Camarillo is welcoming a major new attraction for families with the grand opening of kidSTREAM Children’s Museum on May 21, 2026 – marking the only children’s museum in Ventura County. As a first-of-its-kind destination for the region, kidSTREAM is expected to draw visitors from across Southern California, further strengthening Camarillo’s position as a go-to destination for family-friendly travel.

Designed as more than a traditional play space, kidSTREAM offers an immersive environment where children explore science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math (STREAM) through hands-on exhibits and programming. Rooted in early childhood development, the museum’s mission is to inspire young learners to become critical thinkers, innovators, and lifelong learners – blending play with purpose in a way that resonates with modern families seeking meaningful travel experiences.

“kidSTREAM is a transformative addition to Camarillo and a powerful draw for families across the region,” said Yuliana Garcia, Executive Director of Visit Camarillo. “As the only children’s museum in Ventura County, it not only enhances our destination’s family-friendly offerings, but also creates a compelling reason for visitors to stay longer and explore more of what Camarillo has to offer.”

Located at the former Camarillo Public Library site, the 21,000-square-foot campus features interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits inspired by Ventura County’s landscapes and industries – from agricultural experiences with edible gardens to engineering challenges in a dedicated makerspace. The museum is guided by core values including play, community, sustainability, and inclusion, creating a welcoming space for children and caregivers alike.

“kidSTREAM was built with the belief that children learn best through curiosity, creativity, and connection,” said Barry A. Van Deman, interim Chief Executive Officer of kidSTREAM Children’s Museum. “We’re excited to open a space that not only supports early learning and development, but also brings families together through shared discovery and meaningful experiences.”

To celebrate the opening, kidSTREAM Early Explorers memberships are available now, offering families exclusive access to special events, previews, and year-round programming.

The museum’s debut further complements Camarillo’s growing portfolio of family-friendly attractions, from outdoor recreation, local beaches to shopping at the Camarillo Premium Outlets and nearby adventures in the Channel Islands National Park – rounding out a well-balanced destination for multigenerational travel.

The grand opening will begin with a private morning ceremony for supporters, followed by a public opening for families later in the day.

For more information, visit www.kidstream.org.

As LA Fleet Week approaches, CODEPINK San Pedro announces the 11th Annual LA Harbor Peace Week, offering a series of events from May 21 to May 25, 2026, promoting peace and community engagement at the San Pedro Waterfront.

This initiative provides an alternative perspective to the traditional military displays of Fleet Week, emphasizing peaceful solutions and community solidarity. With over 30,000 attendees expected at Fleet Week, Peace Week offers a platform for dialogue and reflection on the impacts of militarization.

Event Highlights:

• Friday, May 22: Weekly Rally for Peace at Vons, Gaffey St. & 13th St., 5-6pm, followed by a Car Caravan to Wilmington’s Fleet Week Welcome Party.
• Saturday, May 23: Flyering at the USS Iowa, 11am-2pm, and a screening of “Earth’s Greatest Enemy” at United Methodist Church, 2-5pm.
• Sunday, May 24: International Peace Prayers at Garden Church, 3-6pm.
• Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Veterans for Peace Rally at the USS Iowa, 3-6pm.

CODEPINK San Pedro is collaborating with San Pedro Neighbors for Peace and Justice, Military Families Speak Out, and Veterans for Peace LA to present these events.

Credit: CODEPINK

 CASA of Los Angeles (CASA/LA), the nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates for children in foster care, today announced the appointment of Shakoya Green Long, MSW, ACSW, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Green Long brings more than 26 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit management, social services, and child and family advocacy to one of Los Angeles County’s most critical child welfare organizations.

“Every child in foster care deserves to know they are seen, heard, and supported—and CASA’s volunteers make that a reality every single day,” said Shakoya Green Long, CEO, CASA of LA. “I am humbled and honored to lead this incredible organization. My own experience in the foster care system has never left me. It drives everything I do. I look forward to working with CASA’s dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners to deepen our reach and ensure that every child who needs an advocate has one.”

Green Long’s appointment reflects CASA/LA’s commitment to centering community voices and fostering leadership grounded in empathy. A former foster youth raised by her grandmother in Compton, she brings lived experience alongside professional expertise—a rare combination that positions her to lead with both credibility and compassion on behalf of the children CASA/LA serves.

Most recently, Green Long served as Chief Executive Officer of Thomas House Family Shelter in Orange County, where she accelerated the organization’s revenue from $1.3 million to $2.5 million—a nearly 92 percent increase—while spearheading the rollout of a $1.2 million CALAIM Community Supports Program and securing a transformative strategic partnership with CalOptima. She also raised $250,000 in 24 hours for the organization’s Help Them Home Initiative. Under her leadership, Thomas House earned her a promotion from Executive Director to CEO within two years and a Chase ICON Award for Nonprofit in 2025.

Prior to Thomas House, Green Long held senior leadership roles at the National Health Foundation, where she doubled the budget of the Recuperative Care program from $1.1 million to $2.7 million, and at Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade, where she served as Senior Vice President of Programs. She began her career at Los Angeles Job Corps, developing workforce readiness and case management programs for young adults. Green Long holds a Master of Social Work from California State University, Dominguez Hills, a Master of Arts in Human Behavior from National University, and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Pacific Oaks College.

A recognized leader in the nonprofit and social services sectors, Green Long currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National Women’s Shelter Network and as a member of the Orange County Continuum of Care Board, where she chairs the Domestic Violence Committee. She is also a 2025 participant in Coro Southern California’s Women in Leadership Program.

What They’re Saying:

“On behalf of the Orange County Community Foundation, we extend our deepest gratitude to Shakoya Green-Long for her exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to unhoused families,” said Tammy Tumbling of the Orange County Community Foundation. “During her tenure as CEO of Thomas House, Shakoya led with vision, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to creating lasting pathways to stability for those in need. Her impact will be felt for years to come—not only through the lives she has touched directly, but through the strengthened foundation she leaves behind. While we will miss her leadership in Orange County, we are excited to see her continue this important work in Los Angeles County.”

“Having worked alongside Shakoya, I have seen firsthand how she translates her personal history into professional excellence,” said Kellie Hawkins, Managing Partner at EKA. “Her appointment is a win for the entire child welfare community. By building on the essential advocacy of CASA/LA, Shakoya brings a rare depth of perspective that honors the resilience of foster youth while navigating the complexities of the system with seasoned authority. I have watched her lead with both heart and logic, and I am confident that her leadership will further elevate the standard of care and advocacy our youth deserve.”

“Shakoya Green Long is a passionate, powerful, and effective advocate for the safety, economic security, health, and wellbeing of women and children in the Los Angeles community and, in her leadership of the National Women’s Shelter Network, across the nation,” said Constance Collins, President of the National Women’s Shelter Network, Inc. “Her tireless commitment to advancing the cause of the most vulnerable in our country shines brightly.”

“Shakoya Green Long leads with a rare blend of vision and heart, grounded in authenticity, guided by integrity, and driven by accountability,” said Curtis R. Silvers, Jr., Managing Principal of The Silvers Group. “Her commitment to respecting every individual fosters a culture where teams feel valued, empowered, and united in purpose. Through her leadership, CASA Los Angeles will not only be strengthened internally, but positioned to create deeper, more meaningful impact across the communities it serves.”

About CASA of Los Angeles

CASA of Los Angeles (CASA/LA) recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are in the foster care system. CASA/LA volunteers speak up for the best interests of children in the courtroom and in their daily lives, helping them find safe, permanent homes and the support they need to thrive. For more information, visit casala.org.

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, MESH Helps is launching its first national Play for Resilience™ initiative, bringing resilience-building play experiences directly to families through community-based activations across the country. MESH Helps is an organization that launched in October 2022 to address the growing concern of kids’ mental health in an increasingly challenging world. 

From May 1-8, families visiting more than 450 Chuck E. Cheese locations across the United States will experience how play builds resilience. Curated video messaging will be featured on screens every hour, highlighting the importance of social-emotional development through play. 

Additionally, throughout May, MESH Helps resources and MESH-Accredited products will be featured in approximately 300 American Library Association member libraries nationwide, expanding access to resilience-building play in local communities helping librarians and caregivers discover tools that support emotional growth, storytelling, problem-solving, and connection. MESH Accreditation is a distinction recognizing products that help children develop coping skills, confidence, communication, and emotional understanding through play.

I received the following fun toys:

• Plus-Plus
• Mindware
• Magna-Tiles
• The Calm Caterpillar
• Jelly Blox from Goliathgo
• Shashibo from Fun in Motion
• Invent kit from Makedo
• Refillable Cup from Chuck E. Cheese

Thank you to @chuckecheese, @funinmotiontoys @goliathgamesus, @magnatiles, @makedo, @mindwaretoys, @plusplususa, @smarttoysandgames @thecalmcaterpillar

Visit your local library to see Play for Resilience in action in your community! Find a list of participating libraries at MESHhelps.org.

More of my favorites:

Self Disclosure: I participated in a nationwide initiative from MESH Helps (Play for Resilience). I received free MESH-Accredited products.

#PlayForResilience #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MESHToys

Stay tuned to SoCal City Kid’s IG account for stories!

This May, Randy’s Donuts is adding a little extra sweetness with a lineup of limited-time offerings and value-driven deals:

• Mother’s Day Donut (May 7 – 10)
  • A sweet way to surprise Mom with something thoughtful and made just for her, the Pink Iced Bavarian Cream Donut features “Mom” piped across the top in white icing, turning a simple treat into a personalized moment of appreciation.
• “A Sweet Thanks” Community Appreciation Days (May 4 – 17)
  • Bringing a little extra sweetness to those who give so much, teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders are invited to enjoy a BOGO offer on any classic donut (in-store only).
    • Must show valid work/organization ID; limit 3 per order
• Mango Mayhem (May 1 – July 31)
  • As temperatures rise, Randy’s is adding a tropical twist to the season with the Mango Tajín Donut, a mango-coated glazed donut finished with Tajín, and a refreshing Mango Lemonade, bringing a sweet and tangy twist to the classic lineup to capture the feeling of sunny days.

Credit: Randy’s Donuts.

On April 25, the Aquarium of the Pacific will add three new marine species found in Southern California to its Marine Species Report Card to engage the public in ocean conservation. This first of its kind, digital, and free public resource combines the work of scientists, researchers, government agencies, and others from more than a dozen institutions to assess the status of now thirty-three key California coastal species.

“People are an integral part of conservation, and with greater awareness comes more possibility for stewardship. The Report Card is one of many tools the Aquarium is using to activate stewardship in our community, benefiting the conservation of our marine species,” said Jeff Flocken, Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO. The Aquarium gathered leading experts from across the state to develop this tool, which can serve as a resource and guide for action and ongoing research on the state of California’s marine species.

The list will now include new species accounts on the cabezon (fish), horn shark, and sheep crab. Each animal’s account includes photos, facts about the species, information on the threats they face in the wild, and an arrow icon that indicates the population trend of each animal in the state of California and whether it is increasing, declining, or stable. All three newly added species are showing a stable with fluctuations population trend.

For most species, the accounts provide stories on conservation actions. The Aquarium has been working to help many of these marine mammals, birds, invertebrates (animals without backbones), fish, kelp, and more. Some of its conservation projects include growing and outplanting endangered white abalone for restoration efforts in the wild, preserving bull kelp, helping rescued southern sea otters, monitoring and rehabilitating green sea turtles, documenting local whale populations through the photo I.D. program, raising baby sunflower sea stars, and contributing to the community science initiative, Spotting Giant Sea Bass. The Aquarium also offers opportunities for the public to help SoCal marine life, including its monthly wetlands habitat restoration, beach cleanups, and other volunteering opportunities.

“The Report Card provides an entry point for our community to learn more about their ocean neighbors,” said Jennie Dean, Aquarium of the Pacific vice president of education and conservation. “We enhance connection to the species we have onsite at key exhibits with signage and distribution of limited-edition trading cards.”

When visiting the Aquarium, the public can see more than a dozen species listed on the report card, including the cabezon, horn shark, and sheep crab. The Aquarium also offers daily harbor tours and whale watches aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises, which provide the chance for the public to see and learn about other species listed on the report card, including eastern north Pacific gray whales, brown pelicans, harbor seals, California sea lions, and giant kelp.

To assess changes to populations of species, long-term monitoring programs are vital as are programs to restore California’s coastal ecosystems. To learn more, you can visit pacific.to/msrc to access the Marine Species Report Card online, which launched in 2025 and will include three new species on April 25 starting at 9:00 a.m.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Birthdays are the perfect excuse to celebrate yourself, reflect on your achievements, and maybe even indulge a little. While some people opt for a meal out or a weekend getaway, others choose to mark the occasion with something more lasting. Treating yourself to a new car is one of the most rewarding ways to celebrate, combining practicality with a sense of accomplishment.

If you have been considering upgrading your vehicle, your birthday can be the ideal moment to make it happen. With the right approach, the process can feel just as enjoyable as the gift itself.

Decide What You Truly Want

Before rushing into a purchase, take a step back and think about what you want from your new car. This is your chance to choose something that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Consider how you plan to use the vehicle. Is it mainly for commuting, long road trips, or city driving? Do you want something compact and efficient, or spacious and luxurious? Your answers will help narrow down your options and ensure your choice feels meaningful.

This is also the time to think about features that will enhance your driving experience. Technology, safety systems, and comfort upgrades can all make a big difference in how much you enjoy your new car.

Set a Comfortable Budget

While it is tempting to go all out for a birthday treat, it is still important to set a realistic budget. This should include not just the purchase price, but also insurance, maintenance, and any additional costs. If you are planning to finance your car, make sure the monthly payments fit comfortably within your financial situation. The goal is to enjoy your new purchase without creating unnecessary stress later on. A well-planned budget allows you to celebrate responsibly while still making the most of your special day.

Make the Buying Experience Special

Turning your car purchase into part of your birthday celebration can make the experience even more memorable. Plan a day to visit dealerships, take test drives, and explore your options at a relaxed pace. You could even bring a friend or family member along to share the experience. Having someone with you can make the process more enjoyable and help you feel confident in your decision.

Small touches, such as choosing your favorite music for test drives or celebrating with a meal afterwards, can turn a routine purchase into a meaningful event.

Consider Buying From Another Location

Sometimes, the perfect car is not available in your immediate area. Expanding your search to other cities can open up more options and help you find exactly what you are looking for.

If you find your ideal vehicle elsewhere, there is no need to worry about how to get it home. You can arrange to transport your car from Las Vegas or from any other location, allowing you to secure the car you want without the inconvenience of a long drive. This is especially useful if you are short on time or want to avoid adding travel fatigue to your birthday plans.

Make Delivery Part of the Celebration

Having your new car delivered can add an extra layer of excitement to your birthday. Instead of picking it up yourself, you can look forward to its arrival as part of the celebration. Imagine starting your birthday morning knowing that your new car is on its way. When it arrives, it becomes a moment to enjoy and remember, rather than just another task to complete. This also gives you more time to focus on celebrating, rather than worrying about logistics.

Add Personal Touches

Once your new car arrives, consider adding personal touches that make it feel truly yours. This could include accessories, custom features, or even something as simple as a playlist for your first drive. These details help create a stronger connection with your new vehicle and make the experience feel more special. It is not just about owning a car, but about enjoying everything that comes with it.

Enjoy the First Drive

Your first drive in your new car should be something to remember. Choose a route you enjoy, whether it is through the city, along the coast, or on open roads. Take your time, get familiar with the features, and appreciate the moment. This is the reward for your effort and a great way to mark your birthday in a memorable way.

Final Thoughts

Treating yourself to a new car for your birthday is a meaningful way to celebrate both the occasion and your achievements. With careful planning, a clear budget, and a focus on what you truly want, the process can be as enjoyable as the end result.