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Minerva, June 19 Pet of the Week

June 18, 2026 By Leave a Comment

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 her and her calm vibe. Volunteer Bev said that she waits calmly to be leashed, exits her kennel without trying to get at her neighbors, and walks gently by her walker’s side. She takes treats with great finesse and enjoys being petted all over. She doesn’t react to other dogs, and as for the occasional lizard that runs across her path—meh. Minerva would rather walk and sniff absolutely everything she comes across. When it’s time to go back into her kennel, Minerva seems fine with that, too. Wouldn’t you love someone in your life who’s that agreeable? Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Minerva or any of our other pets 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#A757615.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

PLAZA MEXICO CELEBRATES FATHER’S DAY Music, Food, Panini & Loteria Tables! Sunday, June 21, 2026 (Free)

June 18, 2026 By Leave a Comment

 

Credit: Plaza Mexico

Plaza Mexico celebrates Father’s Day with music, food, raffles, red carpet, and Panini & Loteria tables. Join us as we honor the men who give so much of themselves for their children.

Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Loteria & Panini tables), raffles, music throughout 4:00 pm.

Performances by Banda La Elegida, Grupo Blanco and Grupo Prendi2.

Register for a special gift for fathers while supplies last: https://www.plazamexico.com/events-1/fathers-day-celebration-honoring-dads-at-plaza-mexico.

Plaza Mexico would like to thank many of the ‘mercado’ tenants for their support.

Throughout 2026, Plaza Mexico will be your go-to spot for programming a variety of events—from lively festivals and artisan markets to kids’ activities, live music, and community celebrations.

ABOUT PLAZA MEXICO
Located at 3100 E. Imperial Hwy in the emerging city of Lynwood, California, only 14 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, Plaza Mexico is a unique 420,000-square-foot retail, food, and office space blended with Mexican culture to create a Hispanic wonderland of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plaza Mexico is bounded by Imperial Highway, Long Beach Boulevard, State Street, and the 105 Freeway, so no matter where you live, you are never too far from this little piece of Mexico in Southern California.

Plaza México stands as a cultural landmark in Lynwood, California, celebrating the beauty, history, and spirit of Mexico. Inspired by traditional Mexican architecture and iconic landmarks, the plaza was designed to transport visitors into the heart of Mexico through its vibrant atmosphere, handcrafted details, and authentic sense of community.

More than a shopping destination, Plaza México is a place where culture, commerce, and connection thrive. The plaza hosts a wide variety of events year-round — from traditional celebrations like Día de los Muertos and Fiestas Patrias to live music, artisan markets, and family festivals that bring people together from across Southern California.

Visitors can stroll through beautifully designed spaces featuring replicas of Mexico’s most renowned monuments, including El Ángel de la Independencia, Kiosko de San Miguel de Allende, and the Aztec Calendar. Each landmark offers a glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and provides a unique opportunity for guests to embark on a self-guided cultural tour right here in Lynwood.

Whether you’re visiting for shopping, dining, entertainment, or simply to connect with the vibrant Mexican culture, Plaza México invites you to experience a piece of Mexico — without leaving California.

Plaza Mexico is located at:
Plaza Mexico 3100 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262 Entrance + Parking: free, family-friendly, pet-friendly, all are welcome. Bring your lawn chairs.
https://www.plazamexico.com/

Filed Under: Featured Events

Family and Identity: Why the Little Things Matter Most

June 15, 2026 By Leave a Comment

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 your people.

What Psychologists Actually Say About Family Identity

The concept of family identity has been studied seriously for decades, but one of the clearest frameworks comes from Dr. Marshall Duke and Dr. Robyn Fivush at Emory University. Their research on what they call the “Do You Know?” scale found that children who have a strong knowledge of their family history show higher self-esteem, greater resilience, and better outcomes when facing adversity.

The key insight? It wasn’t the big formal conversations that made the difference. It was the accumulative effect of small, repeated interactions. Stories told at dinner, phrases passed down, shared experiences that become part of how a child understands themselves.

Family identity, in other words, isn’t built in a single defining moment. It’s built Tuesday morning. And the Tuesday after that.


Why Young Children Are Especially Receptive

Before kids can articulate who they are, they feel it. Toddlers and young children operate almost entirely through sensory and emotional experience. They absorb belonging long before they can name it.

This is why the early years are so powerful. A child who grows up with consistent rituals, shared symbols, and visual cues of togetherness internalizes a sense of security that psychologists call a “secure base”. A foundation from which they can explore the world with confidence, knowing there’s somewhere they fundamentally belong.

Dr. John Bowlby, whose attachment theory remains one of the most influential frameworks in developmental psychology, argued that this felt sense of security is not a luxury. It’s a developmental need, as essential as nutrition.

The Overlooked Role of Visual Belonging

Here’s what the existing conversation around family identity tends to miss: the visual and sensory dimension.

Most articles on the subject focus on values, storytelling, and faith traditions, all genuinely important. But there’s a quieter layer that rarely gets discussed: the physical, visible markers of “we’re a unit.”

Think about what makes a sports team feel like a team. Partly it’s shared goals and history. But it’s also the jersey. The uniform. The visual signal that says: we go together.

For young children, who think in images and feelings long before they think in concepts, these visual anchors matter enormously. Shared objects, consistent environments, and yes, clothing participate in building that felt sense of family.

This is part of why the “mini-me” dressing trend resonates so deeply with parents. It’s not vanity. It’s instinct. When a parent and child wear matching outfits, they’re creating a small, joyful visual ritual that says: we’re together. Collections like family matching sweatshirts tap into exactly this, giving families a simple, tangible way to express togetherness. Whether it’s for a holiday photo or just a regular Saturday at the park.

And the beauty of it is that children notice. They remember. Ask any parent, and they’ll tell you their kid asked to wear the matching hoodie again. Not because it was cozy, but because it meant something.

Small Rituals That Build Big Identity

The good news is that building a strong family identity doesn’t require grand gestures or elaborate planning. It asks for consistency and intention in the ordinary.

Here are some of the most effective small rituals families use to reinforce belonging:

  • A signature phrase or greeting, something only your family says, even something silly. Repeated often, it becomes a marker of “us.”
  • A weekly ritual tied to a day. Friday pizza, Sunday morning cartoons in pajamas, a monthly hike. The predictability itself is the point.
  • Shared physical objects. A mug you always use, a blanket everyone fights over, matching pieces of clothing for special occasions or everyday wear.
  • Storytelling at the table, not formal family history lessons, but casually sharing “remember when we…” moments. Duke and Fivush’s research shows these stories are among the most powerful identity-builders available to parents.
  • A family “thing”. A sport you follow, a board game you play obsessively, a garden you tend together. It doesn’t matter what it is. What matters is that it’s yours.

None of these cost much. Most cost nothing. But over time, they accumulate into something children carry with them for life.

When the World Pulls Hard, Identity Holds

There’s a reason this matters beyond warm feelings and cute photos.

Children with a strong sense of family identity are better equipped to handle peer pressure, navigate conflict, and recover from setbacks. Duke and Fivush’s research found this directly: kids who could answer questions about their family (where their parents grew up, how their grandparents met, what the family went through in hard times) were measurably more resilient.

That resilience doesn’t come from abstract knowledge. It comes from the emotional security underneath it. The bone-deep sense that they are part of something larger than themselves.

You’re Already Doing More Than You Think

If you read this and felt a little overwhelmed, take a breath. You don’t need to overhaul your family life.

The Saturday morning ritual you already have? That counts. The nickname only you call them? That counts. The matching outfits you put on for the holidays and then wore again just because everyone liked them? That counts too.

Family identity is rarely built consciously. It accumulates in the margins in the small, repeated acts of showing up together, looking alike, laughing at the same things, and coming home to the same place.

And one day, when your child is grown and building their own family, they’ll reach for those same small things, a phrase, a ritual, a way of doing Sunday mornings. Because somewhere along the way, it became part of who they are.

The little things aren’t little at all. They’re the whole thing.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Swayze, June 12 Pet of the Week

June 12, 2026 By Leave a Comment

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. “Just give him a toy, and watch him go!” Ruth said. Swayze’s easy to get in and out of his kennel and is great on a leash. He also has unique, adorable ears—you can’t see them in the photo, but one flips up and the other flops down! Swayze is 3 years old, and all the fosters love him. You will, too. Adopt or foster Swayze by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. 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#A753409.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Plaza Mexico presents ‘Golazo Fest,’ celebrating Mexico’s participation in the big international soccer tournament on June 11 & 24, 2026 (FREE)

June 12, 2026 By Leave a Comment

Plaza Mexico Presents ‘Golazo Fest’

Plaza Mexico presents ‘Golazo Fest’ celebrating Mexico’s participation in the big international soccer tournament with two free watch parties.

Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11, 2026 at 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Mexico vs. Czech on June 24, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Join us for the ultimate soccer watch party experience as fans come together to cheer, and watch every moment of the big game on a giant LED screen surrounded by an electric atmosphere. Celebrate at ‘El Angel’ monument here at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood.

Enjoy live music & entertainment, beer garden, brand activations & giveaways, photo opportunities and great food & refreshments.

Bring your team colors, your game-day spirit, and get ready for an unforgettable celebration of soccer, community, and fun.

Plaza Mexico would like to thank many of the ‘mercado’ tenants for their support, as well as partners: Power106, Boost Mobile, Curacao, Fox Deportes, Mega 96.3, Entravision, Fundacion Jalisco, El Clasificado and Milagros de México.

Throughout 2026, Plaza Mexico will be your go-to spot for programming a variety of events—from lively festivals and artisan markets to kids’ activities, live music, and community celebrations.

Register: https://www.plazamexico.com/events-1/mexico-vs-south-africa-soccer-watch-party-at-plaza-mexico

ABOUT PLAZA MEXICO
Located at 3100 E. Imperial Hwy in the emergent city of Lynwood California, only 14 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, Plaza Mexico is a unique 420,000 square foot retail, food, and office space blended together with Mexican culture to create an Hispanic wonderland of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plaza Mexico is bounded by Imperial Highway, Long Beach Boulevard, State Street, and the 105 Freeway, so no matter where you live you are never too far from this little piece of Mexico in Southern California.

Plaza México stands as a cultural landmark in Lynwood, California, celebrating the beauty, history, and spirit of Mexico. Inspired by traditional Mexican architecture and iconic landmarks, the plaza was designed to transport visitors into the heart of Mexico through its vibrant atmosphere, handcrafted details, and authentic sense of community.

More than a shopping destination, Plaza México is a place where culture, commerce, and connection thrive. The plaza hosts a wide variety of events year-round — from traditional celebrations like Día de los Muertos and Fiestas Patrias to live music, artisan markets, and family festivals that bring people together from across Southern California.

Visitors can stroll through beautifully designed spaces that feature replicas of Mexico’s most renowned monuments, including El Ángel de la Independencia, Kiosko de San Miguel de Allende, and Aztec Calendar. Each landmark offers a glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and provides a unique opportunity for guests to embark on a self-guided cultural tour right here in Lynwood.

Whether you’re visiting for shopping, dining, entertainment, or simply to connect with the vibrant Mexican culture, Plaza México invites you to experience a piece of Mexico — without leaving California.

Plaza Mexico is located at:
Plaza Mexico 3100 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262 Entrance + Parking: free, family-friendly, pet friendly all are welcome. Bring your lawn chairs.
https://www.plazamexico.com/

Credit: Plaza Mexico.

Filed Under: Featured Events

The Aquarium invites the public to join them in person or online for its Juneteenth Celebration

June 12, 2026 By Leave a Comment
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Juneteenth Celebration in its Honda Pacific Visions Theater on June 19, 2024 in Long Beach, California. Photo Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

 Learn about the history of this holiday and its significance to the African American community and

                           beyond. Discover the traditions of this annual celebration through ​live music, spoken word, and a

                           gratitude practice. The Juneteenth Celebration will also be live streamed on the Aquarium’s

                           YouTube page.

WHEN:          Friday, June 19, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

WHERE:        Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST:            Included with general admission and free for Aquarium members and children under age three /

                     Reservations required

TO TUNE

IN LIVE:        Please visit the Aquarium’s YouTube page at pacific.to/juneteenth at 1:00 p.m. PST on June 19, 2026. 

INFO:            (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/juneteenth/

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Filed Under: Featured Events

Pride Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific

June 12, 2026 By Leave a Comment

All are welcome to attend Pride Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific in partnership with The LGBTQ Center Long Beach for a celebration of LGBTQ+ communities. This all-ages event will include LGBTQ+ performances, rainbow-themed programming, and DJs spinning in locations around the Aquarium. Attendees will also get the chance to learn about The Center and other local organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community in Long Beach. Pride Night is a celebration of local communities. The Aquarium welcomes everyone and hopes this event brings people together to appreciate each other and work together to protect our ocean planet. 

During Pride Night, the Aquarium will be honoring Gay for Good’s Orange County/Long Beach chapter with the Heritage Award that recognizes outstanding community service and promoting diversity awareness. This organization is dedicated to mobilizing LGBTQ+ and ally volunteers to promote diversity, foster inclusion, and strengthen ties to the broader communities. There are more than twenty-three chapters of Gay for Good, including Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, and San Francisco.

WHEN:           Friday, June 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

WHERE:         Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST:            $24.95 per person. Free for Aquarium members (food and drinks sold separately). Reservations required.

INFO:             (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/pride_night/

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Filed Under: Featured Events

This June Downtown Santa Monica Welcomes Four Grand Openings on Third Street Promenade

June 10, 2026 By Leave a Comment

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.) warmly welcomes to announce four highly anticipated grand openings on Third Street Promenade this summer, bringing bold new flavors, one-of-a-kind concepts, and global excitement to one of Southern California’s most beloved destinations.

“These grand openings are exactly the kind of bold, dynamic concepts that add to the energy and appeal of Downtown Santa Monica,” said Debbie Lee, DTSM, Inc. CEO. “They are a reflection of the investment, innovation, and momentum that continue to strengthen Downtown Santa Monica’s position as Southern California’s premier beachside destination.”

An official FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Store, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Dragon Alley Coffee, and the world’s first official Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria are all opening their doors on the Promenade this month, offering visitors and locals a fresh lineup to enjoy Downtown Santa Monica.

“A thriving downtown depends on strong partnerships, and these new openings are a testament to what can be achieved when the City, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., property owners, and businesses work toward a shared vision,” said City of Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis. “Together, we are fostering a downtown that strengthens our local economy, creates opportunities for businesses to succeed, and enhances the quality of life that makes Santa Monica such a special place.”

Meet the Additions:

The Official FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Store

  • Open Now!
  • 1427 Third Street Promenade, Suite 101, Santa Monica, CA 90401
  • Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday
  • The official FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Store makes the Third Street Promenade a must-visit destination for football fans from around the world this summer. Stocked with official World Cup merchandise, apparel, and collectibles, the pop-up offers an exclusive retail experience tied to one of the most watched sporting events on the planet and a natural complement to the global energy already building throughout Downtown Santa Monica.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

  • Grand Opening: June 10, 2026
  • 1401 Third St. Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401
  • Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily
  • Raising Cane’s brings its cult-favorite menu to the Promenade, joining a passionate national fanbase that has long awaited a Westside location. Known for its craveable menu built around fresh chicken fingers, Cane’s sauce, crinkle-cut fries, and coleslaw, Raising Cane’s is an instant draw for locals, families, and visitors alike.

Dragon Alley Coffee

  • Grand Opening: June 15, 2026
  • 312 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
  • Hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
  • Dragon Alley Coffee Shop is a distinctive addition to the Promenade’s café scene. The concept is rooted in the belief that coffee is more than a drink; it’s a moment of clarity, a pause, a reset. Brewed with magic and served with passion, Dragon Alley’s flagship location on the Third Street Promenade is poised to become a go-to destination for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind café experience in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria

  • Grand Opening: June 20, 2026
  • 1444 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
  • Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday – Sunday
  • Serving classic New York-style pizza with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles twist, the pizzeria is equal parts dining experience and pop-culture destination, designed to delight fans of all ages. Whether you grew up watching Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo save the city or you’re discovering the franchise for the first time, this is one slice of history you won’t want to miss. Cowabunga!

The grand openings arrive at an exciting moment for Downtown Santa Monica, which is gearing up for a landmark summer of events and activations tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026. With Golden Hour celebrations on the Promenade, the massive open streets festival COAST 2026 on July 19, and the district’s unbeatable location just steps from the California coast, Downtown Santa Monica is the premier place to visit and enjoy the season’s festivities. 

The district’s unbeatable location just steps from the California coast, world-class dining, and now four bold new concepts calling the Promenade home, and Downtown Santa Monica isn’t just a great place to watch the World Cup; it’s the premier destination to make the most of summer 2026.

Credit: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

Filed Under: Featured Events
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