils. No added sugar. They also taste great so the kids will love them! What … [Read More...]
More Summer Favorites!
Lots of fun! Cone Toss is a portable lawn game made for easy, social play with no experience required. It’s perfect for casual hangs, mixed-skill groups, and anyone who thinks lawn games should feel fun first and competitive second. Built for the weekend, t’s a lawn game everyone can play–and actually wants to. Fast setup, simple rules, and repeatable play makes it a great addition to backyard … [Read More...]
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Media Reviews
The Magic Faraway Tree * A Star-Studded, Family Oriented Movie That Has The Perfect Balance Of Whimsy, Adventure, And Intricate Character Arcs
Adapted from Enid Blyton’s beloved classic novel The Magic Faraway Tree, the film centers on Polly (Foy), Tim (Garfield), and their three children - a modern family forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. As they adapt to their new lives, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface (Anozie), Silky … [Read More...]
Books of the Month: September 2026
KALEIDOSCOPE OF HOPE: How Butterfly Life Cycles Reflect Our World by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Hari & Deepti Over a decade ago, Miranda Paul and her children read A Place for Butterflies by Melissa Stewart – they’ve been hooked on helping pollinators ever since. From re-landscaping their yard and participating in community science projects, to raising … [Read More...]
Books of the Week: September 4th, 2026
THROUGH THE BLACK GATE by Alfredo CáceresAtheneum | 9781665941822 | Ages 8-12 A “[p]oignant, insightful, and otherworldly” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) middle grade graphic novel about an orphaned girl and a music-loving boy who venture into the land of the dead with the hope of seeing their loved ones again. Thirteen-year-old orphan Irene believes her … [Read More...]
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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
Malachite, Sept. 11 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWWW! Meet Malachite. This handsome one-year-old came to the shelter with a group of young dogs, all of whom have since found their homes. So why is Malachite still waiting? If you ask his friends at the shelter, they’ll tell you the truth: the shelter just isn’t where he shines. Malachite is a sensitive, shy soul, and when he feels overwhelmed in his kennel, he doesn’t always know what to … [Read More...]
Bobbi Sox, Sept. 4 Pet of the Week
AWWWWW! Meet sweet Bobbi Sox. She’s only about 8 months old, and she’s already experienced tragedy. Bobbi was found after she was hit by a car—the incident caused a seizure and left her with head trauma and a wobbly walk. But it didn’t affect her personality—Bobbi just wants cuddles and pets, to hang out with people, and a nap on your lap. Bobbi needs more than just a loving home—she needs … [Read More...]
Prince, Aug. 28 Pet of the Week
AWWWWW! Long Beach Animal Care Services is partnering with Helen Sanders CatPAWS for the Sweet 16 Special. The adoption promo offers an adoption fee of only $16 for any cat 3 months and over until Labor Day, Sept. 7. We hope you’ll consider Prince, who’s Sweet 16 himself and very special! His adoption fee is actually $5, to encourage a senior adoption—with his glossy black coat and his … [Read More...]
Rex, Aug. 21 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWW! Here’s Rex, who seems to have caught the biggest shark in the sea! Rex is about 1 year old and weighs a little over 50 pounds. His bestie, volunteer Bev, says he’s playful, friendly and enjoys toys and interacting with humans. Bev says that Rex also makes great eye contact, whether in the play yard, on a leash or when someone walks by his kennel. Speaking of leashes, Rex loves his … [Read More...]
