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Plastic-Free July Cleanup Challenge with LA Waterkeeper: Decentralized

July 3, 2026 By Leave a Comment

Sunday, July 5, 9a-12p

Did you know that July 5 is often deemed the “Trashiest Day of the Year” because of the waste left behind from Fourth of July festivities?

Join LA Waterkeeper in making a positive impact in your community by removing plastic and other trash from your neighborhood, local park, or nearby beach. Together, we can help prevent pollution from entering habitats like the LA River and our beautiful coastline.

Please complete this registration form and review our cleanup manual before getting outside! Need help finding a location to make an impact? Check out our cleanup manual for a list of suggested locations. 

Los Angeles Waterkeeper: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/

Plastic-Free July Cleanup Challenge with LA Waterkeeper: Santa Monica

Saturday, July 11, 9a-11a

Free event

9a at Santa Monica Beach, Tower 20, 20 Bicknell Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Event link: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/events/july-2026-c2c 

What: Community beach cleanup as part of Plastic Free July

Region: Los Angeles County

Description:

Join LA Waterkeeper at our Santa Monica Beach Cleanup to celebrate Plastic Free July! Plastic Free July is a global movement that challenges folks to refuse single-use plastics for one month.

This family-friendly event is a great way to build community, learn new ideas for reducing plastic intake, and help create a safer and cleaner environment for all our marine friends.

Please register at https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/events/july-2026-c2c

Los Angeles Waterkeeper: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/

Plastic-Free July Cleanup Challenge with LA Waterkeeper: North Atwater Park

Saturday, July 18, 9a-11:00a

Free event

9a at North Atwater Park: 3900 Chevy Chase Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039

Event link: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/events/july-2026-c2c-raft

What: Community river cleanup as part of Plastic Free July

Region: Los Angeles County

Description:

Join LA Waterkeeper for our Plastic Free July Cleanup at North Atwater Park as part of our Creeks to Coast Cleanup! Take a vital step toward preserving life and safeguarding the beauty of our riparian ecosystems.

We will also spend part of the event looking at the water quality of the LA River that runs next to North Atwater Park. As part of our River Assessment Field Team, volunteers will learn about the LA River’s history and current challenges and use field kits to determine the river’s health and biodiversity.

This family-friendly event welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds. Get ready to have some fun and learn lots!

Please register at https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/events/july-2026-c2c-raft  

Filed Under: Featured Events

Supergirl * Brings A Classic Hero Storyline With Tons Of Action And Fighting Scenes

July 3, 2026 By Leave a Comment

When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice. Supergirl is a 2026 American superhero film based on the DC Comics superheroine Kara Zor-El / Supergirl. Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, it is the second film in the DC Universe (DCU). Milly Alcock stars in the title role, alongside Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, David Corenswet, and Jason Momoa. In the film, Kara Zor-El travels across the galaxy on a murderous quest for revenge. The film is produced by Peter Safran and James Gunn of DC Studios.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Sydney S. comments, “Supergirl brings a classic hero storyline with tons of action and fighting scenes. While it has some exciting moments and performances, the storyline is predictable and overused, and therefore lacks the surprise element.” See her full review below.

Supergirl

By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Supergirl brings a classic hero storyline with tons of action and fighting scenes. While it has some exciting moments and performances, the storyline is predictable and overused, and therefore lacks the surprise element.


The storyline follows Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock), known as Supergirl, who is Superman’s cousin. She is trying to figure out her life before coming across an unlikely person who needs her help to fight a battle against Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts). The constant fighting creates both allies and enemies. 


The main characters are Kara Zor-El (Supergirl), Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), Superman (David Corenswet), Krem, and Lobo (Jason Momoa). Milly Alcock wonderfully represents Kara’s determination and emotional side, especially in scenes where she struggles to balance her Kryptonian past with her life on Earth. It addresses people finding themselves throughout life. This is something a lot of people struggle with and I like that Kara’s journey can help viewers not feel so alone. Kara isn’t a glamorous superhero. She’s different from others in that she isn’t really well put together, which I think makes her character interesting. On the other hand, the other characters don’t feel well developed and their roles don’t enhance the backstory very much. They aren’t really connected and lack interaction. The costumes, however, are extremely well-made – the aliens look very realistic, as close to what I imagine aliens actually look like! It definitely has an outer space mood. The visual effects are impressive, and the battle scenes are filled with fantastic sound effects. However, at times, the CGI is not very convincing, especially when Supergirl is flying. Also, the soundtrack is disappointing, especially when sad pop songs play during a huge battle scene – it’s a complete mismatch. For the most part, the plot feels very expected and I could guess exactly what would happen next. It’s similar to every superhero movie without extra things to spice it up. My favorite part is when Kara embraces her powers during a huge battle scene. The camera rotates in a circle while everything is in slow motion. It’s definitely an impactful scene.


The film’s message is about choosing the right thing to do, even when it may be difficult. Ruthye wants to avenge her family’s death and kill Krem, but Supergirl assures her that it won’t make her life any better. Revenge isn’t always the answer, but the right decisions do matter. Be forewarned that there is some intense action and fighting, but nothing too extreme for most older kids.

I give Supergirl 3.5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Supergirl releases in theaters June 26, 2026. 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Salute Summer At Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm In Lompoc, California In Santa Barbara County To Celebrate 3rd  Annual Lavender Festival In July 11, 18 & 25, 2026

July 1, 2026 By Leave a Comment

Just in Time For Summer, Explore Lompoc is inviting travelers, including couples, grandparents, families with children of all ages, including  toddlers and teens, from near and far to celebrate the season with a sojourn to Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm for its  3rd Annual Lavender Festival, July 11th, 18th, and 25th 2026, Noon to 5 PM in the bucolic Santa Rita Hills in Lompoc, California located in Santa Barbara County. https://explorelompoc.com/events/
In celebration of this year’s bloom, Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm has planned a FREE to the public Lavender Festival when the lavender is at its peak! Come and join the Farm as they open the field with a celebration of lavender in all its splendor! Parking is also FREE.

Highlighted will be a local vendor market, featuring regional artisans selling handmade lavender goods that include lavender sachets and pillows, and variety of lavender bath and body products. As part of the Festival, there will be artisans selling custom leather goods, wood carvings, jewelry, homemade bread and jams and jellies. Local 

food trucks will prepare  a wide variety of  lavender delicacies. Live music will be provided by several  musicians; Mark Bouras on the 11th, Dave Tate on the 18th, and Daniel Vera on the 25th. Be sure to sign up for one of the Farm’s Lavender Wreath Making classes ($55 including all supplies) and Lavender Essential Oil Distillation Demonstration (Free) scheduled throughout the three weekends to create a personalized lavender wreath using flowers from the field! To sign up on the 11th click here, to sign up on the 18th click here, and to sign up on the 25th click here. Base ticket includes one 10″ wreath frame with all materials and instruction. 

The Farm also produces and sells its handmade lavender products that include a estate grown and distilled essential oil, and culinary lavender products such as lavender coffee salt, sugar, olive oil, Balsamic vinegar and honey.https://www.santaritahillslavender.com/full-catalogThe event this year is FREE to attend and visitors can obtain tickets by signing up here. 

FREE Parking is also available onsite. Visitors are asked to wear closed toed shoes and be aware that the Farm’s lavender also attracts bees, so prepare accordingly. We are on sandy soil so those that have physical handicaps we recommend coming on a different day so we can accommodate you appropriately. 

ABOUT SANTA RITA HILLS LAVENDER FARM:

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm is nestled on 8.5 acres and boasts stunning views of the valley out to the Pacific Ocean from the Farm. The Farm is a labor of love created by 

mother/son team Denise and Lucas Neumann, and was established in May 2020 at the height of the pandemic. The Farm grows 3000+ lavender plants which produces 20,000 

bundles of lavender and over 5 gallons of lavender essential oil. Denise has credentials as a Master Gardener and has created a 1/4 acre of seasonal cut flowers! The 

lush lavender fields are surrounded by pomegranate, crab apples, blackberries, pears, medicinal herbs using regenerative farming practices. 

While on the farm you can also see a wide variety of California native plants and wildlife.

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm is open from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, except Tuesdays with hours subject to change, and is located at 1900 Tularosa Road in Lompoc California. 

For more information about Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm in Lompoc’s new Summer events in July, 2026, visit www.santaritahillslavender.com  or 

https://www.goldenstateapothecary.com/  or contact Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm at 805-395-6568.

Credit: SANTA RITA HILLS LAVENDER FARM

Filed Under: Featured Events

Get Ready for the Summer Return of the One and Only Monster Jam® in SoCal!

July 1, 2026 By Leave a Comment
Grave Digger

Tickets on sale now to see the world’s most popular Monster Jam trucks and best drivers

roar into Crypto.com Arena from July 17–19 for the Summer Series.

Nothing compares to the one and only Monster Jam® to become a fan for life with an ultimate day of family fun, roaring into Crypto.com Arena from July 17–19, 2026 to compete in the Summer Series.  Get ready to cheer, scream, and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers take over SoCal for a weekend packed with stunts, smiles, and jaw-dropping skills.  With awesome trucks, amazing stunts, big air, and action-packed excitement, it’s the definition of fun for everyone!

This isn’t just any event – it’s unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable, where 12,000-pound trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air in competitions of speed and skill.  It’s all happening at Monster Jam, where your outside voice is allowed, and every big moment comes with an even bigger smile!

Get Your Tickets Before They’re Gone!

Tickets are on sale now at AXS.com.  Monster Jam Preferred Customers get the first chance to snag the best seats; fans can still sign up for free to grab an exclusive pre-sale code. The general public can purchase tickets starting next Tuesday, May 19th.

Feel the Thrill of Full-Throttle Fun

Get ready for big-time entertainment as SoCal roars to life with gravity-defying stunts, heart-pounding races, and plenty of big air!  The world’s best drivers tear up the dirt as they battle for the Event Championship in three competitions: Racing, 2 Wheel Skills, and everyone’s favorite, Freestyle, where Monster Jam trucks defy the laws of physics and do the impossible.  Fans will be right in the middle of the action, helping to crown the Event Champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts, and saves.

Meet the Superstars of Monster Jam!

These aren’t just any drivers – they’re world-class male and female athletes who have mastered controlling these 12,000-pound beasts. Whether pulling off insane backflips, nailing vertical 2-wheel tricks, or tearing up the track in all-out racing, these drivers are ready to wow fans with the most mind-blowing live motorsports action around.

The competition is fierce as 8 top drivers battle it out for the Summer Series Championship title.  You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching the world’s most popular trucks like 5x Arena Series Champion Weston Anderson in the legendary Grave Digger®, fan-favorite Sparkle Smash® and El Toro Loco®, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, driven by MJ Solorio.  You can’t get this kind of wow just anywhere!

WHEN:              Friday, July 17, 2026

  • Event Time – 7:30 PM

Saturday, July 18, 2026

  • Event Times – 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, July 19, 2026

  • Event Times – 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM

WHERE:            Crypto.com Arena – 1111 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

TICKETS:            Gravity-defying action, down-to-earth prices!

Tickets and Pit Passes now available for purchase online at AXS.com

or in-person at the venue box office                    

*ticket prices subject to change – additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

TRUCK / DRIVER LINEUP:  Grave Digger® driven by Weston Anderson; El Toro Loco® driven by MJ Solorio; Sparkle Smash® driven byChelsea VanCleave; JCB DIGatron driven by Tristan England; ThunderROARus® driven by Carson Williams; Earth Shaker® driven by Alex Bardin; Jurassic Attack driven by Tim Hall, Jr.; and Velociraptor driven by Travis Hall                                                                             *Truck and driver line-up subject to change

For more local info, visit the Los Angeles event page at MonsterJam.com

Follow Monster Jam on our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Subscribe to the Monster Jam YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/MonsterJam

Credit: Monster Jam/ Feld Motor Sports

Filed Under: Featured Content, Featured Events

Mr Worldwide (no period after “Mr.”!), JULY 3 Pet of the Week

July 1, 2026 By Leave a Comment

A special plea for this week’s Pet of the Week: Mr Worldwide, a 2-year-old brown-and-white pittie, is much loved by Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) staff and volunteers. He’s done all the things a good dog does—he walks well on leash, inspecting every inch of pavement and grass; accepts treats politely; presents his belly for rubs; and covers human faces with wet kisses. Mr Worldwide was recently adopted but was returned to LBACS because of aggression toward his new family. His days may be numbered but may be extended for a long time if a person who is experienced with pit bulls comes forward and is willing to sign a behavior waiver. Mr Worldwide requires both an exceptionally skilled adopter and professional training so that this behavior doesn’t escalate. His friends at the shelter passionately hope for a break for Mr Worldwide before it’s too late. Speed the process to adopt Mr Worldwide (no period after the honorific “Mr,” if you search for him on the LBACS adoption page) by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). Ask for ID#A761120.

Filed Under: Featured Content, Pet Corner
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