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.

The issue of designing a child room is one of a balance between fun, comfort and practicality. The children’s rooms must be both comfortable and entertaining but also capable of making the children relax, study, and be creative. Wall décor is one of the simplest methods to do so and create an atmosphere of the room immediately and make it feel like it belongs to anyone.

Walls do not continue to be plain backgrounds, but they can stimulate imagination, mirror the personality of a child, and even a certain mood. Vivid, comfortable rooms that can be expanded as the child grows yet would still be fashionable and practical can be designed by thinking carefully about wall treatments. With a little attention to the walls, a plain room may be transformed into a playground, a school and a vacation spot, which will last years of memories.

Playful Options with Cute Wallpaper

Cute wallpaper is one of the most popular trends that have been used in the kids rooms. With whims, themed drawings, the designs help children feel and inspire them in a rather fanciful atmosphere. Not only does it have animal motifs, cartoons, and stars but also educational prints such as alphabets, numbers, or maps and a combination of fun and education.

Cute wallpaper can be used by the designers to draw attention to a particular wall or corner of the room so that the wallpaper does not clutter the room. These cute patterns add balance and unity when combined with vibrant fabrics, plush carpets, and furniture that suits a child. Also, removable or peel-and-stick wallpaper makes it possible to change the design as the preferences of children change so that the room may be interesting and relevant with the progression of time.

Why Walls Matter in Kids’ Rooms

The decorations in the room of a child are not just an aesthetic value; they outline the whole environment. The right walls can make a difference to the child in the space both in terms of the bright and cheerful designs, as well as, neutral tones that soothe the child. A room that has been well designed promotes creativity, comfort and the feeling of safety.

The principal advantages of considered wall design include:

Developing creativity: Imagination is activated by patterns and playful textures, which are motivating towards learning.

Development of a warm atmosphere: Colors and textures ensure that the room is very welcoming and cozy and feels like a safe haven.

Promoting order: Zones of play, study and rest can be enhanced with feature walls.

Personal expression: Children are able to have space that represents their interests, hobbies or favorite characters.

Simple refresh: Wallpapers can be changed with the aging of the children hence changing the appearance of the room becomes simple.

The attention to the design of walls will allow parents to make sure that the room of their child is not only beautiful but also helpful in the everyday context and emotional conditions. Walls can act as a background and a playful canvas that can be modified with children.

The Comfort of brown wallpaper in Children’s Rooms

As much as playful patterns are perfect in stimulating creativity, neutral and earthly tones are balance and comforting. Brown wallpaper is a versatile interior that gives the rooms of children the feeling of warmth, depth, and grounding. It is a perfect match with wooden furniture, natural fabrics and subdued decorative elements, establishing a univing, comfortable atmosphere.

Darker brown tones are also effective at achieving a relaxing effect and making the children relax and concentrate. They also bring bright toys and colored decorations out of the picture, which creates contrast, which is visual beauty. One of the things which designers would do is to mix brown wallpaper with an accent wall or something that is patterned so that there will be no dullness in the room and the effect is that of a sophisticated but fun room.

Tips for Mixing Patterns, Colors, and Textures

The layering patterns and colors and textures are the way to a rich and harmonious children room. Neutral walls should be used to balance the playful features of feature walls, with neutral walls, e.g. brown or beige. The tactile quality of the wall can be improved by adding such textures as fabric panels, corkboards, or 3D wall stickers, which should be looked at.

Lighting and positioning of the furniture are also important. The combination of the bold and its subtle elements is done in the way that the room does not look overwhelming, annoying, or unproductive but can be considered as quite cozy, thought-provoking and practical, which contributes to the fact that the children are provided with the environment that would help to develop their creativity and comfort at the same time.

Conclusion

The rooms of children are not only rooms to sleep, but the room where the imagination meets the comfort and the environment of individual expression are combined. Considerable wall treatments, such as whimsical patterns and warm neutrals can make otherwise mundane rooms into comfortable and fashionable retreats that can evolve with the children.

Parents can create cozy and entertaining rooms with their choice of wallcovering that is both very decorative and even soothing. Walls are used to express personality, imagination and style making the children rooms a place where play, learning and relaxing are done in harmony.

As spring returns to The Inlands, the region is transforming into a premier destination for road-trippers, nature lovers and culture seekers. From the historic 100th anniversary of Route 66 to the vibrant peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains, spring 2026 offers a rare blend of nostalgia and adventure.

100 Years on the Mother Road

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66. As the heart of the “Mother Road,” The Inlands invites travelers to cruise iconic stretches, dine at vintage roadside eateries and attend special centennial events honoring a century of American car culture. Any Route 66 journey must begin in Needles, recognized as the first California city travelers reach when crossing the Colorado River from the east. Visitors can explore the historic El Garces Harvey House, a neoclassical landmark that once catered to early transcontinental travelers or visit the Needles Regional Museum to see artifacts from the road’s golden era. Continue the journey to the Route 66 Museum in Victorville to learn more about the iconic route’s rich history and cultural significance or snag a selfie with the VW Love Bus. 

Nature’s Greatest Show: The Superbloom

With mild weather fueling the landscape, the region is bracing for a spectacular wildflower season. Top spots for “bloom-chasing” include:

• Chino Hills State Park & Walker Canyon: Famous for rolling hills of gold and orange.
• Diamond Valley Lake: Known for diverse wildflower carpets and lakeside hiking.
• High-Altitude Blooms: Oak Glen Preserve and Big Bear’s North Baldwin Lake offer late-spring alpine floral displays.

A Season of Can’t-Miss Events

The Inlands’ spring calendar is packed with outdoor activity and community celebrations:

• ONT Field Baseball: Spring 2026 marks the highly-anticipated opening of the brand-new ONT Field Stadium in Ontario. Catch the Ontario Tower Buzzers (the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers) as they take the field for their inaugural season beginning in early April.
• Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival: Watch the skies fill with color over wine country in June (early morning launches and evening “glows”).
• Local Arts & Culture: Riverside Art Market (April 11), Redlands Festival of Arts (May 23-24) and Riverside’s Inland Empire Pride Festival (May 30).

From mountains to valleys, vineyards to historic highways, The Inlands offers a springtime playground for explorers of all ages. With events like the Temecula Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Route 66 Centennial, this season is the perfect time to discover the vibrant spirit of the region. 

For more information and to stay up to date on upcoming events and attractions, visit theinlands.com and follow @theinlands on Instagram.

 Laguna Art Museum has announced the return of its signature fundraising event, the 44th Annual California Cool Art Auction, a vibrant celebration of California art, creativity and community. Featuring works by more than 100 distinguished California artists, the auction will take place February 14 through March 7 with online bidding hosted on Bidsquare and an in-person gala event at the museum.

Beginning February 14, auction works will be available to preview in person at Laguna Art Museum with paid admission, offering collectors and art lovers an opportunity to experience the breadth of contemporary California art up close. Online bidding opens the same day via Bidsquare, allowing participants from near and far to take part in this highly anticipated annual event.

The auction culminates on Saturday, March 7, at 6 P.M., when the museum transforms into a lively gathering space for artists, patrons and supporters. The evening will bring together more than 100 participating artists for an immersive celebration featuring live auction moments, exclusive artworks and special programming, all in support of Laguna Art Museum’s exhibitions and education initiatives.

“The California Cool Art Auction is a powerful reflection of the creative spirit and generosity that defines California’s art community,” said Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director of Laguna Art Museum. “Each year, artists and supporters come together to make this event both meaningful and memorable, directly sustaining the museum’s mission and future.”

This year’s auction features an impressive lineup of distinguished California artists including giants of the art world, Fred Tomaselli, Shepard Fairey, Kim Manfredi, Jane Bauman and Ed Ruscha, among many others. Leading the live auction is acclaimed auctioneer Zack Krone, founder of California Coast Auctions. An Orange County native and longtime supporter of the museum, Krone is known for his engaging style and deep connection to the regional art community.

Registration for online bidding is open now via Bidsquare. Tickets for the exclusive March 7 live event are now available. For ticket purchases, auction details or to learn more, visit https://lagunaartmuseum.org/art-auction.

Proceeds from the California Cool Art Auction directly benefit Laguna Art Museum, made possible through the generosity of participating artists who donate their work and the supporters who champion the arts in Southern California.

Laguna Art Museum is currently seeking additional sponsors for the 44th Annual California Cool Art Auction. Sponsorship opportunities include exclusive access, early art previews and invitations to VIP events, all while supporting the museum’s mission. For sponsorship information and full event details, visit lagunaartmuseum.org. To stay connected and learn about upcoming events, follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Event Sponsors:

John Moran Auctioneers, Nolet’s, Catering by Mix Mix

Participating Artists:

Kim Abeles, Caesar Alzate, Charles Arnoldi, Charles Arnoldi and Woods Davy, Dawn Arrowsmith, Edward Barbini, Marlo Bartels, Jane Bauman, Edith Baumann, Billy Al Bengston, Kelly Berg, Sandow Birk and Elyse Pignolet, Carole Boller, Jorin Bossen, Justin Bower, Sandra Jones Campbell, Mindy Cherri, Kevork Cholakian, Alex Couwenberg, Michael Davis, Woods Davy, Gianne de Genevraye, Einar and Jamex De La Torre, Guy Dill, Laddie John Dill, Tom Dowling, Julie Easton, David Eddington, Sam Erenberg, Ned Evans, Shepard Fairey, Vincent Farrell, Asad Faulwell, Karen Feuer-Schwager, Baldemar Fierro, Jacques Garnier, Mark Garry, Sara Genn, Eric Gerdau, Jeff Gillette, Joan Gladstone, Jimi Gleason, Nikolas Soren Goodich, Kristina Grace, Jennifer Gunlock, Chris Gwaltney, Robert A. Hansen, Kelly Hartigan Goldstein, Laurie Hassold, Fredric Hope, Georgeana Ireland, Kathy Jones, Jeremy Kidd, Justin N. Kim, Jennifer King, David Krovblit, Tom Lamb, David Michael Lee, Jason Li, Jean Lowe, Shana Mabari, Victoria MacMillan, Kim Manfredi, Liz Markus, Adam Mars, Kaydad Maseeh, Jane McCracken, Elizabeth McGhee, Ray McSavaney, Pierce Meehan, Yevgeniya Mikhailik, David Milton, Nancy Mooslin, Andy Moses, Adam Neeley, Glenn Ness, Lindsey Nobel, Elizabeth Orleans, Naida Osline, Fabia Panjanian, Soojung Park, Kenton Parker, Ruth Pastine, Anne Austin Pearce, R.T. Pece, Tony Pinto, Astrid Preston, Bret Price, Gregory Price, Ben Quinn, Robert Redding, Michael Rey, Chris Richter, Ann Marie (A.M.) Rousseau, Jeffrey Rovner, Ed Ruscha, Bradford Salamon, Jeff Sewell, Rena Small, Fred Tomaselli, Robert von Sternberg, Marnie Weber, Roger Weik, Kirsten Whalen, Patrick Wilson, William Wray, Kevin Yaun, Scott Yeskel, Peter Zokosky

WHEN:

Saturday, March 7, 2026

6 – 9 P.M.

WHERE:

Laguna Art Museum

307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

The Art Auction will be on view in all galleries on the Main Floor.

Credit: Laguna Art Museum.