Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Tragedy

An open letter from the Doulas Association of Southern California:

Dear friends,

By now many, if not all, of you have probably heard about the tragic Christmas Eve shooting in Covina, California. The child who was shot when she ran to see 'Santa' at the door is the daughter of a Doulas Association of Southern California member, Leticia, of Prima Doula.

DASC wants to do something for this family. If you are able to make a donation, DASC will match your donations up to a total of $1000 -- we hope there will be more donations than we can match. Donations can be made through PayPal to Treasurer@dascdoulas.org.

This is such an unbelievable tragedy. In addition to her daughter having been shot in the face, Leticia lost her parents and 3 siblings (and their spouses). We've also learned that 13 young people were orphaned in this tragedy -- there is no amount we can raise that would be too great.

Donations can also be made by check written to DASC and sent to:

DASC c/o
Margie Levy
6927 Rubio Ave.
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Checks should be made out to DASC, but PLEASE put "Leticia Fundraiser" in the memo section to be sure that it is directed to the family.

In the doula spirit,

tracy hartley, CD(DONA)
DASC President
www.dascdoulas.org

Saturday, December 27, 2008

NYE family sleepover at the Aquarium!

December 31, 2008 - January 1, 2009
5pm - 7am

Cost: $70 per guest, $60 per Aquarium member
Ages: +5 years
RSVP: (562) 951-1630

Ring in 2009 with the fishes!

You will start a new tradition when you bring your family to the Aquarium for a very memorable New Year's experience.

The Aquarium of the Pacific invites families to ring in the New Year with the fish during the New Year's Eve Family Sleepover. Guests observe the animals' nocturnal behaviors, learn more about them, and even touch some. Participants get to feed fish, watch a 3D film, and sleep in front of one of the exhibits while counting down to 2009. Refreshments include a pizza dinner, as well as snack, breakfast, and sparkling cider. Everyone takes home an Aquarium T-shirt.

Friday, December 26, 2008

See the Floats before New Year's Day


December 28-31, 2008
Schedules vary by location - see below

Admission: $7 for any two visits, children 3 and under are free. Advance tickets are available through Sharp Seating Company at (626) 795-4171

Experience the magic of the Rose Parade floats before New Year's Day! To see some of these magnificent floral floats in their final stages of preparation for the Rose Parade, visit any of our four locations. You will see a variety of fruit, seeds, bark, grasses and of course, breathtaking flowers being applied to the floats by hard working volunteers as well as experienced professionals.

Located at the Rose Bowl Stadium:

* Rosemont Pavilion
700 Seco St., Pasadena
* Brookside Pavilion (accessible to mobility-impaired viewers)
Lot I - South side of Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena

Schedule:
December 28 and 29: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
December 30: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
December 31: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Located in Pasadena:

* Rose Palace
835 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

Schedule:
December 28, 29 and 30: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
December 31: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Located in Irwindale:

* Irwindale Pavillion
Exit from the 210 Freeway at Irwindale or travel north on Irwindale and follow event signs

Schedule:
December 28 and 29: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
December 30: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
December 31: Not open to the public .

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Treecycling

After the holidays, residents are urged to participate in the "Treecycling" tradition by dropping off their trees at several parks throughout the City of Long Beach from December 26 to January 9.

In addition, residents with City refuse service can leave their trees out where trash is normally collected by 7:00 am on Saturday, January 10, and those trees will be Treecycled automatically.

All decorations and stands must be removed, and trees over 12 feet tall must be cut in half.

The following Treecycling sites are open from December 26 to January 9, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm:

CSULB Recycling Center
5800 Atherton Blvd.
east of Bellflower Blvd.

North Police Substation
4891 N. Atlantic Ave.
at Del Amo Blvd.
(enter on 46th St.)

Fire Station No. 14
5200 Eliot St.
at Colorado Ave.

City Operations Center
Environmental Services Bureau
2929 E. Willow St.

Bixby Park
1st St. at Cherry Ave.

Cesar E. Chavez Park
Golden Shore at 4th St.

Houghton Park
Myrtle Ave. at Harding St.

Hudson Park
Hill St. at Webster Ave.

Stearns Park
Corner of 23rd St. and Roycroft Ave.

Veterans Park
28th St. at Pine Ave.

Wardlow Park
Monlaco Rd. at Rutgers Ave.

For more information, visit the City of Long Beach's Environmental Services Bureau website at www.longbeach-recycles.org or call 562.570.4695.

2009 State of the City

Tuesday, January 13, 2009
6pm

Carpenter Center
California State University, Long Beach
6200 Atherton St. (near Palo Verde)

Free
RSVP: Attendees can reserve their tickets by calling 562-570-5089 or through www.StateofLB.com.

The State of the City is an important part of the civic process. Public engagement is critical to a healthy and vibrant government and maybe even more so during these challenging times. And for the first time in several years, the State of the City will be open to the public for free.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

First Night - Fullerton


“First Night” is the city’s annual New Year’s Eve party, offering family-oriented, alcohol-free activities at numerous locations in the streets, sidewalks and buildings in Fullerton’s historic downtown.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008
7pm - midnight

Free
Historic downtown Fullerton (near Wilshire and Harbor)
(714) 738-6545

New this Year: Ice Skating Rink - A new feature in this year’s festivities will be the addition of an ice skating rink for visitors to show off their fancy footwork on the frozen stuff.

While admission to all the “First Night” activities is free, a fee of $2 to $7 will be charged for the children’s rides.

A variety of food booths will be selling items throughout the evening, and most downtown restaurants will be open and are within walking distance of the “First Night” festivities.

One Dollar Books (Really!)

Downtown City Place
200 E. Fifth St. (across from Walmart)
Long Beach

Lakewood Mall
4661 Silva St
Lakewood

*All* books for $1.
Used books from donations, publishers, or libraries.

Owners:
Piccolo Lewis is from Long Beach and has been a bookseller for 10 years.
Jesse Pelayo is a social studies teacher at Franklin High School in LA.

Other locations are in Los Angeles and Northridge.
http://www.crown-books.com

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Posada Family Festival - MOLAA

Sunday, December 21, 2008
Noon - 5pm
Museum of Latin American Art
628 Alamitos Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone 562-437-1689

Target Free Sundays
Workshops, vendors, storytelling, performances, and piñata breaking.

From Wikipedia:
Las Posadas (Spanish for "The Inns") is an eight-day celebration with origins in Mexico beginning December 16th and ending December 24th. It is a yearly tradition for many Catholic Mexicans and some other Latin Americans and symbolizes the trials which Mary and Joseph endured before finding a place to stay where Jesus could be born.

EquestFest - Burbank

Sunday, December 28, 2008
11am - 3pm
Rain or shine under the covered Equidome

Los Angeles Equestrian Center
480 Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91506
(Main & Riverside Drive)

$10.00 per person - Children 5 and under are free

Meet many of the Equestrians you will see New Year's Day riding down Colorado Boulevard in the 2008 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. Stroll through the stables and talk to the riders, visit the vendors and do some shopping. Watch Celebrities on Horseback, Drill Teams, Calvary Units, Miniature Donkeys, Saddlebred Horses, Trick Ropers, the Firefighters Association Antique Horse drawn vehicles, Paso Fino Horses, Medieval Times, Shire Horses, Trick Riding, and Wild West Riders.

*A Parking Fee is charged
Purchase tickets prior to event at (626) 795-4171 or online at http://www.sharpseating.com

Tickets may also be purchased on the day of event at the L.A. Equestrian Center

Monday, December 15, 2008

Disneyland Annual Passports Monthly Payment Program

Disneyland Resort Makes Annual Passes More Accessible and Affordable for Southern California Residents
Just in time for the holidays, Southern California Residents Can Now Purchase Annual Passports through a New Monthly Payment Program

By selecting the payment option, Guests will pay for the cost of a 1-Day, 1-Park ticket upon purchase and will pay the remaining amount over the next 12 months, with no finance charges applied. For example, a Guest purchasing a Southern California Select Annual Passport for $134 would pay $69 at the time of purchase -- with the remaining balance of $65 spread out over the next 12 months.

"Annual Passports provide a great entertainment value and flexibility for our Guests who make frequent visits to our parks throughout the year," said Jill Estorino, senior vice president of Marketing for the Disneyland Resort. "Through this new program, Guests can literally turn a one-day ticket into an Annual Pass for less than $6 a month.

The program is available only at the Resort's ticket booths. Next year, it will be offered for online purchases.

Friday, December 12, 2008

More holiday displays

Seaside Ranchos (Sleepy Hollow), Torrance
PCH & Robert Rd. (enter at Robert Rd.)
This is an entire neighborhood covered in lights.
Either drive very slowly through the streets or park and walk. Some of the kids sell hot chocolate and mistletoe.

*AND*

Candy Cane Lane, El Segundo
Ongoing Daily 12/13/08 - 12/23/08

1200 Acacia
El Segundo CA 90245
The street is closed to cars during the event.

A popular El Segundo holiday tradition for over 50 years, Candy Cane Lane offers every Christmas decoration imaginable in one block of houses. Trains, reindeer, giant characters, music - it's all there. The street dead-ends with a sleigh that features a nightly appearance by Santa Claus sometime between 7pm and 9pm; photos are welcome.

The location is the eastern block of Acacia Avenue and is announced by a Candy Cane Lane sign.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Velveteen Rabbit


Saturdays and Sundays
12pm and 2pm
Beginning December 13, 2008

The All-American Melodrama Theater and Music Hall
429 Shoreline Village Drive, Suite E
Long Beach

All seats $10
Doors open 30 minutes before each performance
Parking for 2 hours - $1 with validation

Call for ticket info: 714-357-1149

Welcome to Story Time Entertainment where we bring "books to life". All of our performances are one hour in length and appropriate for preschool and up. Come visit Mr. Story Time and his cast of characters beginning this December 2008 as we present the beloved Margery Williams classic "The Velveteen Rabbit".

Refreshments available.

Hola Bebe/Hola Ninos

Spanish immersion, parent participation classes for preschoolers
Sign up at lbparks.org

For 6 months to 23 months (given by Santos-DeCure): Hola Bebe

(6 weeks) Class Number 48443 Fridays 01 -23-2009 - 02-27-2009 9:00AM - 9:50AM Activity Rm-Heartwell Park

For 2-4 year olds: Hola Niños

Note: Monserrate-Sanders is offering this class twice a week for 2-4 year olds (Mondays and Fridays). The same class will repeat each week, allowing for a “make up” day for this age group.

47633 Mon 01-26-2009 - 03-02-2009
9:45AM - 10:30AM Recreation Park

47635 Fri 01-30-2009 - 03-06-2009
10:00AM - 10:50AM Heartwell Park

47634 Mon 03-23-2009 - 04-27-2009
9:45AM - 10:30AM Recreation Park

47636 Fri 03-27-2009 - 05-01-2009
10:00AM - 10:50AM Heartwell Park

For 4-6 year olds: Hola Niños II Note: 4-6 year old class will continue the fun, but in a pre-K format, with longer stories, more involved games (like role playing or simon says), and the calendar, seasons, alphabet recognition and other pre-reading skills. Parents who are interested in immersion grade schools such as New City and Patrick Henry would particularly appreciate this class. No participation in Hola Niños 1 is necessary.

47637 Sat 01-24-2009 - 02-28-2009
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Heartwell Park

47638 Sat 03-21-2009 - 04-25-2009
9:15AM - 10:15 AM Heartwell Park

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

How to Mail Christmas Cookies


From Work At Home Mom Revolution:

One of my favorite gifts to receive during the Christmas holidays is something straight from the oven. The more goodies, the better, I say. But I've never received anything baked, through the mail. And I've never sent anything perishable by mail either. Not because I don't think it's a great idea, but because I always wondered if something baked would make it intact, and if it would taste good when it got to its destination.

Read the rest here.

Music Together at the Beach

Free Demonstration Classes

Tuesday, 12/16 at 10:15 am (newborn - 5 years)
Tuesday, 12/16 at 11:15 am (infants 0-8 mos)
Tuesday, 12/16 at 4:00 pm (newborn - 5 years)
Friday, 12/19 at 10:15 am (newborn - 5 years)

Join us for a Free Demonstration Class to experience why everyone you know LOVES Music Together! We'll sing, dance and play instruments, and introduce you to the wonderful ways we lead adults to support the musical growth of their children, regardless of their own musical ability.

Because class size is limited, we ask that you please rsvp for the date and time of your choice by emailing director@musictogetheratthebeach.com. You will receive a confirmation including the location information.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Rent a Christmas Tree!


The Living Christmas Company
Available to most areas of Long Beach and the South Bay
Drop off is only the first two weekends of December

RENT A LIVING TREE THIS CHRISTMAS
and have a live tree delivered directly to your doorstep. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s great for your home and the environment. You tell us what type of tree you’d like and we will deliver it to you and pick it up after Christmas.

The Daisy Ave. Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 13, 2008 5pm
Daisy Avenue, Long Beach (between PCH and Willow)

A time-honored tradition of the Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Daisy Avenue continues, open all during the holiday season for carloads of cheery and peaceful holiday sightseeing.

The parade began in 1953 as the brainchild of Gertrude Whittle. Ms. Whittle was able to persuade the Long Beach City Council and Council of Churches to help decorate the grass median on Daisy Avenue, between Pacific Coast Highway and Willow Street, with a Christmas Village and nativity scene. Soon after, many area residents began decorating their homes and Daisy Lane as we now know it, was born! The event grew to include more displays, entertainment and a parade.

Naples Boat Parade


Naples Islands 62nd Annual Boat Parade
Theme: "The Naples Spirit--Joy of Giving"
Saturday, December 13, 2008
6pm - 8pm

Naples Canals
562-253-1626

Small Boat Parade Start Time 6:00 pm
The boats start North of the 2nd street bridge by the Long Beach Yacht Club. The boats travel counter clock wise around the islands and enter the interior. Canal by the Colonnade. At that point they travel clockwise within the canal and then exit and travel back to the Long Beach Yacht Club.

Large Boat Parade Start Time 6:30 pm
The boats travel in the main body of Alamitos Bay in a clockwise circle

There are 3 groups of carolers walking around the islands by the bridges.

Monday, December 8, 2008

It's Snowing in Long Beach!

Rainbow Harbor
December 13, 1-4pm Shoreline Village parking lot
December 20, 1-4pm The Esplanade

For ages 3-11

Friday, December 5, 2008

Annual La Virgen Art Exhibit


December 2, 2008 - January 3, 2009

PICTURE THIS Gallery & Custom Framing
4130 Norse Way
Long Beach, Ca 90808
562.425.4861

Gallery Hours: Tue-Fri Noon-6pm,
Sat 10am-4pm
This annual December show allows artists to display their own interpretation of La Virgen. Whether it be traditional or not, visual or musical, it is bringing people together through art.

Artist Reception:Saturday, December 6th, 6pm-9pm

La Virgen de Guadalupe is one of the world's most important religious and cultural icons. This image of a maiden cloaked in stars and standing on a crescent moon has been revered, reinterpreted and reinvented over its 400 year history.

For more info, please call 562.425.4861 or email us @ picturethisgallery@gmail.com

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The season's hottest toys

The article by Marie Loggia-Kee lists the top 20 toys and is in the December issue of OC Family Magaine

I'm posting my favorites. Can you tell I have a girl? :-)

#3. Barbie & the Diamond Castle Dolls & Palace
Age: 3 years and up
Suggested retail: $24.99 and $79.99
Building on the popularity of previous films such as “Fairytopia” and “Mermaidia,” Barbie returns with her best friend, Teresa, in “Barbie & the Diamond Castle.” The dolls sing songs from the movie, and when they hold hands, they sing a duet. The Castle features furnishings and a light show, and comes with Liana and her dog, Sparkles.

#4. WowWee Alive Cubs
Age: 3 years and up
Suggested retail: $59
These snuggly, fuzzy cubs coo with baby animal sounds and move with animated facial expressions. A child will enjoy feeding a bottle to the baby while it purrs in her lap. Place the cub in a cushy spot, and it’ll start to snore and then go to sleep.

#5. MatchBox Mega Rig Shuttle Mission
Age: 4 years and up
Suggested retail: $44.88
Boys will venture on an “out-of-this-world” journey with the MatchBox Mega Rig Shuttle Mission. The set starts as one big spaceship and can break down into 30 different combinations of space vehicles. Use the space arm to grab things, and take a spin on the ATV or take a ride with the UFO – complete with a space alien inside.

#17. Disney Fairies and Tinker Bell Easy Flyer
Age: 3 and up; 8 years and up
Suggested retail: $12.50 and $39.99, respectively
Hot on the heels of Tinker Bell’s first major motion picture comes a variety of Disney Fairies. Little girls will enjoy spending time with Tink and friends. Powered by a remote control, the Flyer takes Tink to new heights. Available exclusively at the Disney Store.

#18. Rescue Pets Swim to Me Puppy
Age: 3 and up
Suggested retail: $29.99
If you have little ones, you’ve probably seen these commercials. The Rescue Pets Swim to Me Puppy walks on land and swims in the water. The adorable canine comes with a pair of goggles and an adoption certificate.

Las Posadas - Bowers Museum


Sunday, December 14, 2008
5:00PM - 7:00PM

2002 North Main St.
Santa Ana
714-567-3600

A Traditional Mexican Christmas Celebration
Reenacted in villages of Mexico, this is a celebration of the story of Mary and Joseph's search for a posada (inn). Join us for music, dance, tamales, Mexican hot chocolate, and pan dulce. Co-sponsored by the Stephanie Ortiz Family and Centro Cultural de Mexico.

Winter Village - Maple Village School

Saturday, December 13, 2008
11am-3:30pm

Maple Village School
4017 E. 6th St.
Long Beach
562-331-5905

$5 admission per person includes 3 craft/food tickets
Additional tickets only $1 each
2 and under free

Come wander through the Winter Village!

- Learn how to make natural crafts including candle dipping, wind chimes, ornaments, and snowflakes
- Enjoy homemade organic treats
- Storytelling at 12:30pm and 2pm
- Visit the school shop where you can find homemade beeswax candles, CDs, craft supplies, and more

Cash at the door and ticket booth. Checks accepted at the village shop with ID.
For more information, info@maplevillageschool.org

The Loft Winter Craft Fair - Torrance


Come check out Barefoot Books!

Friends of the Loft Winter Craft Fair
Saturday, December 6, 2008
10am - 2pm

23305 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance, CA
(corner of Hawthorne and Lomita Blvds.)
310-375-4051

Handmade jewelry, Hawaiian design items, portable chalkboards, and other unique handcrafted gifts.
Cash or check only

Monday, December 1, 2008

Artmaking Workshop - LB Museum of Art

Target Family Artmaking Workshops
December 14, 2008
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
FREE

2300 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-439-2119
Ralston Family Learning Center

Come get your hands dirty and your brains engaged!

In these drop-in workshops, adults and children will work together to create artworks inspired by art on display in the Museum. Workshops are typically offered on the third Sunday of each month. (Due to the holidays, this month's session will be offered one week earlier.)

Modernist Boxes: This month, participants will create decorative boxes for the holidays inspired by the artworks seen during a personal tour of the Modernism and the Milton Wichner Collection exhibition.