Toyota Arena in Ontario is kicking off 2026 with a packed winter lineup, bringing major touring acts, live sports and family-friendly entertainment to audiences across the region. From chart-topping artists and iconic comedians to high-energy wrestling and sports spectacles, the upcoming slate features a wide range of live entertainment.

Highlights include:

Jan 16 – 17: Pendleton Whiskey Velocity Tour, a high-energy motorsports showcase featuring rising talent and legendary riders

Jan 23: Katt Williams – The Golden Age Tour, featuring all-new material following sold-out 2025 performances

Feb 11: AEW Dynamite, featuring live professional wrestling action from one of the fastest-growing promotions in the industry

Feb 20: Conjunto Primavera, Latin music concert featuring Banda Cuisillos, Los Rieleros del Norte and Montez de Durango

Feb 21: Tobymac – Hits Deep Tour, one of his largest arena tours to date

Feb 24: Harlem Globetrotters – 100 Year World Tour, celebrating a century of iconic basketball moments and fan-driven entertainment

In addition to major touring events, Toyota Arena hosts a full slate of winter sports programming, including Ontario Reign hockey and Empire Strykers arena soccer home games throughout the winter season. 

Toyota Arena in Ontario continues to draw top national tours while serving as a go-to destination for large-scale live entertainment, with the nearby ONT Field development expected to open later in 2026. For a full lineup of events and ticket information, visit toyota-arena.com/events. 

Credit: Toyota Arena.

Seniors everywhere keep an ear tuned to the hush of a living room, listening for a ringtone that never seems to break the air. The question, whispered in apartments, family homes, and retirement communities alike, takes on the weight of longing: “Why don’t they call?” Each quiet hour stretches, and the absence of familiar voices can press heavier than any ache of age. 

Yet beneath that silence lie ordinary reasons, solvable barriers, and hopeful paths back to conversation—paths that honor seniors’ need for connection and safeguard the dignity carried through decades of life experience.

The Long Quiet Between Rings

Time behaves differently for seniors than for their younger relatives. A single afternoon can feel wide as a prairie when calendars no longer revolve around deadlines or carpools. In contrast, adult children race from early commutes to late laptop glow, letting days tumble forward without a pause to dial. This mismatch creates aching gaps that seniors interpret as indifference, even when love remains unchanged. 

Studies tracking cortisol levels suggest that prolonged social silence heightens stress, disturbs sleep, and chips away at a senior’s immune resilience. Acknowledging that modern busyness—rather than diminished affection—causes most of the missed calls softens the sting and sets the stage for honest discussion.

Life’s Competing Choruses

Family roles evolve subtly over decades, and seniors often move from orchestrators to observers without clear markers. While sons and daughters once waited for household cues from parents, the grown generation eventually becomes the keeper of schedules. Seniors may hesitate to initiate calls for fear of seeming intrusive, while relatives mistakenly believe that peace and quiet serve an elder’s best interests. 

Cultural scripts further complicate matters; in some households, daily contact signals respect, while in others, stoic independence ranks as virtue. Naming these unspoken expectations gives seniors permission to state a preference—sometimes a brief check-in each morning, sometimes a leisurely weekend recap—turning vague hopes into practical habits.

Phones, Apps, and Hurdles

Contrary to stereotypes, countless seniors navigate smartphones, tablets, and video chats with enthusiasm; the true obstacle lies in constant software changes designed for younger reflexes. Icons shrink, passwords multiply, and notification menus hide behind ever-new layers. When a single tap feels risky, seniors retreat, waiting for the more confident caller to lead. 

Family members can remove such friction through simple tweaks: enlarged text, uncluttered home screens, voice-command shortcuts, and printed cue cards taped near chargers. Once technology becomes a partner rather than a puzzle, conversations flow—grandchildren share digital drawings, friends trade garden photos, and seniors replace awkward silence with laughter captured through tiny speakers.

Small Rituals, Big Results

Lasting connection seldom arrives by accident; it thrives on rituals that respect every participant’s rhythm. Seniors find relief in regularity—perhaps a Tuesday-night story swap or a Sunday-morning weather report. Brief messages sent by seniors, such as a shared memory or a snapshot of blooming hibiscus, provide gentle reminders without appearing demanding. 

Adult children, siblings, and friends can rotate call duty, code reminders into calendars, and treat those alerts as non-negotiable appointments. Community volunteer programs, intergenerational pen-pals, or neighborhood “call circles” widen the net, ensuring that even when relatives miss a slot, kind voices still reach seniors who rely on human contact for emotional balance.

Conclusion

The persistent question “Why don’t they call?” blends heartache with hope, proving that the desire for connection endures long after careers wind down and children leave home. When seniors, families, and supportive networks confront time mismatches, shifting roles, technological tangles, and the need for routine, phone lines buzz again. 

Each carefully scheduled ring does more than pass minutes; it reinforces worth, brightens perspective, and lets seniors know that their stories remain essential threads in the family fabric. In the gentle chime of a handset or the glow of a video screen, seniors hear the assurance that they are still cherished, still remembered, and never truly alone.

 Switzer Learning Center is proud to announce that its campus, located in Torrance, California, has been selected as the District 4 Outstanding Property Winner in the 2025 Torrance Commercial Beautification Awards, presented by the City of Torrance Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Commission (TEQECC).

The award recognizes local businesses that demonstrate exceptional pride in the maintenance, appearance and environmental stewardship of their commercial properties. 

“We are honored to be recognized by the City of Torrance,” said Jeremy Deming, Executive Director of Switzer Learning Center. “Over the past year, we’ve implemented improvements that not only enhance our campus but also reflect our commitment to sustainability and creating an environment where our neurodiverse students thrive. These upgrades have been meaningful not just for our students and staff, but for the surrounding community. We’re grateful for the City’s recognition and proud to continue our commitment to Torrance after nearly six decades of service.”

Recent enhancements include:

• Replacing all campus grass with water-efficient artificial turf, reducing water use and ongoing maintenance
• Re-landscaping the cul-de-sac island in partnership with the City of Torrance, adding drought-tolerant and native plants
• Installing new perimeter fencing to support campus safety and neighborhood aesthetics
  

Deming attended the December 4 recognition ceremony, alongside Switzer’s Director of Facilities and IT, Jason Steen, where TEQECC commissioners presented honorees with certificates acknowledging their contributions to the city’s beautification and environmental quality.

About Switzer Learning Center

Switzer Learning Center is a WASC-accredited non-public school and behavioral health center in Torrance serving neurodiverse students in grades 5–12. Switzer supports students with social, emotional, behavioral and learning differences through small classes, credentialed teachers, licensed therapists, and integrated therapeutic services. For nearly 60 years, Switzer has partnered with school districts across Los Angeles County to help students build academic confidence, emotional regulation and readiness for their next step. Learn more at www.switzercenter.org.

Credit: Switzer Center.

MATZOBALL® Ignites the Night for Jewish Singles in Seven Premier Cities for Christmas Eve 2025

Get ready to trade silent nights for epic connections! Labeled the #1 holiday party in the country by USA Today, MATZOBALL® will celebrate its landmark 38th year of bringing Jewish singles together for the ultimate night of schmoozing, dancing, and romantic possibilities on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

This year, the legacy event is bigger and bolder than ever, hitting seven of the hottest cities coast-to-coast, while continuing to champion the fusion of nightlife and next-generation connection with its revolutionary digital companion, the Jewzz app.

From the creators of MATZOBALL®, Jewzz is the free, premier Jewish dating app that is revolutionizing the dating scene with verified profiles and real-time video speed dating. MATZOBALL® has a decades-long history of fostering thousands of friendships, romances, and marriages. Now, Jewzz extends this legacy, offering daily chances for singles to connect face-to-face virtually before meeting in person at the most unforgettable event of the year.

MATZOBALL® 2025 Event Highlights:

Boca Raton
Celebrate the night at the glamorous Boca Luna Luxe Lounge. 111 SE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, FL

Date & Time: Dec 24, 9:00 PM EST – 3:00 AM EST

Boston
Party like royalty at the magnificent The Grand Boston. 58 Seaport Blvd #300, Boston, MA

Date & Time: Dec 24, 9:00 PM EST – 2:00 AM EST

Los Angeles
Schmooze on the West Coast. The perfect venue for LA’s biggest night is Skybar. 8440 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 

Date & Time: Dec 24, 10:00 PM PST – 2:00 PM PST

Miami
Experience the world-famous energy of LIV Nightclub Miami on South Beach. 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL

Date & Time: Dec 24, 10:00 PM EST – 4:00 AM EST

New York City
Head to the iconic beats of Musica Club NYC for a night of pure excitement. 637 W 50th St, New York, NY

Date & Time: Dec 24, 10:00 PM EST – 4:00 AM EST

Philadelphia

Step into the double-sided fun of Midnight & The Wicked in the heart of the city. 1500 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 

Date & Time: Dec 24, 9:00 PM EST – 2:00 AM EST

Washington, DC
Dance the night away across four decades at the legendary Decades DC. 1219 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC

Date & Time: Dec 24, 9:00 PM EST – 3:00 AM EST

“Turning 38 years is a massive milestone, and the energy for this year’s MATZOBALL® is electric,” says Andrew Rudnick, founder of MATZOBALL® and Jewzz. “We’ve always been the ultimate catalyst for Jewish connections, and now with the Jewzz app, we’re providing a vetted, video-first platform that lets singles meet face-to-face virtually. It’s the ultimate one-two punch: Find your connection online, and celebrate your good fortune at the biggest party of the year!”

About MATZOBALL

MATZOBALL® is a yearly party for Jewish singles held annually on December 24th. Since its inception in 1987, it has attracted over 400,000 attendees and generated more than $15 million in revenue. MATZOBALL® was founded by Andrew Rudnick, owner of Mazel Events, LLC. To learn more, visit matzoball.org.

About Jewzz

Find your Jewish match with Jewzz, the Jewish dating app created by the team behind MATZOBALL®. Combining decades of matchmaking expertise with cutting-edge technology, Jewzz is where tradition meets innovation. Learn more at jewzz.com.

 Castle Park, Riverside’s premier family amusement park, is kicking off the holiday season with its all-new event, “A Royal Holiday at Castle Park.” From November 28 through December 28, Fridays through Sundays, families can step into the all-new Royal Holiday Village—a magical winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, festive treats, live entertainment, and fun rides for all ages.

Event Highlights

• Royal Holiday Village: Christmas tree lighting, magical snowfall, photo opportunities, and live performances
• Festive Rides: Holiday Express Train, Antique Cars, Carousel with Santa and friends
• Activities for Kids: Snowball play, ornament decorating, and writing letters to Santa and local service members.
• Daily Entertainment: Handbell performers, youth choirs, strolling carolers, Duke’s Ugly Sweater Contest, Holiday Hop Dance Party, and giveaways
• Evening Magic: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM extended time to stroll through lights, ride the Holiday Express, and enjoy seasonal treats such as Santa’s Cookie Cake, Frosty’s Funnel Cake, and Rudolph’s Red-Nose Cocoa

Special Experiences for Children & Annual Passholders

• All children aged 12 and under visiting with Santa receive a special holiday prize
• Complimentary admission for all Castle Park Annual Passholders
• The first 50 children who are Annual Passholders each day receive a “Nice List” coupon for a free treat

Royal Holiday Experience Ticket Includes

• Full access to Castle Park rides and unlimited mini golf during regular operating hours
• Entry to Holiday Village activities starting at 3:00 PM
• Santa Photo Ops and Duke’s Holiday Hop Dance Party

Event Details

• Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, November 28 – December 28, 2025
• Event Hours: During standard park operating hours; visit the website for full schedule
• Holiday Village Activities: Daily, 3:00 PM – Park Close
• Location: Castle Park, 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, CA 92505
• Tickets & Packages: Includes full access to rides, mini golf, Holiday Village activities, character meet-and-greets, snow play, dance party, and Christmas Tree Lighting Available online and at the park

Families visiting Castle Park this holiday season can enjoy rides, festive activities, holiday treats, and magical moments for children of all ages, making A Royal Holiday at Castle Park a must-see celebration in the Inland Empire.

For tickets and more information on Castle Park, visit: https://castlepark.com

Just in time for holiday gift-giving, the Festival of Arts is pleased to announce that tickets for the highly anticipated 2026 Pageant of the Masters are officially now on sale. Running July 9 through September 4, 2026, “The Greatest of All Time,” will celebrate the artists, innovators, and masterpieces that have shaped the history of art. Tickets may be purchased online at www.PageantTickets.com or by phone at (800) 487-3378.

Masterpieces won’t just hang on walls or stand on pedestals—they’ll come alive in breathtaking tableaux vivants, blending art, music, and theatrical illusion. Audiences can expect a high-energy experience that honors the genius of the world’s great artists and the enduring power of their work to move and inspire. Next summer’s Pageant will take audiences on a global journey through timeless works and legendary creators, inviting them to decide who truly deserves the title “G.O.A.T.” in a show filled with surprises, spectacle, and magic.

The 2026 Pageant will feature legendary works by Michelangelo, Diego Velázquez, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Norman Rockwell. “My personal favorites are John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer,” shared Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy, “but works from around the world will also be given their due.”

Presented under the stars in the Pageant’s 2,600-seat Irvine Bowl amphitheater, real people will step into the spotlight, perfectly posing as their counterparts in larger-than-life works of art. Each living picture will unfold with the Pageant’s signature fusion of stage magic, original music performed by a live orchestra, and captivating narration.

The 2026 Pageant of the Masters production “The Greatest of All Time” will run nightly from July 9 through September 4, 2026. Advance tickets are on sale today. For updates, follow the Festival on social media @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.

December Programming Includes NEW Teddy Bear Christmas Tea, Christmas Nights at the Casa, Family Sunday: Christmas Open House, and More.

The holiday season is almost here, and Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is ready to have everyone rockin’ around the Casa this December with a festive lineup of seasonal events and community favorites. From the debut of a brand-new Teddy Bear Christmas Tea to the return of The Nutcracker and Christmas Nights at the Casa, the seaside cultural center is the perfect place to make merry memories this holiday season.

“The holidays are such a special time at Casa Romantica,” said Kylie Travis, Co-Executive Director. “We love seeing families, friends, and the community come together to celebrate through art, music, and tradition. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-standing holiday tradition, there’s truly something magical for everyone to enjoy.”

Among this year’s highlights is the Teddy Bear Christmas Tea on Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m., a heartwarming new event designed for children and their favorite grown-ups. Guests will enjoy dainty tea sandwiches, sweet seasonal treats, and festive beverages served on elegant tiered trays surrounded by whimsical teddy bear centerpieces. The afternoon features live holiday music by Lark Knowles and a visit from Mrs. Claus herself, who will delight guests with a reading of The Night Before Christmas. 

Families can experience the magic of The Nutcracker by Ballet Academy & Movement on December 4 and 5 at 7 p.m., tailored specifically to the intimate setting of Casa Romantica’s newly reopened Main Salon. On Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Family Sunday: Christmas Open House offers free admission for families to explore Casa Romantica’s decorated spaces, write letters to Santa, and enjoy a morning of holiday fun along the coast.

The festivities continue with Casa Romantica’s signature celebration, Christmas Nights at the Casa, taking place December 12, 13, 19, and 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. Families can stroll through the illuminated gardens, sip hot cocoa or coffee from High Tide Coffee, and make s’mores under the stars. Each evening will feature live performances, including the South County Community Handbell Choir (Dec. 12), young artists from Community Outreach Alliance (Dec. 13 & 19), and the OC Sound Chorus (Dec. 20). The Casa Romantica Gift Shop will also showcase one-of-a-kind gifts and Casa-exclusive candles, adding a perfect touch of local artistry to the holiday season.

The month concludes with the Coffee Concert with High Tide Coffee on Friday, December 19 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., featuring live music by Corey Angeli. It’s a cozy morning of ocean views, warm beverages, and seasonal melodies offering a peaceful way to close out the year on a high note.

From tea parties and ballet to s’mores and song, Casa Romantica’s December lineup offers something for everyone. From concerts and cultural celebrations to garden workshops and fall festivities, Casa Romantica’s holiday programming offers a rich blend of creativity, community, and coastal charm. For a complete list of events or to purchase tickets, visit CasaRomantica.org and follow @CasaRomanticaSC on social media.

Credit:  Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

Celebrate the holiday season with experiences for every generation. From December 1–12, families can enjoy in-room Hanukkah Celebration kits, while nightly menorah lightings take place in the lobby from December 14–22. Mornings of hot cocoa and ornament painting are available daily at the Artist Cottage through December 25, while gingerbread house kits can be purchased for in-room enjoyment at Discover Ojai. Santa makes special appearances with Breakfast With Santa from December 19–21, and cookie decorating with storytelling runs December 19–20. On Christmas Eve, guests can join the Jingle Bell Jaunt morning walk or enjoy storytelling with Santa’s elves at the Artist Cottage. Travelers can also delight in letters to Santa, personalized in-room holiday trees and stockings, and surprise in-room elf cookie deliveries throughout the season.

The magic continues at the table with festive culinary experiences, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve dinners at The Oak or Olivella, reservations for The Oak and Olivella can be made here, as well as The Farmhouse’s Christmas Grand Buffet. The celebration continues with the New Year’s Eve Gala at The Farmhouse with flowing champagne, lively music, and dancing into the night, while little ones toast with sparkling cider and enjoy an array of festive treats at the Mini-Gala.

For travelers seeking a private holiday escape, Casa Elar offers Tuscan-inspired luxury across 10,000+ square feet, ideal for intimate gatherings or full-property buyouts.

Credit: Ojai Valley Inn.