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OPERATION SkillBridge™ – L.A. Launches Aboard Battleship IOWA Museum April 2019

April 8, 2019 By Leave a Comment

TM – L.A., a field tested, community-based veteran reintegration program designed to offer unemployed, post 9/11 veterans living in Los Angeles County, workforce development training and related support. The first REBOOT WorkshopTM as part of OPERATION SkillBridgeTM will take place aboard the Battleship IOWA Museum in April 2019.

Research reveals that veterans suffering from service-connected mental and physical disabilities, which may be exacerbated by current circumstances, are best served through specialized reverse boot camp programs such as REBOOT WorkshopsTM, designed to enhance resiliency and combat issues resulting from the inability to transition from a military to civilian mindset. OPERATION SkillBridgeTM – L.A. is guided by a research-based curriculum with the overarching goals of empowering veterans to confidently enter the civilian workplace by gaining resiliency training, pre-employment job skills training and certifications, job matching, employer engagement, and on-going community support through participating veteran service organizations.

“Over 80% of transitioning military personnel are not fully prepared to reenter the job market,” said Battleship IOWA Museum President and CEO, Jonathan Williams. “This is an essential program that will reach unemployed and homeless veterans across the Los Angeles region who are in great need of assistance in order to make the transition from military service to civilian life.”

In OPERATION SkillBridgeTM – L.A., each workshop includes a 15-day course of progressive training, divided into three parts focused on personal, lifestyle, and career transitioning. Veteran facilitators will guide participants through a process that helps formulate individual career and life plans, followed by selecting certificated job training programs that will bolster their employability. Career job matching is based on course completion and on the veteran’s career Dynamic Natural Abilities (DNA).

Battleship IOWA Museum is located at 250 South Harbor Boulevard, Berth 87 in San Pedro. For more information on this program and mission visit www.nvtsi.org and www.pacificbattleship.com or call (877) 446-9261.

Credit:

About Battleship IOWA

Entering service more than 70 years ago, the USS IOWA deployed to the South Pacific in the early years of World War II.  The iconic battleship served with distinction in that war and later, during the Korean War.  In the 1990s, as the Berlin Wall crumbled, the IOWA concluded her active duty.  Battleship IOWA now serves as a not-for-profit historic naval ship museum.  Forged in war and guardian of peace, the proud ship is the sentinel of the Los Angeles Waterfront. IOWA’s teak decks and steel bulkheads echo the words and deeds of history, having carried upon them three U.S. Presidents, six of the nine American five-star military leaders, countless foreign dignitaries, and most importantly, thousands of her own heroic IOWA sailors.  Visitors are awed by the IOWA’s proud legacy as one of the fastest and most powerful ships ever to sail the world’s oceans.  Battleship IOWA Museum is open to the public daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For information on special events, group tours, educational programs and Naval retirement flag service, visit www.pacificbattleship.com.

About NVTSI

National Veterans Transition Services, Inc., a San Diego based 501 (c)(3) organization known as Reboot, is dedicated to assisting veterans in adjusting to civilian life and securing meaningful employment by combining evidence-based, best-practice performance techniques.  Reboot WorkshopsTM help veterans achieve their full potential and goals in the transition domains of employment and career, education, living situation, personal effectiveness/wellbeing and community life functioning.  For more information, visit: www.operationreboot.vet

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Popular California Neighbor Pass Returns to Universal Studios Hollywood Offering Guests Over 175 Days of Fun for $149

April 8, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Starting this past March, Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular California Neighbor Pass returns, inviting guests to enjoy over 175 select days of fun for $149.

The California Neighbor Pass is a must-have for anyone looking to enjoy limitless entertainment exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood, including the all-new “Dark Arts at Hogwarts™ Castle” at “The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM” this April and the highly-anticipated “Jurassic World—The Ride” opening this summer, as well as the theme park’s many exciting thrill rides and attractions.

With lots of theme park neighborhoods to explore, the California Neighbor Pass allows guests to easily travel from Springfield and “The Simpsons Ride” to Gru’s house at the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride, from Hogsmeade village within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” to the Universal backlot sets aboard the world-famous Studio Tour.

The California Neighbor Pass enables guests to choose any day for their first visit and return to enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood for more than 175 days over nine months, including select weekends, for $149 when purchased online. Special discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family to the theme park along with the popular “Halloween Horror Nights” and special events are included in this season pass program. Additionally, pass members can enjoy sweepstakes opportunities and discounts at participating CityWalk locations.

More information about the California Neighbor Pass and other Annual Pass options, are available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets. Blackout dates and restrictions apply. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Credit:

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, and the highly-anticipated Summer opening of “Jurassic World—The Ride.” Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.” The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Royal Baby Must-Haves From Zulily

April 7, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Looking for cute spring clothes for the baby in your life? E-tailer Zulily has everything you need for the Royal Baby in your life (while staying on budget!). These choices are super cute!

Whether shopping for their own baby or looking for the perfect baby shower or “sip & see” gift for friends and family, Zulily launches a new store every day including everything one needs for a baby, from princess worthy outfits, to smocked rompers to toys fit for a king – all at brag worthy prices. 

Zulily Senior Buyer of Infant Apparel, Erica Williams, has shared some of the seasons top styles you might see the future royal sporting, as she partners with hundreds of brands (such Hudson Bay, Aden and Anais, and Laura Ashley), helping to launch thousands of products, specifically for baby:

·         Peter Pan Collars – Pair this classic style with tights and a skirt or with a under a sweater and your baby will be vying for best dressed.

·         Rompers and Smocking – These classics made a comeback with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and you’re sure to see the newest member of the Royal family following suit.

·         Delicate Lace – Lace detailing around the collar and sleeves will be seen everywhere this year and if the newest royal is a princess, she will be donning this delicate detailing.

·         White Layette – Head back-to-basics with white layette sets to bring your baby home. This look also nods to Meghan’s laid back, California-chic style. Don’t worry, there’s always bleach!

Credit: Thank you to Zulily and Zulily Senior Buyer of Infant Apparel, Erica Williams for sharing these fabulous tips with us!

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Duke and Petey–April 4 Pets of the Week!

April 4, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Both of these guys would likely make Paris Hilton twinkle with joy, but 8-year-old Petey and 7-year-old Duke don’t want to ride around in anyone’s purse. These Yorkies were surrendered by their owner and need a lot of exercise, playtime and, of course, attention. If you want a couple of silly little companions and not a paired accessory, meet Duke and Petey at the P. D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A601021 for Duke and ID#A507150 for Petey.

(The usual suspects contributed to this rescue)

Credit: P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

The Los Angeles Zoo Hosts Newly Expanded Spring Fling Seasonal Celebration

April 4, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Weekend Activities Include Entertainment, Crafts, Animal Enrichments, Educational Demos and Demonstrations, Photo Ops, and More 
In celebration of springtime, the Los Angeles Zoo is hosting Spring Fling, a five-week-long “EGG-travaganza” that celebrates the season’s bounty of blooms, births, bees, butterflies, and birds. Once just one weekend long, this year’s Spring Fling will cover five full weekends featuring a wide range of activities, including live entertainment, crafts, special animal feedings, an Earth Expo, educational activities, photo ops, and more. Spring Fling is happening on weekends from Saturday, March 23 – Sunday, April 28, 2019, with the addition of Friday, April 19, 2019. Activities and entertainment are free with paid Zoo admission and GLAZA membership, except as noted.  This event highlights conservation and sustainable living in celebration of Earth Day, along with “EGG-citing” programs, inviting guests to partake in a host of fun, engaging, and educational activities. Spring-themed entertainment for kids includes a monarch butterfly-themed aerialist show, roaming bee and butterfly puppeteers, honey tasting (for an additional fee), a “planting for pollinators” station with a native wildflower seed giveaway (while supplies last), a bee-and-butterfly craft station, springtime photo ops, and more. The L.A. Zoo’s residents get in on the fun with daily up-close creature encounters during Animals & You, showcasing bunnies and other fuzzy critters; along with special animal feedings, featuring Earth Day-inspired treats on Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21. Spring Fling also includes two Big Bunny Weekends with Big Bunny photo ops (for an additional fee), and bunny-ear crafts on Saturday, April 13 – Sunday, April 14 and Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21. 
WHEN: Spring Fling is happening weekends from Saturday, March 23 – Sunday, April 28, 2019; with the addition of Friday, April 19, 2019, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Big Bunny is happening on Saturday, April 13 – Sunday, April 14 and Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
INFO: Spring Fling activities are free, except where noted, with paid Zoo admission, which is $21 for general admission (ages 13 to 61); $18 for seniors (ages 62+), and $16 for children (ages 2 to 12). No ticket is required for children under age two. Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free. 

To learn more about Spring Fling and for a full schedule of activities and times, please visit www.lazoo.org/springfling. 
WHERE: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Credit: The Los Angeles Zoo.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Inland Pacific Ballet Presents The Little Mermaid An Enchanted Underwater Adventure

April 4, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Inland Pacific Ballet returns this spring with its spectacular landmark production of The Little Mermaid, the classic tale for all ages about the young mermaid willing to give up her life in the sea for love. This colorful and engaging production combines classical ballet and creative puppetry to create a magical ocean world with a cast of delightful sea creatures, magnificent sets, and elaborate costumes. Aerial Technology and brilliant new lighting enhance the underwater illusion and bring The Little Mermaid to life in this enchanting undersea adventure at Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, April 6-7; Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga, April 13-14; and April 27-28 at Bridges Auditorium at Pomona College in Claremont.


Based on the original fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen which was then brought into pop culture by Disney animation, The Little Mermaid is a story of young love from two very different worlds. The mermaid princess leaves her underwater paradise and meets a handsome prince on the surface. As the story unfolds, she must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice for her new-found love. Unlike the dark ending of the original story, this original ballet from Inland Pacific Ballet has created a surprise ending that adds to the enjoyment of the traditional tale.


“The Little Mermaid is a great example of IPB’s use of high-level classical ballet to tell adventurous stories which not only result in a profound and beautiful experience, but where audiences become immersed in an epic love story that is familial and celebrated,” exclaims IPB Associate Director, Jonathan Sharp (Idylllwild resident). “Familiarity with other versions of The Little Mermaid story, allows those who have never experienced classical ballet to become initiated with this type of storytelling and enjoy the splendor of classical dance. It’s like watching sculptures in motion.”


Inland Pacific Ballet brought together a creative dream-team to bring The Little Mermaid to the stage with Portland-based choreographers Daniel Kirk and Eric Skinnerutilizing innovative aerial technology to create the feeling of a real underwater environment. New lighting design by Nick Robinson adds to the illusion, along with internationally-acclaimed scenic designer Nancy Seruto’s creative set designs. Designers Craig Sheppard and Jeanne Nolden created a spectacular blend of ornate costumes and delightful puppet sea creatures that swirl and spin. New this year are additional puppet creatures created by Jesse Mooney-Bullock of MoonBull Studio(custom puppet works, fine art sculpture engineered for live performance), and Inland Pacific Ballet Artistic Director Victoria Koenig conceived a lush, sweeping sound collage of great composers, more like a cinematic score than a traditional ballet soundtrack, which includes the music of classical composers Ravel, Debussy, Britten, Vaughan Williams, Janacek, and Dvorak.


Set under and above the high seas, the resulting ballet production has been hailed as “… visually stunning…. an underwater Lion King,” where “puppetry and dancing combine to create a magical ocean world.” Audiences of all ages will enjoy The Little Mermaid where under-the-sea creatures are a feast for the eyes.


Inland Pacific Ballet, is a professional ballet company based in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. The Company is committed to producing exquisitely staged productions of full-length classic story ballets as well as presenting the best in contemporary choreography. Through creative marketing and an extensive educational outreach program, Inland Pacific Ballet strives to introduce new audiences to the magic of ballet, and to make the experience more available and accessible to all. The Company is also committed to the nurturing of new talent and provides an essential training ground for serious young dancers. Inland Pacific Ballet’s Founders/Directors Victoria Koenig and Kevin Frank Myers are southern California natives and bring a wealth of experience to their visionary leadership of the Company.


Over the past 24 years they have built Inland Pacific Ballet into the premier ballet company in the region, enjoying critical acclaim while performing the largest and most varied repertoire in the area. The Company’s repertoire includes such classics as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Les Sylphides, Graduation Ball and Swan Lake Act II. Full length classical masterpieces include Giselle, Coppélia and a lavish production of The Nutcracker. Contemporary classics include seminal works by the legendary George Balanchine including Serenade, Concerto Barocco and Who Cares? and a growing body of original work that includes creative adaptations of much-loved stories such asThe Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Dracula.


The Little Mermaid has performances on Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Fox Performing Arts Center, Riverside;Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Lewis Family Playhouse, Rancho Cucamonga; and April 27 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Bridges Auditorium, Claremont. Tickets start at $24 with senior/child/group rates available. For reservations and information, please visit  IPBALLET.org.

Credit:
Inland Pacific Ballet.

Filed Under: Featured Events

6 Things to look for when buying Inexpensive Picnic Tables

April 2, 2019 By Leave a Comment

A lot of people who love nature enjoy eating outside.  With this comes the need to have the right equipment to use since there are plenty of choices to choose from. From choosing a dining table, chairs or any type of outdoor furniture choose one that will give you a beautiful, casual outdoor experience.

When it comes to choosing the right furniture, you need to ensure that you choose furniture that is not only durable but one that gives your outdoors an authentic and beautiful look. You will find both the expensive types as well as picnic tables that are more affordable. Here are 6 things to look for when buying inexpensive picnic tables.

Measure your outdoor space

Before deciding on your preferred picnic table, carefully measure your outdoor space since picnic tables can take up a large amount of space. Consider the different shapes and dimensions of picnic tables that can perfectly meet your space and seating requirements. Next, determine where you will place your table. This will ensure that the table fits into the space available and also creates extra space for movement.

Determine the tables’ function

Picnic tables have different functions and if you want the seating to comprise of people sitting at one table then go for the traditional option. But, if you prefer people sitting separately, for example, if the kids and adults will sit separately, choose a picnic table with a separate seating arrangement. For children’s table, choose a slightly lower table that allows movement and easy access to items on the table.

Consider the style

Various styles of picnic tables are available from the traditional design to more modern styles configured to fit into your outdoor space. Choose a style that brings is not only functional but also decorative.

Consider the material

There are different materials like hardwood, softwood, metal, aluminum, concrete, and even plastic picnic tables. But, your choice is determined by several factors. These include the amount of use, your style choice, duration of exposure to outside elements like the weather, budget, comfort as well as weight.

Consider the shape

Picnic tables have different shapes, but before buying any, you need to take a look at the seating arrangement as well as the number of people you expect to be using the tables. For a larger number of people, the traditional, rectangular picnic table with bench seating is the best choice since it has a wide range of options like round, curved as well as octagonal.

Consider the size

The size of your picnic table has to match the number of people you will want to serve. If possible, choose one that can accommodate a slightly higher number of people just in case. If you want to use it for entertaining functions, it needs to be the focal point ideal for informal meals and gatherings.

Whichever style you choose, you need to also pick the right color. Select from the wide variety of stylish and cheap picnic tables available at the Patio pro.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Brooklyn Cloth, a Fast Fashion Line for Men(and Teens) that Won’t Break the Bank this Spring!

April 1, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Looking for stylish clothes for the Men in your life? I love Brooklyn Cloth clothing line and it’s great for husbands and Teens too! The clothes are affordable too!

Brooklyn Cloth was co-founded by Daron Jacob when he joined Icer Brands. Icer Brands original founder is Lawrence Jemal. Daron’s background has been in apparel design and manufacturing throughout his 20+ years in the industry. 

Brooklyn Cloth was founded on October 17, 2011.

Here’s more info on their story:

When Daron was working with other companies and developing private label for retailers like Forever21, Urban Outfitters, Pac Sun etc, he saw that Fast Fashion, on trend items, were a growing focus in the women’s market but men’s was very limited. This is where he saw a gap and need, on trend of the moment men’s streetwear inspired fashion at a great price. 

We focus on the Gen Z customer, someone who isn’t defined by style but like to mix high and low. They are someone that will wear OFF WHITE Sneakers with Brooklyn Cloth joggers. 

In 2014, Brooklyn Cloth introduced the boys line focused on the same fashion trends as the men’s line but in “mini me sizes” 

We are known for the JOGGERS and perfected the FIT, style and comfort at a great price. It starts at $40. Lately, we’ve been increasing our focus on Outwear, Sherpa, Denim. What makes our product unique is that we design from the textile level. We work with mills to produce our textiles that are exclusive to Brooklyn Cloth. 

We are affordable fashion focused on the latest trend, joggers start at $40, Outerwear at $50. You can get a complete outfit for $65 

Boys Joggers start at $35, Outerwear at $45. You can get a complete outfit for $50 

Where is the collection available/how can people purchase it? You can go to www.brooklyncloth.com

I love the styles and they even have a few things for Women! I love the
Women’s Sherpa Hoodie! My teenage son is also a fan of their clothing and loved the Black & White American Flag Tee and the Red, white and blue color block windbreaker! I really recommend their Americana styles and they have such great Spring Must Haves!

They have the best styles!

This
Women’s Sherpa Hoodie is so cozy!

Self Disclosure: I received samples to facilitate this post. Top image and Brooklyn Cloth story was provided to post.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week
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