The Aquarium of the Pacific provided immediate help by taking in nearly 500 animals, including endangered and near threatened species, after a large seizure by wildlife officials. Animals included marine fish, invertebrates, and sharks. The animals arrived at the Aquarium on June 19, 2026, and staff worked through the night to stabilize them, acclimate them in specialized behind-the-scenes aquarium systems, and to provide them with the highest standard of care without delay.

“Wildlife trafficking disrupts national and global ecosystems and puts animals on the path to extinction,” said Jeff Flocken, president and CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific. “We are proud to answer the call to help trafficked wildlife and are committed to providing immediate care and a sanctuary for all of those that we can help.”

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Confiscations Network (the Network), which includes the Aquarium of the Pacific, was notified by wildlife officials of a box truck filled with over two thousand animals, including fish, aquatic invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians that were confiscated. The Aquarium of the Pacific immediately responded, taking sensitive fish and aquatic invertebrates involved in the seizure.

“We monitor all animals arriving to the Aquarium very closely in quarantine areas where we can provide them immediate care and prevent any potential spread of diseases, especially in an urgent situation like this,” said Alyssa Tillman, assistant curator of fish and invertebrates. Some of the species that were rescued and brought to the Aquarium of the Pacific for care include brownbanded bamboo sharks (a near threatened species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List), ocellaris clownfish (one of the most popular pet trade fishes), and Banggai cardinalfish (an endangered species on the Red List).

Confiscated animals are typically unable to return to nature because law enforcement cannot determine where the animals were collected from, they may be unfit for survival in nature after living in human care, or there are other factors that prevent their release. Trafficked wildlife is often captured and transported in inhumane conditions, with many animals dying during their journey from the wild into the hands of a buyer. Wildlife trafficking has become one of the largest illegal trades, growing rapidly online and becoming pervasive, including buyers and sellers in the United States.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the founding organizations in the Southern California Wildlife Confiscations Network (SCWCN), a partnership that launched in 2023 between U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and animal care partners in the region. The Aquarium is also on the vetting committee as part of the process of adding new organizations to the SCWCN, which provides a coordinated system to help ensure the care and welfare of confiscated wildlife. This network operates under the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, which is a national program from AZA. Since it joined the network, the Aquarium of the Pacific has helped more than 3,300 trafficked animals, including axolotls, corals, reptiles, and fish. In 2026, the Aquarium received grant funding for renovations and upgrades to existing holding and construction of new holding systems to expand its capacity to take in confiscated animals. This funding was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to AZA to execute the American Rescue Plan Act funding. You can support the Aquarium’s ongoing and critical work in helping confiscated wildlife by giving to the Rescue and Recovery Fund.

There are actions the public can take to avoid wildlife trafficking of exotic pets. Research the protected status of the species and make your purchase through a reputable vendor. If the vendor cannot provide proof of where the animal came from, refrain from purchasing it. If you suspect that someone is trafficking wildlife, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tip line online or by calling 1-844-FWS-TIPS.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

The Queen Mary in Long Beach is giving guests a new way to support the community. With the launch of its new QM Cares merchandise collection, visitors can help benefit the ship’s Queen Mary Cares initiatives with every purchase, transforming everyday souvenirs into meaningful community impact. Available both aboard the historic ship and online, the collection highlights a year of community outreach through the Queen Mary Cares program while inviting guests to become part of its mission to give back across Southern California.

“Queen Mary Cares is about taking care of the people who make up our Queen Mary family while also finding meaningful ways to give back to the Greater Long Beach community,” said Steve Caloca, managing director of the Queen Mary. “Right now, our team is putting together back-to-school packages, which is just one example of how this program comes to life. From supporting our team members and creating employee events like beach clean-ups, to partnering with local organizations and serving our neighbors, Queen Mary Cares brings all of those efforts together under one shared commitment to making a positive impact.”

The inaugural QM Cares Collection features a foldable duffle bag ($35), first aid kit ($12), commemorative lapel pin ($8), branded lanyard ($10), heart squeezie ($12), branded belt bag ($20), and branded polo ($55). All proceeds from every QM Cares merchandise item sold will support Queen Mary Cares initiatives that make a positive impact throughout the Greater Long Beach community, furthering the program’s commitment to service, connection and giving back.

Over the past year, that mission has taken many forms. Queen Mary Cares has opened the ship’s doors through Community Days and Community Art Days, honored veterans and first responders, welcomed CSULB graduates for a Community Free Day, participated in the Long Beach Pride Parade and local beach cleanups, supported the Ronald McDonald House Walk, hosted a Red Cross blood drive and created programs designed to empower both the community and the Queen Mary’s own team members.

One of the initiative’s most memorable moments came through a partnership with Make-A-Wish®, when the Queen Mary welcomed 15-year-old maritime enthusiast Aedan and his family for a once-in-a-lifetime wish experience. Traveling from Massachusetts after overcoming brain cancer treatment, Aedan spent three days aboard the legendary ocean liner enjoying exclusive behind-the-scenes access, including a private guided tour, an unforgettable four-course dinner in the historic Wheelhouse hosted by Captain James, a private screening in the Queen Mary Theatre, and several experiences designed around his lifelong passion for maritime history.

During the winter season, QM Cares partnered with the Long Beach Rescue Mission to support local families by donating grocery gift cards and more than 300 toys. The Queen Mary also invited guests to participate by collecting new, unwrapped toys throughout the holiday season, helping spread holiday cheer to families across the Long Beach community. As part of the partnership, the Queen Mary team toured the Long Beach Rescue Mission’s new Timothy House, a residence designed to provide housing and support for young men ages 18 to 24 as they transition toward independence.

As QM Cares continues to grow, the Queen Mary remains committed to building meaningful partnerships with nonprofit organizations, supporting causes that strengthen Southern California communities, and creating opportunities for guests to make a positive impact through every visit.

The new QM Cares Collection is available today at the Queen Mary Gift Shop and online store. For more information on the Queen Mary, upcoming events, programming, and more, visit www.queenmary.com/seasonal-events.htm and queenmary.com/whatsondeck, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.

Credit: The Queen Mary.

 We are thrilled to invite you to our weekly “Jueves de Loteria” at Plaza Mexico’s ‘Mercado’.

Join us every Thursday evening from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm for a fun-filled night of Lotería, the traditional Mexican game that has captured hearts for generations. This event is FREE to play and offers you the chance to win fantastic prizes!

Lotería is a colorful and exciting game, similar to Bingo but with a unique Mexican twist. Players use beautifully illustrated cards featuring traditional Mexican symbols instead of numbers. As the caller announces each card, participants mark the corresponding images on their boards. The first player to complete a predetermined pattern, such as a row or column, and shout “¡Lotería!” wins the round!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience a beloved Mexican tradition, meet new friends, and try your luck at winning amazing prizes! Bring your family and friends, and let’s have a memorable night!

What To Expect?
• Friendly atmosphere for both experienced players and newcomers
• Prizes for the winners
• Optional snacks and beverages available for purchase at the Mercado
• Mercado restaurants will also be offering special deals during the hours that Lotería is being hosted.
ABOUT:
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.

VISUALS: Multi-cultural audience, familys, overall good vibes for the entire family.

WHEN: Every Thursday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm throughout the months of August & September.
https://www.plazamexico.com/
WHERE: Plaza México
3100 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262
Entrance + Parking: Free
Bring your lawn chair

Gentle Giants by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry is on display at the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station from Monday, July 13 – Friday, October 2, 2026. Gentle Giants presents a gathering of tall, hand-formed characters who share the space with a calm, watchful presence. Each giant stands as part of a loose “family,” connected not by a single story but by a shared spirit. Accompanying the giants are smaller, lighter forms – suggestive of birds – scattered throughout the gas station. Together, the figures and birds create a gentle ecosystem, one that feels alive but unhurried, inviting viewers to pause and take it in. Gentle Giants offers an experience rooted in reassurance and imagination. The exhibit invites children and adults alike to encounter scale with ease, to find friendliness in the unfamiliar, and to see how even the simplest materials can hold a sense of magic.

Gentle Giants is a suspended installation of collaged paper figures all created from black paper and painted fragments. Collage guides Cohen-Bacry’s work as both technique and philosophy – embracing difference, reclaiming discarded materials, and building forms that feel vulnerable yet resilient.

An artist reception will be hosted by the Adams Square Neighborhood Association on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station is located at 1020 E. Palmer Ave., Glendale, CA 91205.

This temporary art installation is generously sponsored by the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission, funded by the Urban Art Program, and supported by Glendale Library, Arts & Culture, Glendale Community Services & Parks, and the Adams Hill Neighborhood Association.

About Library, Arts & Culture

Founded in 1907, the Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Department includes eight neighborhood libraries including the Brand Library & Art Center, a regional visual arts and music library and performance venue housed in the historic 1904 mansion of Glendale pioneer Leslie C. Brand, and the Central Library, a 93,000 square foot center for individuals and groups to convene, collaborate and create. The department also serves as the chief liaison to the Glendale Arts and Culture Commission which works to continually transform Glendale into an ever-evolving arts destination. Glendale Library Arts & Culture is supported in part through the efforts of the Glendale Library Arts & Culture Trust (GLACT). For more information visit GlendaleLAC.org, or contact Library, Arts & Culture at 818-548-2021 or via email at LibraryInfo@glendaleca.gov.

About the City of Glendale & the Arts & Culture Commission

Known as the “Jewel City,” Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of almost 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks & facilities, with easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale. The mission of the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission is to enrich the human experience, reinforce Glendale’s identity and civic pride through arts and culture, and to recognize the importance of arts to our quality of life and to the local economy. This is accomplished by consciously integrating arts and culture into the daily life of the people of Glendale through urban design, planning, economic development, and education. For more information about the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission see the website: GlendaleArtsAndCulture.org 

@MyglendaleLAC   #MyglendaleLAC   www.GlendaleLAC.org

About Glendale

Known as the “Jewel City,” Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of almost 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks & facilities, with easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.

ReflectSpace presents ReCoding the Codex: Cultural Heritage through Language, an exhibition that considers the complicated relationship between language, social justice, and cultural heritage. The codex is the historical name for a book, this becomes the starting point for the artists to re-create or re-code the way language is seen and read. Located inside Central Library, Glendale’s ultimate repository of language and books, ReflectSpace is the ideal setting for this exhibition, which intersects art, social justice, and language.

Through drawing, painting, sculpture, installation and video, the artists employ language in the form of script, handwriting, calligraphy, historical records, and archival and commercial texts, to highlight social justice issues that are relevant to their unique cultural communities. Based in the U.S. and Korea, ReCoding the Codex addresses colonization, Japanese American incarceration, and exploitation of agricultural workers, creating an international dialogue about harnessing the power of text and word in innovative ways.

In the PassageWay, works from Self Help Graphics & Art, an East L.A. art institution, extend these themes through pieces from their vast print and monograph collection.

Exhibit artists include Hyun Ho Hwang, Bryan Ida, Jin Woo Kim, Narsiso Martinez, Jung Min Park and artists from Self-Help Graphics & Art.

ReCoding the Codex, curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan, Monica Hye Yeon Jun is part of a series of ReflectSpace exhibitions addressing cultural heritage launched in 2025 with Reimagining Algorithms: Cultural Heritage in the Age of AI.

This exhibition is sponsored by the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission through funding from the Urban Art Fund.

Exhibition Dates:

July 25 – October 10, 2026

Opening Reception:

Saturday, July 25, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

More information can be found at ReflectSpace.org

Location:

ReflectSpace / Glendale Central Library

222 East Harvard Street

Glendale, CA 91205

Phone: (818) 548-2021

ABOUT REFLECTSPACE

ReflectSpace is curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan and is an inclusive exhibition gallery designed to explore and reflect on social justice issues, human rights violations and genocides through the arts. Immersive in conception, ReflectSpace is a hybrid space that is both experiential and informative, employing art, technology, and interactive media to reflect on the past and present of Glendale’s communal fabric and interrogate current-day global human rights issues. ReflectSpace is housed in Glendale Central Library and online at ReflectSpace.org.  

ABOUT LIBRARY, ARTS & CULTURE   

Founded in 1907, the Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Department includes eight neighborhood libraries including the Brand Library & Art Center, a regional visual arts and music library and performance venue housed in the historic 1904 mansion of Glendale pioneer Leslie C. Brand, and the Central Library, a 93,000 square foot center for individuals and groups to convene, collaborate and create. The department also serves as the chief liaison to the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission, which works to continually transform Glendale into an ever-evolving arts destination. Glendale Library, Arts & Culture is supported in part through the efforts of the Glendale Library Arts & Culture Trust (GLACT). For more information visit GlendaleLAC.org, or contact Library, Arts & Culture at (818) 548-2021 or via email at LibraryInfo@GlendaleCA.gov .

ABOUT GLENDALE

Known as the “Jewel City,” Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of almost 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks & facilities, with easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.

A new standalone summer concert series for LA County Parks, produced by NextFest LA.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) is launching its  first official standalone FREE summer concert series in LA County Parks’ history. Sounds of LA County – 27 Parks. 108 Concerts. One County highlights local artists from LA County’s abundant indie music scene, bringing a music festival vibe to your front door. The free concerts, taking place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, are uniquely curated to reflect the culture, diversity, and energy of the communities where they are held.

Sounds of LA County marks a new chapter for free outdoor concerts in the region. Using its platform and resources to create meaningful opportunities for the local indie music community, LA County Parks is reimagining what a public summer concert series can be. To bring that vision to life, the Department entrusted NextFest LA—the independent music festival known for championing local indie talent—with producing a series built around that same mission.

“LA County Parks has always been a place where communities come together. With Sounds of LA County, we’re expanding that tradition by creating new opportunities for local artists while giving residents free access to live music that reflects the unique culture of their own neighborhoods,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. “This series celebrates the incredible talent found across Los Angeles County and reinforces our commitment to making arts and culture accessible to everyone.”

When a County invests in its own artists, it strengthens the local creative economy, gives working musicians a meaningful platform, and reinforces that the arts are essential to community life. Every Sounds of LA County concert is an opportunity for residents to be part of that investment. By showing up, audiences are supporting local musicians and helping strengthen the cultural fabric of their own communities.

The programming spans Latin, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Reggae, Country, Americana, Indie, Indigenous, Dance, and Family genres, but is always tied to the specific cultural identity of each park community. With concerts taking place in parks throughout North, East, and South Los Angeles County—including La Puente, Sylmar, Antelope Valley, Carson, Azusa, West Covina, Palmdale, Lancaster, and more—audiences can expect a music festival experience that reflects the unique identity of each community.

Even the name was developed with intentionality. Los Angeles County isn’t one sound, one culture, or one neighborhood. It is cumbia drifting from a backyard in East LA, neo-soul echoing through Rimgrove Park, norteño filling a park in La Puente on a Summer evening. Sounds of LA County reflects that diversity by celebrating the communities, cultures, and artists that define Los Angeles County. 

This summer, Sounds of LA County brings 108 free concerts to 27 parks across the county, July 9 – August 29, inviting residents to experience original live music while supporting the artists shaping Los Angeles County’s creative future.

About the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation 

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation manages 184 parks, 9 natural areas, 15 wildlife sanctuaries, 42 public swimming pools, 25 splash pads, 14 lakes including 3 with swimming beaches, 250 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding; and the largest municipal golf system in the nation with 20 golf courses at 18 facilities. The department maintains four botanical gardens: The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, the South Coast Botanic Garden, Descanso Gardens, and Virginia Robinson Gardens. The department also owns the iconic Hollywood Bowl, and The Ford, providing County residents with valuable entertainment and cultural resources.  Visit: https://parks.lacounty.gov/ 

Visit: Sounds of LA County

Paros is one of those Greek islands that looks good in almost every direction you turn. It has that classic Cycladic style people expect, but it still feels relaxed and not overly staged. Whitewashed houses, small harbours, clear water, and soft evening light all come together in a way that makes it hard not to take photos constantly. Some places on the island stand out more than others, especially if you are looking for spots that naturally work well on camera.

Naousa

Naousa is probably the most photographed part of Paros, and once you arrive, it is easy to see why. It still feels like a working fishing village, but it also has a polished, almost effortless charm that makes every corner feel photogenic.

The harbour is the main focus, with small boats sitting in calm water, world class bars like Barbarossa Bar and tavernas lined up right along the edge. In the evenings, everything feels especially atmospheric as the lights reflect on the sea and people spill out into the streets. Away from the waterfront, the back streets are narrow and quiet, with white walls, blue doors, and the occasional burst of flowers climbing across balconies.

It is one of those places where you do not really need to search for a good shot. You just walk around and it happens naturally.

Kolymbithres Beach

Kolymbithres feels completely different from the rest of the island. Instead of the usual long sandy beach, you get these smooth, sculpted rock formations that look almost like they have been shaped by design rather than nature.

Between the rocks are small sandy coves and shallow clear water, which gives the whole area a very unusual look. From a photography point of view, it is very easy to get striking shots here without doing much at all. The contrast between pale rock, blue sea, and bright sunlight changes throughout the day, so even the same spot can look different depending on when you visit.

It is one of those places where the landscape does most of the work for you.

Parikia Old Town

Parikia, the main town of Paros, has a slightly more lived-in feel compared to Naousa, but that is part of its appeal. The old town especially has lots of quiet corners that are easy to miss if you are just passing through.

The streets are narrow and winding, with whitewashed buildings, small churches, and doorways painted in soft blues and greys. It feels more local and less curated, which gives photos a more natural, unfiltered atmosphere.

Late afternoon is usually the best time to wander here. The light softens, shadows stretch across the alleys, and everything feels a bit calmer. It is not about one specific viewpoint, but more about stumbling across small details as you go.

Seeing Paros from the Water with a Yacht Charter

One of the most memorable ways to experience Paros is actually from the sea. Booking a yacht charter changes the perspective completely and shows a side of the island you do not really get from land.

The coastline looks different from the water, with hidden bays, quiet beaches, and stretches of rock that feel untouched. The sea itself also becomes part of the experience, shifting between deep blue and lighter turquoise depending on the light.

From a photography point of view, it is constantly changing. You are not just capturing one place, but a moving view of the island and its surroundings. There is something about being out on the water, away from the crowds, that naturally makes everything feel more open and unforced, and that comes through in the photos as well.

Choosing an eye doctor is one of those things people often put off until there is a problem, but it really pays to be a bit more thoughtful about it. Whether it is a routine check-up, new glasses, or something more specific that needs attention, the person you choose can make a noticeable difference to how comfortable and confident you feel about your vision.

Start by understanding what kind of help you actually need

Not all eye care is the same, and that is where a lot of confusion starts. Some eye doctors mainly deal with routine eye tests and prescriptions, while others focus on medical eye conditions that need more detailed treatment. Knowing which category you fall into saves time and avoids unnecessary appointments.

If you are unsure, it can help to use a simple online eye health quiz. Many clinics now offer them, and they usually ask about things like blurred vision, headaches, or difficulty focusing. It is not a diagnosis, but it can give you a clearer idea of whether you need a standard optician appointment or something more specialist. That small bit of preparation makes the whole process less overwhelming.

Take time to compare reputation and real experience

Once you know the type of care you need, it is worth looking beyond the nearest clinic and actually comparing your options. Reputation is usually a good starting point. Reading reviews can help, but it is better to look for patterns rather than individual comments. If people consistently mention things like thorough exams, clear explanations, and feeling listened to, that is usually a good sign. If anything seems shady, of course you should steer clear. You don’t want to end up in a legal battle seeking professional lawyers after a botched operation.

Experience also matters more than people realise. An eye doctor who has been practising for many years is often more comfortable spotting subtle issues or dealing with less common conditions. It is also worth checking whether they have additional training or professional recognition, as this can indicate a higher level of expertise. In a field like eye care, small differences in skill and experience can have a real impact on results.

Pay attention to how they communicate with you

Qualifications are important, but so is how you actually feel during an appointment. A good eye surgeon should be able to explain things in a way that makes sense without overcomplicating it. If you leave feeling more confused than when you arrived, that is usually not a great sign.

It also helps to notice whether they take time to listen properly. A rushed consultation can easily miss details that matter. The better practitioners tend to ask questions about your daily habits, screen time, general health, and any symptoms you might have noticed, rather than just going straight into tests.

Comfort plays a bigger role than many people expect. Eye care is not usually a one-off visit, so you want someone you feel relaxed with, especially if you end up needing follow-ups or ongoing treatment. A calm, patient approach makes the whole experience easier to manage over time.