Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Flu shots

Everyday 10am-2pm, 3pm-6:30pm
$30

CVS Pharmacy
921 PCH
Seal Beach
562-598-0473

This is the only local CVS that has the flu shot for children 18mos-14 years. No appointment necessary.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Japan America Kite Festival


Sunday, October 4
11am-5pm

Seal Beach's 13th Annual Japan America Kite Festival
On the beach at Seal Beach pier
Free

Southern California's largest kiting event. Japanese cultural activities include sushi provided by Toro Sushi, traditional Japanese candy art, and demonstrations of Taiko drumming. Sport kite demonstrations and kite ballet. Giant show kites. Children can make their own kite.

http://www.kiteclub.org

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

3rd Annual Good Neighbor Festival

Saturday, September 26
10am-3pm
Free

Hosted by 5th District Councilmember, Gerrie Schipske
Good Neighbor Park
2800 Studebaker Rd.
Long Beach

Free food and drink, music by the Wonderelles, pie eating contest, penny arcade, more than 45 informational booths, free bike helmets, & games for kids.

"Kids can play several carnival games for 5 cents each and at the same time help El Dorado and Bach library branches," says Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske.
Pennies brought to the Good Neighbor Festival will be donated to the two branch libraries in the 5th District and used to purchase books and materials.

Sidewalk chalk contest for all ages
Registration is free. Please call (562) 570-6932 by September 24th to sign up. Prizes will be awarded in three age categories: Kids (7-12); Youth (13-17); and Adults (18 and older).

For more information, contact Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, 562.570.6932.
http://www.longbeach.gov/civica/press/display.asp?layout=4&Entry=2600

Monday, September 21, 2009

Kids Eat Free


Wednesday, September 23
4pm-8pm


Free children's meal with the purchase of an adult entree

Participating Long Beach restaurants:
Johnny Rebs'
Gladstone's
Ruby's Diner
Yard House
El Pollo Loco
Corner Bakery - Lakewood

"Family Day is a great reminder for all of us to simply eat a meal with our loved ones," said First Lady Maria Shriver. "Every Californian should make time spent at the dinner table count, by teaching our children to choose and eat healthy, nutritious food. I want to thank the California Restaurant Association and their nearly 650 participating restaurants for their partnership in helping to spread our message to families throughout the state."

http://www.calrest.org/go/CRA/

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Not Back to School?

I just wanted to post some general homeschooling info. Five years ago I knew nothing about homeschooling and actually had a negative opinion about it. However, it was a path that we found ourselves on and I just wanted to let other people know how it works in California.

First of all, the only legal homeschooling option in California is to have a credentialed teacher tutoring your child. That could get expensive quickly. However, there is a very easy alternative that alot of homeschoolers use in this state.

You can start your own private school. As you probably know, private schools are not regulated in terms of curriculum, number of days of school, teacher credentials, etc. Well, that makes it very easy for homeschooling. You fill out a form with the state in October, put together a notebook with a few pages indicating attendance, "course of study", and "teacher qualifications" and you're done. No one checks up on you, there are no testing regulations, and you get to decide how to educate your child.

If you feel you need a bit more guidance with homeschooling, there are a variety of ways to have someone else help you out.

Private School Programs can range from someone simply keeping your paperwork for you to a program that helps you with curriculum selection, providing classes, etc. Usually you pay a fee to join.

ISPs or charter schools are public school programs for homeschoolers. Although your child does not go to school everyday, he/she is still considered a public school student. These programs also range from pretty hands off (and actually provide you funds to buy curriculum or sign up for classes) to programs that are very strict on what curriculum you use and what your child is taught daily. These programs require standardized testing, although individual test scores do not have to be kept in your child's record.

For more info on homeschooling in California, you can visit http://www.californiahomeschool.net . If you want more specific info, feel free to contact me at hijola@yahoo.com .

Friday, September 4, 2009

LA County Fair - $1 admission - Labor Day weekend!

Didja think I disappeared? I am back after scrambling for a new job assignment. Keep fingers crossed that this one is a bit more permanent. Now, let's get back to our fun and friendly events in Long Beach and beyond!

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Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7
$1 admission for everyone from 10am to 1pm
Regular prices apply after 1pm

LA County Fair
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Pomona

All 22-ounce soft drinks are just $1 at all food and beverage stands from 1 to 4 p.m.
Carnival rides, games and select food items are just $1 from 4 to 7 p.m.

http://www.lacountyfair.com