Rubio’s Offers $8.99 Burritos for Halloween

Burritos from Rubio’s? Count me in!

On October 31, find Spooktacular savings at Rubio’s. Every burrito on the menu is just $8.99 for Rubio’s Rewards members, all day long. Simply place your order online, through the app, or scan your in-app QR code at the register. Enjoy any burrito for the discounted price, including the Puerto Nuevo Burrito featuring Langostino Lobster, Ancho Citrus Shrimp Burrito, Burrito Especial with all natural chicken or the California Burrito with USDA choice steak, to name a few.

Rubio’s has 84 locations across Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. Guests are encouraged to order through the new Rubio’s app or Rubios.com. For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill and to view the menu, visit Rubio’sFacebookInstagram and TikTok.

Boo!

Self Disclosure: In collaboration with Rubio’s Coastal Grill.

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group’s Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns Returns to Whittier Narrows Park This Fall

Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids

 Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the world’s largest Halloween-themed entertainment company, today announced the return of their family-friendly event, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns, to Los Angeles this fall with some enchanting additions for 2024. From September 20th through November 2nd, on select nights, Whittier Narrows Park will be transformed into an immersive pumpkin experience featuring a glowing array of thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns, mesmerizing light displays, and a variety of activities for all ages. 

Follow the illuminated trail and check out the newly added pumpkin scenes, inflatables, and bouncy pads. You’ll find magic around every corner! From pirate ships to dinosaurs and dragons, guests will also be entertained by the all-new pumpkin light show programmed to music across the entire event every 30 minutes. These pumpkin masterpieces bring to life various spooky and whimsical characters, from classic ghouls and goblins to beloved pop culture icons.

We had the opportunity to visit and we had a blast! I loved seeing all the pumpkins!

Great family fun!

Tickets start at $29.99 for adults at $24.99 (including fees) for kids on select nights. Visit www.magicofthejackolanterns.com to secure your tickets while supplies last. You can view the 2024 trailer here

“We are thrilled to introduce some exciting new elements to Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns this year and do something that’s never been done before at our event,” Said Greg Salyers, Vice President of Operations at Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group. “We know you’re going to love it!”

In addition to the breathtaking visual spectacle, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns offers many activities for attendees of all ages. Visitors can Indulge in various delicious food and beverages on-site as they explore the glowing pumpkin wonderland.

2024 Add-Ons will include:

  • 3-D Jack O’Lantern Glasses: Experience the enchantment of “Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns” like never before with our 3-D glasses! These holographic lenses effortlessly turn light into magical pumpkin images, giving you an optical experience like never before!
  • S’mores Package:  New This Year! Indulge in the ultimate autumn experience with our exclusive S’mores Package at Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns! With this golden ticket in hand, you’re granted the delightful opportunity to craft your own mouth-watering s’mores surrounded by a twinkling pumpkin-lit night.
  • Preferred Parking: Sold online only. Located at Whittier Narrows Area D Parking Lot. Follow directions to Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns, and our team will direct you to the correct lot. Be sure to have your parking ticket ready to be scanned as soon as you enter the park. Free parking is available nearby but will require a longer walk to the event.
And, you KNOW that I loved seeing Linus!

For additional information, including event specifics, ticket pricing, and more, please visit www.magicofthejackolanterns.com or connect with us on Instagram.

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Returns to Long Beach for 2024 Halloween Season

Photo Credit: The Queen Mary

Named one of the Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America by Time Magazine, The Queen Mary has become synonymous with ghost sightings, scares, and paranormal activity in Southern California. From 2010-2019, the legendary Dark Harbor Halloween event captivated the residents of Long Beach and beyond until the COVID-19 pandemic and ship renovations caused the event to come to a pause. Now, for the first time in nearly four years, The Spirits Rise once again at The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor!

“After a four-year hiatus, we’re thrilled to resurrect Dark Harbor and summon the spirits back to The Queen Mary for this coming Halloween season,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary. “We’re grateful to be working with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, as well as the unwavering support of the City of Long Beach. This event holds a special place in the community’s heart, and has long been a cornerstone of Long Beach’s Halloween traditions.”

Dark Harbor is a massive Halloween festival that takes place on The Queen Mary and surrounding harbor offering hair-raising-fun entertainment and special ghoulish events throughout the frightful season. This year’s event will feature haunted mazes, live entertainment, themed bars and lounges, experiences on-board the ship, festive eats and treats and, of course, the return of well-known icons like the Captain, Ringmaster, and Scary Mary. 2024 attraction details will be released in the coming months and will include both fan favorites from the past, as well as many new surprises.

Southern California’s most haunted Halloween event opened on Friday, September 20th and will run select nights through Saturday, November 2nd.

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor is located at 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90802. For more information, visit www.darkharborhalloween.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook. All media requests can be sent to press@darkharborhalloween.com and all sponsorship inquiries can be directed to sponsorships@darkharborhalloween.com

Credit: The Queen Mary.

Black in Mayberry’s 3rd Annual Free Juneteenth Celebration in El Segundo Saturday, June 15 to Feature Top R&B Emerging Artists including Lendrix from Los Angeles College of Music

The Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) is thrilled to announce its partnership this year with Black in Mayberry, bringing three of its students — emerging R&B artists and future stars — to perform for its third annual Juneteenth celebration in El Segundo. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at El Segundo Recreation Park. This year marks the second year that Black in Mayberry will be hosting a Juneteenth festival in the park, promising a day filled with entertainment, fun, education, and community engagement.

Juneteenth, observed on June 19th and also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the United States. Black in Mayberry is dedicated to honoring this significant day by providing a platform for celebration and reflection for the entire community. This year, LACM and Black in Mayberry are joining forces to bring a day of music, arts, education and community to El Segundo, highlighting the Foundation’s mission to combat racism through the arts.

The festival will feature live music, captivating performances, interactive arts activities, an art exhibit, a kid’s zone, black-owned business vendors, food trucks, and much more. The event promises something for everyone, with activities and attractions that celebrate African American culture, history and contributions to America.

“After an astonishingly successful Juneteenth Festival in the Park in 2023, we are excited to once again host our 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration in El Segundo Recreation Park this year. This event is a celebration of freedom, unity, resilience, struggles and triumphs and we invite everyone regardless of ethnicity to join the African American community in celebrating our freedom from enslavement and the ideal of freedom and equality for all,” said Tanya Taylor, founder and Executive Director of Black in Mayberry and producer of the 2021 Black in Mayberry documentary. “We are excited to partner with LACM this year to feature their students and top emerging artists so that attendees will get a front row seat to see these future stars of Black culture and artistry.”

The Juneteenth Festival is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their families and friends to enjoy this vibrant celebration of African American culture.

“We are honored to collaborate with Black in Mayberry for this significant celebration,” said Erin Workman, Executive Vice President and Head of the Songwriting and Music Business Departments at LACM. “This partnership aligns with LACM’s mission to foster creativity, diversity and community engagement. We look forward to giving our students and future stars an opportunity to perform at this celebration of freedom that educates, entertains and inspires.”

About the artists:

Hailing from Alabama and now based in Los Angeles, Lendryx is an independent R&B artist that brings inspiration and melodies from R&B’s roots and blends it with contemporary concepts, creating a unique soundscape of his own. As Vibe magazine writes, “Meet Lendryx—a Los Angeles based singer-songwriter with an affinity for traditional R&B and a falsetto that’d impress any R&B OG. On his new record, “Just My Turn,” he combines his romantic strife with his tenure in the military, emotionally conveying the fears of losing a love so crucial that it seems scarier than fighting in a war.” Lendryx has over 1 million global streams, 3 top 10 iTunes R&B singles and a top 15 iTunes R&B/Soul album, purification.

Kennedy Ray is a singer-songwriter from the great music city of Memphis, Tennessee. The city’s rich history of soul, gospel and blues have influenced her greatly as a musician, leading her to take on a modern-day Motown sound infused with heavy notes of R&B and pop. Kennedy was one of only twenty students in the first-ever Stax Music Academy Songwriting Lab. Sponsored by a collaboration between Levi’s Strauss & Co. and Justin Timberlake, the Songwriting Lab landed her big performance opportunity, showcasing her songwriting work along with her peers for the city and the nation.

Gray, a California native rapper/producer blending hip hop with elements of jazz, R&B, and alternative music, juggles the hardships of life and navigates adulthood through lyrics of self-reflection and raw honesty. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Tyler, the Creator, and Kanye West, Gray infuses his music with gritty narratives of struggle, resilience, and self-discovery, tackling the weight of societal expectations, the rollercoaster of love and loss, and the turbulent journey of self-acceptance.

For more information about Black in Mayberry and the Juneteenth Festival, please visit www.blackinmayberry.org or follow @blackinmayberry on social media.

About Black in Mayberry:

Black in Mayberry is a nonprofit organization with a mission to combat racism through the arts. The organization strives to create a society where diversity, inclusion, and equality thrive, fostering an environment of understanding, empathy, and appreciation for all. By leveraging artistic expression, Black in Mayberry aims to dismantle systemic racism and build a more equitable future.

El Segundo resident Tanya Taylor is the founder and Executive Director of Black in Mayberry and the producer of the 2021 Black in Mayberry documentary. In the film, inspired by Black Lives Matter protests in El Segundo following the murder of Geroge Floyd, the city’s residents share their experiences with racism with the aim to tell the stories that may not always be discussed between people of different races.  www.blackinmayberry.org.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Los Angeles College of Music, LACM, prepares students to be leaders in music and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 12 majors across Music Performance, Music Production, Music Composition, and Music Industry. Since opening its doors in 1996, LACM has become home to music students from around the world who desire the professional edge that can only be attained by living and studying in the heart of the music industry. Small class sizes and private study with current, leading, musical professionals foster an intimate and supportive environment to learn to create, record, perform, and market in today’s competitive music industry. LACM has expanded its programming to ages 12+ through its Summer at LACM program, and recently introduced the Bridge to Success English as a second language program that allows students to attend college 1 term early and develop academic English skills through music coursework and cultural immersion. For more information, call 626.568.8850 or e-mail info@lacm.edu. LACM is located at 300 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105. Follow LACM at www.facebook.com/LACMOfficial or on Twitter: @LACMOfficial. www.lacm.edu.

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of youth empowerment and community unity at the Boyle Heights Youth Festival [For Youth, By Youth]

This event represents collaboration and community spirit, supported by esteemed organizations such as Alma Family Youth Services, Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory, Casa 0101, and Healing Urban Barrios.

Additional support is provided by Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center, Homeboy Industries, KQBH 101.5, Latino Equality Alliance, Pod Pals, and Soledad Enrichment Action, all contributing to the festival’s vibrancy and reach.

Sponsors: Converse, Councilman Kevin de León, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, and SK8-BRD-BUS have generously sponsored this event, ensuring its success and impact.

The Boyle Heights Youth Festival returns with a free in-person event. It was established to address the rising violence impacting local families and youth during summer breaks. Over time, it has evolved into a source of positivity and creativity for the community.

Led by individuals aged 13-24, this festival is a testament to the power of young voices. Weekly meetings since February have led to the formation of entertainment, logistics, marketing, and volunteer committees, shaping every aspect of the festival.

Esteemed celebrity special guests Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle, Cobra Kai) and Xochitl Gómez (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Dancing with the Stars) will honor each youth contributor on stage.

Performances by local artists Adriana Padilla, Death To Maria, Ballet Folklorico Ramona Convent, Shaiel Arroyo, Amber Keys Band, Lauren Keys, Erika Stormm, Salsa Dance Team, Maximo Chavez, Isabella Alvarez Hosted by Sergio, Genji, & PodPals.

Saturday June 8, 2024

3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

2130 E. 1st. Street (Breed & St. Louis) / Recommended Public Transit: Soto Metro Station.

June 8 World Oceans Day Santa Monica Beach Cleanup

Photo Credit: LA Waterkeeper

After a rainy winter, there’s a lot of cleanup to be done along our coastline! Join us for our World Oceans Day Beach Cleanup and take a vital step towards preserving marine life and safeguarding the beauty of our coastal ecosystems. Your help is crucial in making our coastal habitats a healthier and more beautiful place for all to enjoy. Let’s work together to make a positive impact on World Oceans Day! Special thank you item for all registered participants thanks to our friends at California Fish Grill! This event is sponsored by Mara Beauty.

June 8th, 9a-11a

Contact Kelly Shannon McNeill at kelly@lawaterkeeper.org

World Oceans Day Beach Cleanup with LA Waterkeeper

Saturday June 8th, 9a-11a Free beach cleanup event

Santa Monica Beach, Tower 20, 2030 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Event link: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/events/world-oceans-day-beach-cleanup

RSVP required. 

Learn more about Los Angeles Waterkeeper: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/.

For more information about this event, contact Kelly Shannon McNeill at kelly@lawaterkeeper.org.  

The Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday, June 1, 2024

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) is thrilled to announce the return of its annual fundraising event, the Beastly Ball, on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Actor, comedian, and television host Joel McHale is back for the fifth time as emcee, lending his celebrity and signature humor in support of wildlife care and conservation.

This party under the stars promises an unforgettable night of adventure and meaningful impact, as celebrities, tastemakers, business leaders, city officials, philanthropists, and zoo-lovers gather in support of the Los Angeles Zoo’s and GLAZA’s shared mission: saving wildlife, enriching our communities, and creating connections to nature.

“Each year, this fundraising event serves as a way to honor the Zoo’s achievements in conservation and to acknowledge outstanding individuals and organizations dedicated to conservation and supporting the Zoo’s ongoing role as an educational destination,” said Dawn Petersen-Amend, Interim President of GLAZA. “This event is vital in furthering our mission, allowing GLAZA to sustain its support for the Zoo’s initiatives in wildlife conservation, community outreach programs, and advancements in animal care and veterinary medicine.”

Guests of the Beastly Ball will enjoy an exceptional after-hours stroll through the Zoo, complete with special animal experiences, gourmet food and drinks, an exclusive silent auction, and captivating entertainment, with delightful surprises throughout the event. The evening will culminate with McHale leading a rousing paddle raise to inspire donations in support of the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. GRACE is a conservation partner of the Los Angeles Zoo and the evening’s philanthropic focus whose mission is to provide excellent care for rescued Grauer’s gorillas and work alongside Congolese communities to promote the conservation of wild gorillas and their habitat.

This year’s Ball will honor the Angela D. Collier Foundation, which focuses on funding animal welfare charities and developing park space for zoos, and its president, Mohammad Virani. The foundation has made significant contributions to the Los Angeles Zoo, including funding the Angela Collier World of Birds Theater, home of the spectacular World of Birds Show. In celebration of the birth of a female western lowland gorilla in 2020, the newest troop member was named “Angela” in honor of the late Angela Collier, a devoted animal advocate. Additionally, GLAZA Trustee Esther S. M. Chui-Chao will be honored for her passionate support of wildlife conservation and commitment to furthering GLAZA’s mission. Chui-Chao’s association with the Zoo dates back to 1984, yet her affection for wildlife originated in her early years on her grandfather’s farm near Hong Kong. This childhood passion translated into a lifelong devotion that has played a pivotal role in helping shape the direction of GLAZA’s initiatives, ensuring that its efforts are impactful and sustainable.

“We thank Mohammad Virani and the Angela D. Collier Foundation for the contributions that have provided countless opportunities for the communities we serve to connect with wildlife and nature,” said Denise M Verret, Los Angeles Zoo CEO and Zoo Director. “Esther S. M. Chui-Chao’s support for the Zoo and her life-long commitment to wildlife continue to have a positive impact on Angelenos through the Zoo and its programs. On behalf of the entire Los Angeles Zoo family, we thank both honorees for their unwavering commitment to the Zoo and support of our mission.”

Since the Ball’s inception in 1971, GLAZA has had a long history of successful fundraising for the Los Angeles Zoo. In 2022, the event raised more than $1.4 million, making it one of the top-grossing events in its history. The following year, in 2023, the Ball raised over $1.6 million, with McHale leading a lively paddle raise to help fund a scholarship program for under resourced schools, providing free admission and transportation to the Zoo. At the event, the scholarship program was renamed Betty White’s Zoo Pals in honor of the late actress, who served as a GLAZA trustee for more than 50 years.

Beastly Ball tickets are $1,500 per person, with individual and corporate sponsorship opportunities at higher levels also available. The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Free parking is available. For tickets, information about mobile bidding, and additional information, visit www.lazoo.org/beastlyball or call 323-486-4253.

Corporate Partners supporting the Beastly Ball include California Credit Union and U.S. Bank.

Credit: LA Zoo.

COMIC CON REVOLUTION 2024 – Returns May 18-19 at the Ontario Convention Center

May 18-19, 2024

Comic Con Revolution is The Inland Empire’s largest comic & pop culture event. Blazing a trail, the CCR Team has built an unforgettable experience. With first-ever guest appearances and cast reunions, legendary comic book creators, iconic voice actors, world class photo ops, fast and safe security, multiple options for food, a curated mix of vendors & exhibitors there is just nothing quite like Comic Con Revolution.

PREVIEW THE 2024 GUEST & ARTIST LINEUP HERE

WHAT’S AT COMIC CON REVOLUTION –

·       Full exhibit hall with over 350 exhibitors

·       160+ comic book creators, new comic book dealers, vintage comic book dealers, comic book publishers

·       toy & collectibles vendors, crafts, costumes, clothing,

·       cosplayers, fan groups, media stars

·       Panels, Q&As, How-to session, screenings, comics, cosplay included in our weekend programming schedule.

Credit: Comic Con Revolution. Information and images were provided.