Featured SoCal Events and Services
73d Annual Lompoc Valley Flower Festival Set For June 25-28, 2026
Lompoc, California, along California's Central Coast, is getting ready to celebrate the 73rd Annual Lompoc Valley Flower Festival, an annual home-town tradition highlighting the Valley’s agricultural heritage with colorful floats, marching bands, equestrian units, drill teams, and more! All floats are designed and constructed by local organizations and feature flowers and/or … [Read More...]
The Queen Mary’s 4th of July Celebration Returns for America’s 250th Birthday and Iconic Ship’s 90th Anniversary Year
Tickets On Sale Today for “Cheers for 250 Years” with WW2 Aircraft Flyover, Strolling Performances, Multiple Stages, Delicious Food, and the Best Fireworks Show on the West Coast Stars, stripes, and a celebration 250 years in the making! The Queen Mary in Long Beach is gearing up to welcome guests aboard for an unforgettable Independence Day as its signature 4th of July event returns … [Read More...]
Musical Theatre West Announces Broadway Performer and Viral Vocal Sensation Brian Justin Crum as Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Tickets on Sale for Select Dates July 10 - July 26, 2026 Brian Justin Crum posts as Joseph in MTW’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Photo credit: Jason Niedle Get ready to “Go Go Go Joseph!” as Southern California’s premier theatre company, Musical Theatre West (MTW), brings the colorful, high-energy sensation Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to the … [Read More...]
LACMA Announces SPIRITS Summer Solstice Dance with artist john gerrard and Richie Hawtin June 21
Photo: John gerrard, still from SPIRITS (Mediterranean) #50, Courtesy the artist The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and artist john gerrard announce the Summer Solstice launch of SPIRITS, a landmark year-long artwork commissioned by LACMA's Art + Technology Lab and presented on LACMA's homepage from Winter Solstice 2025 to Winter Solstice 2026, on June 21, 2026. … [Read More...]
SoCal City Kids News
4 Most Instagrammable Places in Paros
Paros is one of those Greek islands that looks good in almost every direction you turn. It has that classic Cycladic style people expect, but it still feels relaxed and not overly staged. Whitewashed houses, small harbours, clear water, and soft evening light all come together in a way that makes it hard not to take photos constantly. Some places on the island stand out more than others, … [Read More...]
3 Tips for Choosing the Right Eye Doctor
Choosing an eye doctor is one of those things people often put off until there is a problem, but it really pays to be a bit more thoughtful about it. Whether it is a routine check-up, new glasses, or something more specific that needs attention, the person you choose can make a noticeable difference to how comfortable and confident you feel about your vision. Start by understanding what kind of … [Read More...]
PBS SoCal Announces Free FAMILY MATH App to Bring Meaningful Math Experiences to Families NationwideNow Available in English and Spanish on iOS, Android and Web
Features Include Screen-Time Controls, Offline Access and Research-Backed Content in an Ad-Free Play Experience. Pictured: Family Math Play & Learn App Key Art and a caregiver and child explore shapes using FAMILY MATH curriculum.(Images courtesy of PBS SoCal) PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS station, today announced the launch of the new FAMILY MATH Play & Learn … [Read More...]
Family and Identity: Why the Little Things Matter Most
There's a moment most parents know well. Your toddler spots you wearing the same color shirt as them and lights up like you've just handed them the moon. It seems trivial. It's not. The repeated moments of daily life, the inside jokes, the Sunday pancake ritual, the matching outfits on a cold morning walk are quietly doing something profound. They're telling your child: you belong here. This is … [Read More...]
Free Movie Nights Return to Victoria Gardens, 6/2-7/2, 2026
Previous summer movie event at Victoria Gardens. Photo courtesy of Victoria Gardens. Victoria Gardens invites the community to attend Summer Movies in Town Square every Tuesday beginning June 2 through July 21*. The free, family-friendly movie series is returning with nostalgic favorites like Back to the Future and Angels in the Outfield, as well as newer classics like Shrek and Cars. Grab a … [Read More...]
Featured Products
Toy Suggestion for the little ones this Father’s Day: Oklahoma Joe’s Pretend Play Smoker
This is the coolest! Oklahoma Joe’s Pretend Play Smoker | MSRP: $58.99 | Ages 3+ | Available at Walmart| The Oklahoma Joe’s Pretend Play Smoker lets little pitmasters fire up the fun with a lifelike BBQ smoking experience! Designed to look just like the real thing, this interactive toy features realistic steam that mimics the smoking process, bringing backyard barbecues to life. Perfect for … [Read More...]
Father’s Day Gift Suggestions!
Here are some great ideas! ohhh sooo good! Big Tree Farms BBQ Sauces — bringing globally inspired flavor to Father’s Day grilling, Big Tree Farms’ BBQ sauces are crafted with organic Nira, the naturally low-glycemic coconut blossom nectar harvested from coconut trees in Bali. The sauces combine smoky-sweet richness with elevated Southeast Asian street food-inspired flavor profiles that feel … [Read More...]
Mother’s Day Gift Suggestion!
Lifesmart Treadmills For many, the walking pad has become the ultimate work-from-home wellness hack…easy, compact, and perfect for getting those daily steps in. But there comes a point when walking alone isn’t enough. When your routine starts to feel repetitive or you’re craving more intensity, it may be time to upgrade from steps…to strength. That’s where Lifesmart … [Read More...]
Wanna be a Super Hero?
Well.....maybe you don't but I bet you know a younger kid who does! This one is perfect for him or her! Marvel Super Hero Trainer ($29.99 | Ages 6+ | Ultra PRO Entertainment & Amazon) Train like a hero! Complete missions alongside your favorite iconic Heroes of the Marvel Universe, such as Spider-Man, Captain America, Black Widow, and Iron Man, as they share advice to help you … [Read More...]
Spring time Baby Gift Guide
Momcozy ST03 Travel Stroller Looking for a compact travel friendly stroller? Look no further! Momcozy has you covered! It is ultra-compact, airplane-friendly fold designed for overhead-bin travel. It will make a wonderful baby shower gift this Spring! I love that it is lightweight and has a durable frame. It is perfect for airports, theme parks, and daily city use. I like that it is easy to … [Read More...]
National Board Game Day April 11th
Looking for some fun games for the Kids? These are sure to be ahit! Cake-N-Bake Challenge (Hey Buddy Hey Pal | Ages 4+ | $27.99 | Amazon & Barnes & Noble) Cake-N-Bake Challenge brings cooking show excitement to your home. This fast-paced, color-matching, cake-building game with group playing cards, where the fastest baker wins! Using foam cake slices and icing … [Read More...]
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Media Reviews
Toy Story 5 * Absolutely Exceeded My Expectations And, By Far, The Best In The Series
The toys are back in Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” and this time it’s Toy meets Tech. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad, a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same? KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. … [Read More...]
Disclosure Day * A Refreshing Take On The Alien Genre That Allows Us To Question The Implications Of Extraterrestrial Life
If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? This summer, the truth belongs to seven billion people. We are coming close to … Disclosure Day. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ilana O. comments, “Disclosure Day presents a refreshing return to acclaimed director Steven Spielberg’s take on the alien genre and allows audiences to question the … [Read More...]
Father’s Day Book Suggestions
Looking for fun books to read with the little ones this holiday? These will be a hit! My Daddy is Everything written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin ($8.99; Board Book; Ages 0 to 3) This one would be the perfect book for all new dads! Bebé Ama a Papá / Baby Loves Dad written by Chela de la Vega, illustrated by Teresa Martínez ($9.99; Board … [Read More...]
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Beauty and Fashion Corner
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...]
Regenerative Glow: Glen Ivy Hot Springs New Radiant Results Facial Featuring Luminant Skincare Line
Images courtesy of Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Experience the ultimate skincare innovation with Regenerative Glow by Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Combine the new Radiant Results facial and Luminant skin care products by [comfort zone] for a comprehensive approach to radiant, healthy skin. After just one Radiant Results facial and consistent use of the Luminant skincare routine for … [Read More...]
Pet Corner
Minerva, June 19 Pet of the Week
The blissful look in Minerva’s milk-chocolate eyes expresses her pleasure at being taken for a visit to volunteer Jessica’s house. There, she played unfettered for a while and took time to smell the flowers. Wouldn’t that be great if Minerva could have a situation like that forever? Even a foster situation would be great. Minerva’s only 3, and everyone at Long Beach Animal Care Services loves … [Read More...]
Swayze, July 12 Pet of the Week
This dear doggie is Swayze. He was found as a stray, so no one knows what he was like before he came to Long Beach Animal Care Services, but he’s created his own history here. You might have seen him onstage with volunteer Patti at the Long Beach’s Favorite Pet event last weekend. Swayze loves playmates, both human and canine, but volunteer Ruth said he self-entertains just fine in the play yard. … [Read More...]
Rosco, June 5 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWWWW Rosco as you can see, is quite fond of stepping out on the town! Here he is, dressed to impress for a formal, leash-required gala. Just last week, he was volunteer Cheryl’s date at the Long Beach’s Favorite Pet event at Rec Park. Rosco posed for photos and pets in front of Long Beach Animal Care Services’ Adoption Waggin’ hoping that he’d get the chance to be someone’s favorite … [Read More...]
Poppy, May 29 Pet of the week
Poppy was a late Christmas "gift" to Long Beach Animal Care Services this past December. Her nose was swollen and painful, and her human couldn’t take care of her, so they sadly surrendered her. But the shelter vets knew what to do! After ruling out cancer, the cause of the swollen nose was determined to be a bug bite, so Poppy got her treatment and a spay procedure, too. She’s now a healthy … [Read More...]
