South Coast Botanic Garden has a New Exhibit, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea

Washed Ashore Exhibit

Sixteen giant creatures made from beach debris have landed on the Palos Verdes Peninsula through September for South Coast Botanic Garden’s latest exhibit, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea.

Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea is a non-profit organization committed to combating plastic pollution through art and education.

The 16 sculptures making up the Garden’s exhibit, which are primarily sea creatures, were built by the organization and its volunteers to inspire and spark positive change in consumer habits. The Garden, built atop a sanitary landfill, has proven throughout the past 60-plus years that beautiful things can come from trashy pasts. With this exhibit, the Garden will further explore the concept, as well as the education, behind what we can ALL do to limit waste, particularly our single-plastic use.

Some of the sustainable changes the Garden has made will be seen by Washed Ashore guests,
including:
● Selling water in aluminum bottles instead of plastic bottles. The aluminum bottled water
has a screw-off cap, making it reusable.
● Having an electric-vehicle fleet, including golf carts and the Garden’s shuttle. The
Garden’s Tram is currently undergoing a conversion to electric.
● Serving food and beverages out of compostable containers and offering compostable
utensils.
● Placing 4 new recycling bins throughout the Garden and adding a composting bin where
the Garden’s food and beverage is served.
● Replacing the drinking fountain with one that allows guests to refill reusable water
bottles, saving plastic bottles from entering a landfill or waterway.

Washed Ashore also marks a new program for the Garden – the Washed Ashore Adventure Tour.
This non-stop shuttle tour is unlike anything Garden guests have ever experienced. To start,
guests will meet Defender of the Garden, Sage, or the spirited and mischievous Blossom.

Both characters take turns hosting the tour, providing humor and fun along the way.

The whole experience is about 45 minutes, including an exclusive photo opportunity at one of the sculptures.

Lastly, tour guests get to take home a reusable SCBG water bottle to help reduce
their carbon footprint.

This Jellyfish is one of my favorites! Creamsicle the Jellyfish.

While Washed Ashore is included with Garden Admission (free for Members, up to $15 for
non-members), the Washed Ashore Adventure Tour is an additional $29 per person.
Washed Ashore opened on April 1st and will run daily through September.

I had the opportunity to check it out and recommend it to everyone! Both children and adults will enjoy it!

Credit: Information was provided by South Coast Botanical Gardens. Photos taken by SoCal City Kids.

Celebrate Earth Day at the Los Angeles Zoo

Credit: the Los Angeles Zoo

Join the Los Angeles Zoo for Wild for the Planet this Earth Day to learn about and remember the importance of protecting and preserving wildlife habitats and the planet we all share. This Earth Month event—now in its final two weekends for 2023—creates consciousness around the issues that affect Mother Earth through a myriad of fun and engaging programs including animal demonstrations and feedings, nature-inspired performances and book readings, hands-on activities, a community-focused Earth Expo, and more. 

Go wild for the arts with community- and nature-inspired entertainment and performances each happening twice daily. Wild About Storytelling will feature the Korean Cultural Center on April 22 and Dancing Storytellers: Indian Mythology and Meon April 23. Wild About Dance will feature Philippine folk and dance arts organization Kayamanan Ng Lahi on April 22 and 3rd Rock Hip Hop performing its inspirational hits that help increase kids awareness of sustaining the environment on April 23. Wild About Art will feature Hand Follows Eye Mobile Art Studio on both days from 11am-2pm.

For a full lineup of performances, programming, and activities: https://lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/wild-for-the-planet/map/

Connect with community and conservation organizations at the Earth Expo to learn ways to make a positive impact on our planet and defend our natural resources. Learn how to protect plants, birds, and bees at the Planting for Pollinators Station or visit the Upcycling Inspiration Lab for fun, no-waste activities. Sample something sustainable and sweet at the honey tasting booth hosted by the Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association, tastings include samples of five different types of all-natural honey ($3 per person). Learn more about the animals and their unique biology and habits through special feedings and enrichment demonstrations happening twice daily.

All month long, donations of unwanted handheld electronics will be accepted at the Zoo through recycling partner ECO-CELL.  Proceeds will go to conservation nonprofits like Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE), which works to safeguard the critically endangered Grauer’s gorilla. Share about your donation on social media and be entered to win an L.A. Zoo Family Membership!

For details on donation tips and guidelines, visit https://lazoo.org/save-wildlife/take-action/eco-cell/.  For official sweepstakes rules, visit https://lazoo.org/rules/

This event runs weekends through Sunday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All activities except honey tastings ($3) are free with paid admission and for GLAZA members. 

On the evening of Earth Day, the Los Angeles Zoo will light up its front entrance green to illuminate its commitment to the planet. The Zoo’s iconic monument sign gleams with ultra-efficient LED lights that were installed as part of its sustainability efforts.

“Earth Month (April) and Earth Day (April 22nd) are particularly important to the L.A. Zoo because of their ability to magnify the opportunity for people to take action that saves wildlife – from reducing our use of plastic that pollutes oceans, driving much less, growing drought-tolerant native plants, and purchasing sustainable products that don’t harm forests and other threatened habitats,” states L.A. Zoo Director of Sustainability and Capital Programs Carol Armstrong. “Humans have more power than any species to save our planet and we must take advantage of times like these to stand up for wildlife and recruit others to join us,” she goes on to say.

Credit: Los Angeles Zoo.

Bewilder Basecamp: Earth Day Extravaganza

Guests experience Bewilder Basecamp, a family adventure with puzzles, games, and snacks, at the Culver Steps in Culver City, California Feb. 26, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice

Location

The Culver Steps

9300 Culver Blvd

Culver City, CA 90232

Date & Time

Saturday, April 22, 2023

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Description

Bewilder, a nonprofit on a mission to inspire more families to fall in love with nature and get outside, will be hosting the Bewilder Basecamp: Earth Day Extravaganza in partnership with premium kids’ bike brand woom. Parents and children are invited to join Bewilder’s adorable mascot Bezzi the Yeti in a variety of kid-friendly activities intended to cultivate a love of the outdoors and celebrate planet Earth. Attendees will have opportunities to:

  • Learn how to garden and plant flowers
  • Design crafts around the Magic Campfire
  • Pedal a woom bike through Rainbow Tunnel
  • Enjoy munchies at the Snack Station
  • Enter a raffle to take home a NEMO car camping kit

To support their mission of redefining “outdoorsy” and making outdoor activities more accessible to urban families, Bewilder is collaborating with woom to sponsor this event. With their ultralight, seamless design, high-quality components, and child-specific ergonomics, woom bikes are designed to give children the perfect introduction to riding a bike and spark a life-long passion for cycling.

This event is free and open to the public. Raffle winners will be announced by Monday, April 24th.

The Art of Avatar: The Way of Water – An Immersive Experience

Disney Invites Fans to “Step Inside” Pandora Through a One-of-a Kind Exhibition that Transports Visitors With State-of-the-Art
Technology and Breathtaking Effects
.

In celebration of James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water now available on Digital only, Disney will be offering a special exhibition at Lighthouse Artspace in Los Angeles where fans can step into the stunning world of Avatar. Combining the groundbreaking technology of the Lighthouse’s experiential art exhibits and the remarkable Oscar® award-winning visual effects of the film, this immersive experience will showcase some of the most stunning scenes featured in Avatar: The Way of Water, including underwater at the Metkayina Clan village. Additional elements of the event will include props and costumes from the film, as well as life-size statues.

“The Art of Avatar: The Way of Water – An Immersive Experience” will be available for free to fans over Earth Day weekend to commemorate the annual event that demonstrates support for environmental protection. Free tickets are first come first serve, and available through Universe.com or directly at bit.ly/Avatar_Immersive.

Lighthouse Artspace LA is the premiere experiential and private event venue located in the heart of Hollywood’s Vinyl District. Home to the Original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit and Leonardo: The Universal Man, this immersive venue features cutting edge experiences through the best in sound and visual technology.

WHEN:
Saturday, April 22, 2023 – Sunday, April 23, 2023
10am-6pm

WHERE:
Lighthouse Artspace Los Angeles
6400 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Credit: Lighthouse ArtSpace Los Angeles.

Celebrate Spring at the Los Angeles Zoo

Photo Credit: JAMIE PHAM/GLAZA

Wild for the Planet, Sustainable Wine+Dinner Series, and Roaring ’80s Night.

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) announces springtime events happening day and night at the Los Angeles Zoo that will help shake off the winter blues as we leap into longer days and warmer weather. 

Wild for the Planet starts Saturday, April 1 and is a month-long springtime celebration at the L.A. Zoo. Every weekend in April, the Zoo invites the community to celebrate our one precious planet and its rich biodiversity with fun, inspiring activities, entertainment, and presentations. Special offerings include an Earth Expo with favorite community organizations, twice daily animal feedings, sustainable craft activities for children, natural honey tastings, eco-inspired performances and art demonstrations from various local partners, and more. This event runs weekends from Saturday, April 1 to Sunday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All activities except honey tastings ($3) are free with paid admission and for GLAZA members. 

Sustainable Wine+Dinner Series Presented by City National Bank kicks off on Thursday, May 18 with Ampelos Cellars. This popular series spotlights sustainability through farm-to-table gourmet cuisine, sustainably produced wines, and conversations led by Zoo experts. Each evening in the series focuses on a different winery and conservation topic and is set in a unique location in the Zoo where guests can take in the quiet sights and sounds as the animals settle in for the night. These dinners take place Thursday evenings May 18, June 15, July 13, and Aug. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. Cost is $175 per person, $165 for GLAZA members. Ages 21+.Roaring ’80s Night is happening on Friday, June 16—bringing back the Zoo’s wildly popular Roaring Nights event for one night only. Partygoers 21 and up can roam the grounds after hours enjoying pop, glam rock, and new wave hits that defined this iconic decade. Enjoy high energy ’80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack, a totally tubular DJ set, and an immersive silent disco. The fun continues off the dance floor with animal feedings, photo ops, and more, along with a wide selection of libations and food truck offerings for an additional fee. Admission is $25. Current GLAZA members get $5 off. Event is happening Friday, June 16 from 6 to 10 p.m.

To learn more about these events and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/.
Credit: Los Angeles Zoo.

2ND & PCH Welcomes Spring with April Events

Enjoy photos with Bunny, curated Makers Market, outdoor movie screening, Earth Day celebration and more.

Spring is in full bloom at 2ND & PCH and the community is invited to celebrate the season with exciting events in April. 

Capture memories in front of a new spring garden themed backdrop at Hoppin’ Photos with Bunny and “peeps” April 1st and 2nd 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and April 8th 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Seaport Way. On April 1st visitors can also enjoy a complimentary bounce house, ball pit, crafts and activities courtesy of Dream City Church. Photos with Bunny and “peeps” are available on a first-come first-served basis; a photographer will not be present. Bunny’s 20-minute carrot breaks are at the top of every hour, during that period Bunny will be unavailable for photos and lines may close as early as 30 minutes prior to Bunny’s departure to accommodate guests in line. “Peeps” will remain available for photos while Bunny is on break. 

2ND & PCH is excited to partner once again with the Tichenor Clinic for Children in Long Beach to host  Silent Bunny on April 2nd 9:00 am – 11:00 am. This special event offers quiet one-on-one time for children and adults with sensory sensitivities to participate in the festivities without the crowds, lights and noise. Advance reservations are required and provide five minutes of dedicated time with Bunny and “peeps.” For more information and to register, visit 2ndandpch.com. 

Join Bunny and “peeps” for Breakfast with Bunny. This inaugural event will be hosted at three participating restaurants and is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. The event includes meet and greets with Bunny and “peeps” at your table plus restaurant-provided crafts. Breakfast with Bunny will be hosted at Ola Mexican Kitchen on April 1st 9:00 am – 10:30 am, April 8th at Active Culture Cafe 8:30 am – 10:00 am and Noble Bird Rotisserie 9:00 am – 10:30 am. Visit 2ndandpch.com for details, menu options, and to book your reservation today.

Credit: 2ND & PCH.

Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate Features Fourteen Classic and Modern Disney Stories In One Epic Production

Photo Credit: Feld Entertainment.

Your Favorite Disney Characters Much-Anticipated Return to Ontario & Long Beach!

The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate!  This monumental ice-skating spectacular returns to Ontario and Long Beach playing seven fun-filled performances at Toyota Arena from April 20-23, 2023 and seven fun-filled performances at Long Beach Arena from April 27-30, 2023.

Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana.  The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all.  Exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime.

The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this epic production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set.  With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience.  Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice in an unforgettable experience in your hometown!

O N T A R I O

WHEN:   

 Thursday, April 20       7:00 PM

Friday, April 21           7:00 PM

  Saturday, April 22        11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

  Sunday, April 23            1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

WHERE:           Toyota Arena – 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764

TICKETS:          Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. 

L O N G  B E A C H

WHEN:            

Thursday, April 27          7:30 PM

Friday, April 28                 7:30 PM

 Saturday, April 29             11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 Sunday, April 30                12:30 PM & 4:30 PM

WHERE:           Long Beach Arena – 300 E Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802

TICKETS:          Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. 

Credit: Feld Entertainment.

Art in the Park Returns to Crystal Cove, on April 1st

Crystal Cove Conservancy and Crystal Cove State Park welcome the return of Art in the Park to the Crystal Cove Historic District on Saturday, April 1 from 10:00AM-4:00PM. After a 3-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Art in the Park will offer a day of art and culture for all ages featuring a variety of activities including yoga on the beach, guitar lessons, basket weaving, watercolor and squid ink painting, jewelry making and more.  

The day-long celebration will also include an Arts & Crafts Bazaar, where guests can shop a selection of fine art paintings, candles, sea glass and upcycled jewelry, and painted wood wall hangings created by local artists. Vendors include Crystal Cove State Lifeguard Association, Kim Gordon, Serenity Candles, ReNvinted Jewelry and Art by Kimberly Nicole, Michael O. Smith, Laura Klepfer, Donita Lloyd, Gobind Boyes, Adornament, and Sluggy Shug. 

WHEN: 

Saturday, April 1 from 10:00AM-4:00PM 

A full schedule of events can be found at crystalcove.org/event/art-in-the-park.  

All events are free to join, unless required registration is noted. Schedule of events are subject to change. 

WHERE: 

Crystal Cove State Park Historic District 

Los Trancos, Newport Coast, CA 92657 

Parking is available at the Los Trancos Parking Lot located inland off Pacific Coast Highway. Day use parking costs $5 per hour, up to a maximum of $15 per day. 

To get to the Historic District, follow the trail located on the south side of the parking lot down to the beach. It is about a 15-minute walk. The Beachcomber shuttle (costs $2) runs between the Los Trancos Parking Lot and the Historic District every 15 minutes. 

Credit: Crystal Cove Conservancy and Crystal Cove State Park.