Archives for June 2024

This summer, discover the beauty and excitement of Southern California aboard the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner®, one of the most scenic train routes in the country. With breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rolling hills and rugged mountains, Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® offers a unique and relaxing way to explore everything the region has to offer. From quiet towns and beach communities to bustling downtowns and historic sites, summer adventure awaits on the rails.

With the summer travel season being one of the busiest times of the year, Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® is excited to welcome guests with top tips and tricks to ensure visits run smoothly:

• Plan Your Route – Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® travels from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, stopping at numerous picturesque and vibrant destinations along the way. Plan your trip by previewing stations to include stops at charming coastal towns, lively cities and popular attractions. A full list can be found at PacificSurfliner.com/destinations.
• Book in Advance – Summer is a popular time to travel, so be sure to book your tickets early to secure the best seats and travel times. Take advantage of available discounts and consider purchasing a multi-ride ticket if you plan to make multiple trips.
• Pack Light and Smart – Bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat and comfortable walking shoes for exploring in the sun. Keep your luggage manageable and be mindful of space during peak travel times, travelers are allowed two personal items like large purses, briefcases, computer backpacks measuring up to 14” x 11” x 7” each and weighing up to 25 pounds each as well as two carry-on bags which can measure up to 28″ x 22″ x 11″ each and weigh up to 50 pounds each.
• Take Advantage of Onboard Amenities – Relax on the journey with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets at your seat and a café car offering snacks and beverages. Relax in spacious seating and take in the stunning views through large windows.
• Stay Informed – Follow Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® on social media and check the website for updates on schedules, special offers and travel tips. Sign up for the newsletter on the homepage to stay informed about any changes or promotions and check the travel advisories at PacificSurfliner.com/alerts. Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® can be found on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X.

Enjoy the top destinations of the season aboard Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® with the following recommended itinerary stops for travelers:

• Explore Coastal Towns – Stops like Oceanside, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Lompoc-Surf offer beautiful beaches, shopping and dining. Spend the day soaking up the sun, exploring local shops and enjoying fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants.
• Visit Iconic Attractions – From the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano to the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, there are plenty of landmarks and attractions to explore. Use the train as your base for day trips to these must-see destinations.

For more information and to book your trip, visit PacificSurfliner.com and start planning a summer adventure.

Credit: Amtrak^® Pacific Surfliner^®

The Shops at Mission Viejo announces the 3rd Annual Free Helmet Giveaway in conjunction with Providence Mission Hospital.

What: In an effort to encourage safe biking and skating, Providence Mission Hospital’s trauma team will be giving away 500 multi-sport style black helmets to children between the ages of two and seventeen years old, while supplies last. Both Mission Viejo Police Services and the Laguna Beach Police Department will be in attendance, providing education about e-bike rules and regulations. Children must be present at the event so they can be properly fitted for a helmet.

When: Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: The Shops at Mission Viejo – Center Court, Level 1, near Old Navy

555 The Shops at Mission Viejo

Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Why: E-bike injuries for children and adults have increased sharply since 2019, but in 2023 alone, the number of children who were treated at Providence Mission Hospital for a traumatic e-bike injury increased by 240%.

More Info: For more information including hours, please visit simon.com. – The

Shops at Mission Viejo’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Credit: The Shops at Mission Viejo.

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles (Levitt LA) is celebrating its 17th annual concert series by presenting 10 world-class performances that are all free and open to everyone. The concerts will be held outdoors, under the stars, with the stunning backdrop of LA’s skyline at MacArthur Park.

For 17 years, Levitt LA has been creating a sense of community through music. This summer, they will once again showcase the diverse cultural landscape of Los Angeles with a fantastic lineup of artists, transforming MacArthur Park into a vibrant and energized urban sonic oasis.

Fans of Levitt LA’s free summer concert series can show their support by purchasing tickets to the Levitt LA fundraiser on Friday, June 7 at the Regent Theater. The evening will be hosted by Pili & Raúl with live performances from Amandititita & Ramona. https://regentdtla.com/tm-attraction/ramona/ 

The electrifying lineup features international greats as well as LA’s superstar talents performing a wide variety of genres including cumbia, ska, soul, reggae, and old school hip-hop.

The 2024 season launches Saturday, June 22 (7-10 pm) with an amazing opening night a night of Cumbia with Vilma y La Sonora, La Diabla, Cumbia Fever DJ’s and Classical Around Town co-presented by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The incredible lineup of both local and international Latin artists continues throughout the summer with acclaimed artists as the incomparable Inspector from Monterrey Mexico, LA’s own Chencha Berrinches and La Pobreska a night presented by Radikal LA and Nothing Less. By way of Portland Oregon comes Y La Bamba, an American indie alternative/experimental band led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Luz Elena Mendoza.

Levitt LA has partnered with local organizations and producers to bring electrifying evenings of uniquely curated SoCal music. Evoekore Media will present an exciting lineup of young upcoming Rockmanticas/Cumbia bands, including Red Store Bums, Flaco El Jandro, and Eastside Agents. Footlong Development is proud to present “Wonder-Full,” featuring DJs Spinna, Monalisa, and Cognito, who will ignite the stage with a soulful-themed dance party paying tribute to Stevie Wonder. No Easy Props presents the 30^th Annual B-Boy Summit honoring Hip Hop culture, headlined by Special Ed and Egyptian Lover. There will be alternative sounds from Pearl and the Oysters, St. Panther, and Los Eclipses. Wrapping up the season is an unmissable showcase from BMI Latin Music.

“Levitt LA is honored to return to MacArthur Park for its 17^th year of free all-ages concerts. We are thankful to all the artists, partners, and people behind the scenes who make live music accessible for so many. This season is going to be a wonderful way to celebrate the creativity and the diversity of our city and beyond with the healing and uniting power of music.” says Allegra Padilla Executive Director.

Levitt LA concerts will be live-streamed and available after the season on YouTube and Facebook, expanding the accessibility of free high-quality concerts for all. For a complete calendar of the Levitt LA Summer Season 2024, please visit www.levittlosangeles.org.

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles’ 2024 Season is supported in part by:

The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, The City of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department, The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez & Hugo Soto-Martinez, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, MacArthur Park, Westlake North, Westlake South, and Rampart Village Neighborhood Councils, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, LACMA, Koreatown Youth + Community Center, Covenant House, Best Food Trucks, Athens Disposal, EDGE Apartments, Walter J Towers, Walter Mosely Group, BMI, Costco + many more and individual donors like you.

For a Healthy Community:

You can’t enjoy live music if you’re sick. That’s why Levitt LA has teamed up with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health which will provide a free mobile vaccination clinic all season long. No appointments are needed. Times from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Additional Info:

Most concerts begin at 7:00 pm on Saturdays. No concert on July 6. Please see the calendar for the exact schedule.

–          Concerts will be live-streamed on Levitt LA’s YouTube Channel, and Facebook Live.

–          All programs are Free, all ages and open to the public

–          RSVP recommended via Eventbrite: http://levittlosangeles.org Eventbrite

–          For event updates: http://levittlosangeles.org

–          Audience members are welcome to bring their own picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs.

–          Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available from local vendors. Please note no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.

–          This is a non-smoking venue thank you for protecting the health of all in attendance.

–          Parking: Athena Parking – 611 Carondelet St., Los Angeles, CA 90057 the cost is $13

–          Public Transportation: Metro: Red Line (Wilshire/Alvarado-MacArthur Park/Westlake stop)

–          Bus lines 18, 20, 51, 351, 603, 720

–          Levitt LA recommends rideshare, carpooling, walking and biking to the venue

Credit: Levitt LA

The Cayton Children’s Museum releases its June programming lineup, which will be filled with interactive play for kids and their grownups.

The Cayton kicks off its June festivities with Chalk It Up, which will take place every Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. June through August. Chalk drawings are one of the earliest types of art, and each month the Cayton will welcome a special guest to accompany young artists in transforming our sidewalks into colorful canvases. This month’s special guest will feature Miles Christopher, an abstract painter, chalk artist, muralist, and musician, who lives and works in Southern California. The themes for June include Express Yourself, All Families are Unique with Miles Christoper, Use Your Voice, and No Color but the Rainbow.  More information & tickets

On June 15, kids and their grownups alike will enjoy Parents’ Night Out from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Offering caregivers a night off, children ages 4-10 years will enjoy three hours of activities and free play supervised by the Cayton’s Play Guides. Games and activities include life-size Connect Four, bean bag tosses, floor bowling and more, along with dinner, a snack, and a drink. This limited-time series is offered on the third Saturday of each month through August and is open to both members and non-members. More information & reservations  

In celebration of Father’s Day, kids are invited to create an “I Love You to Pieces” themed gift for their father figures, which will take place on Sunday, June 16, at 11:00 a.m.

On June 19 at 11:00 a.m, The Cayton will also celebrate Juneteenth with Storytime + Art featuring “Juneteenth for Mazie” by Floyd Cooper and craft creating celebration poppers.

Throughout the month of June, the Cayton Children’s Museum will invite its visitors to vote for their favorite plush toy to lead a series of Proud to Be Me Parades in celebration of Pride Month. The parades will be held throughout the museum daily at 1:30 p.m. from June 26 through July 1.

The Cayton offers daily activities including art studio and storytime, which are drop-in and included with admission for members and museum visitors. For more information about daily programming offered at the Cayton Children’s Museum throughout June, visit https://www.caytonmuseum.org/calendar.

Credit: Cayton Children’s Museum.