Neighbors

Asthma Resource fair

2012-05-18T18:44:08Z

In conjunction with World Asthma Day, a free Asthma Resource Fair will be held Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Admiral Kidd Park, 2125 Santa Fe Ave.

Free educational materials, medical guidance on use of asthma-related devices and medications will be provided. There will also be stress relief demonstrations and drawings for prizes.

The weekly Greener Good Farmers Market will sell fresh produce.

World Asthma Day, an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma with a goal to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. It is estimated that 14 percent of children and nearly 15 percent of adults and seniors in Long Beach have been diagnosed with asthma.

The Westside of Long Beach, dubbed the diesel death zone because of the high levels of exhaust emissions in the area, has been particularly hard-hit by asthma and other lung and bronchial ailments.

"Asthma is a chronic disease of the air passages that lead to and from the lungs that makes breathing difficult. If not managed well, it can lead to more emergency room visits especially for children with asthma," said Interim City Health Officer, Dr. Mauro Torno.

Information is available from the Environmental Health Community Education Program Manager at Judeth.Luong@longbeach.gov or 562-570-4104.

Mayan and chocolate merge in lecture

2012-05-16T23:12:29Z

Those who simply LOVE chocolate may be interested to know they share something with the ancient Mayans.
In the second part of a free ongoing lecture series at Hotel Maya, 700 Queensway Dr., Saturday, May 20 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., a research professor will delve into the history of chocolate in Mayan Culture.
Better yet, the co-sponsoring Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach will have a variety of Mexican chocolates from the Museum's store available for purchase.
Khristaan D. Villela an art history and research professor in New Mexico, will give a presentation entitled, "Chocolate: The Ancient Maya Drink of the Gods.
The lecture will explore the history of chocolate as it is depicted in the visual arts, discussed in Maya hieroglyphic texts, and found in archaeological contexts. Chocolate's scientific name, "Theobroma cacao," meaning, "drink of the gods," closely matches how the Maya and other peoples of ancient Mesoamerica thought of this sacred foodstuff.
Villela specializes in the art of Precolumbian Mesoamerica and the history of the field of Precolumbian studies.
According to a release from Hotel Maya:
"Today chocolate is one of the world's most valuable commodities, according to Dr. Villela, it is consumed as a beverage, as a candy, and it is an important ingredient in many recipes, from cakes and cookies to Mexican Mole sauces. More than two thousand years ago, long before the modern-day empires of Hershey and Cadbury, the ancient Maya of Mexico and Central America grew, traded, and consumed great quantities of "kakaw," as they called chocolate, usually as a beverage mixed with honey and chile peppers. In the "Popol Vuh," a collection of ancient Maya creation myths, the lightning god K'awiil split a primordial mountain revealing maize and chocolate, two of the most important foods of the Maya and other native peoples of Mesoamerica.
"The Maya nobility prepared and drank chocolate using special spouted and cylindrical ceramic vessels, many of which have survived to the present day with chocolate residues still inside," concludes Dr. Villela."
Hotel Maya kicked-off its Mayan lecture series on March 31 with Gerardo Aldana's presentation on the Mayan calendar.
The lecturs are part of "The Year To Go Mayan" yearlong sweepstakes featuring monthly hotel weekend giveaways, guest lectures, themed movies, a Mayan dinner show, and food and beverage promotions. A grand prizewinner will also be awarded an 8-day, 7-night, all-expenses-paid vacation to the heart of the Mayan Nation in Yucatan, Mexico, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Merida - Yucatan.
Entries to the "The Year To Go Mayan" sweepstakes can be submitted on Hotel Maya's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/hotelmaya to include a picture featuring the guest living their life to the fullest with a placard or other object with the words "Hotel Maya" clearly visible.

Asian film fest schedule is out

2012-05-16T18:54:40Z

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival debuts in Long Beach beginning Friday, May 18 and continuing through the weekend. Here is the schedule:

What: The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
When: Friday to Sunday
Where: Art Theatre, 2025 E. 4th Street, Long Beach
Tickets: $12 general admission; $10 seniors, students.
Information: 213-680-4462 x59, online:www.vconline.org/festival

SCHEDULE
Friday, May 18
"Give Up Tomorrow" directed by Michael Collins; 5 p.m
"The Orator" directed by Tusi Tamasese; 7 p.m.
"Paradise Broken" directed by James Sereno; 9:30 p.m.

DATE: Saturday, May 19
"There Once was an Island" (Te Henua e Nnoho)and "Keao" directed by Briar March, noon
"Papa Mau: The Wayfinder" directed by Naalehu Anthony, 2 p.m.
"Two Shadows" (encore), directed by Greg Cahill, 4 p.m.
"In the Family" directed by Patrick Wang, 6 p.m.
"Yes, We're Open" and "Good Head" (encore), directed by Richard Wong, 9:30 p.m.

DATE: Sunday May 20
Award winner tba, noon
Award winner, tba, 2 p.m.
"Golden Slumbers" directed by David Chou, 4:30 p.m.
"Sione's 2: Unfinished Business" by Simon Bennett, 7 p.m.

The semi-annual Sidewalk Sale on Fourth Street, Saturday May 19

2012-05-10T00:43:36Z

Residents are invited to the popular semi-annual Sidewalk Sale on Fourth Street, Saturday, May 19 on 4th Street, from noon to 6 p.m.
Here's the info:

4th Street/Retro Row's Spring Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, May 19, NOON-6:00 pm

Join us on Saturday, May 19th for our semi-annual Spring Sidewalk Sale on 4th from NOON to 6 pm! This ONE DAY ONLY event--which coincides with the Long Beach Pride weekend festivities--offers bargains galore PLUS Art, Entertainment, Food & Drink along the "Retro Row"/4th Street corridor (between Cherry and Junipero avenues). Forty-plus shops will be offering extra special buys for everyone--including furnishings (vintage to contemporary), toys and togs for kids of all ages, vintage threads and accessories, surf gear, gifts and one-of-a-kind tchotskies, original artwork and handcrafted jewelry, books, vinyl and CDs and much, much more!

"The entire city is alive with energy and excitement during Long Beach Pride weekend," states Porter Gilberg, Administrative Director at The Center Long Beach. "The Center's storefront has been on Retro Row since 1986 and we are so excited for the Sidewalk Sale on May 19."

Make a day of it and grab lunch/dinner at any of the eateries along the street offering fare from organic upscale Vietnamese and authentic Mexican to handcrafted gourmet coffee and sandwiches to boutique wine 'n' gourmet snacks.

4th Street is accessible by car with ample parking available as well as via the Long Beach Transit's Passport B shuttle [www.lbtransit.com/services/passport.aspx]

Bike rodeo at Twain Library

2012-05-09T22:50:00Z

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Bicycling season has arrived and here come the bike rodeos. Earlier this week, the Wrigley Association announced a bike and safety rodeo on Saturday at Veteran's Park. And now here's another one on the same day in Cambodia Town. Here is the info from the 6th City Council District Office:

"Young bicyclists are invited to learn riding and safety tips during a Bike Safety Rodeo at the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library, 1401 E. Anaheim St., on Saturday, May 12 from 12-3 pm.

"As one of the country's most bicycle-friendly cities, we need to ready our next generation of cyclists on how to be safe on our roads," Mayor Bob Foster said. "Bike Rodeos are a fun way for our young people to learn how to safely ride their bicycles, and gain a skill that they can enjoy for a lifetime."

Young bicyclists are welcome to come by with a bike and helmet to practice safe riding. Learn how to make quick stops, do quick turns, and keep an eye on traffic. The Bike Rodeo staff will assist riders with minor bike repairs and information on obtaining a bike license. Using games, children also learn about seat belts, as well as pedestrian and bike safety.

"As the weather warms and schools let out for summer, more and more of our children take to their bikes," said Councilmember Dee Andrews. "Bike Rodeos are very important tools to keep young people and our streets safe."

Even children without bikes can come and learn. A limited number of safety helmets are available to use at the rodeo.

Support of this program is provided by the Long Beach Public Library and a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

For more information on this event or other services available at the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library, please call 562.570.1046. For information on other Long Beach Public Library services and events, please visit www.lbpl.org or call 562.570.7500. '

Health and Resource Fair at MacArthur Park

2012-05-09T01:59:35Z

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A free Health and Community Resources Fair will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mac Arthur Park, 1321 Anaheim St.
The event will feature free health screenings by the American Heart Association and St. Mary Medical Center.
Other groups with booths and information are:
L.A. Care Health Care, Miller Children's Hospital, Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, City of Long Beach, CAARE, Fair Housing Foundation, Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma, Two Coffee Guys, Housing Long Beach, Best Start Central LB, LB Community Action Partnership, Long Beach Public Library, Mark Twain Branch, Long Beach Alliance for Food and Fitness, Neighborhood Services Bureau, NCLR/CSULB The Center For Latino Communiyt, Cambodian Association of America, United Cambodian Community, and Latin American Community Center,
There will also be food, drawings and prizes.
Information is available by calling Raymond Chavarria, 562-206-5171 or Martha Cota 562-355-5429.

Bike rodeo in Wrigley

2012-05-09T01:18:58Z

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The Wrigley Association is inviting all to join in a Bicycle and Pedestrian Rodeo, Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Park, 101 E. 28th St.
The free event is part of the Safe Routes to School Program and will offer tips on how to ride or walk safely to school and will have a a traffic safety obstacle course for children to try.
Refreshments will be served. Information is available online at wrigleyvillage@gmail.com or by phone at 562-676-7480.

Summer Parks and Rec signups start Monday

2012-05-07T01:07:03Z

The Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine announces it will being taking registration for summer camps, classes and events beginning Monday, May 7. Here's information from the city:

Long Beach Summer Recreation Connection Class Guide Available

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine will accept registration for summer camps, classes and events beginning Monday, May 7.

The Summer 2012 Recreation Class Guide is available at your local community centers, parks, and libraries, and will be posted online Monday at www.LBParks.org. The season will be filled with fun for all ages, and new classes include everything from Little Picasso's Pre-School Art to Adult Ballroom/Latin Dance combo course. Be sure to check out the wide variety of summer camps available at El Dorado Nature Center, Belmont Shore Aquatics, Leeway Sailing Center, Rancho Los Cerritos, and more. Make your summer a memorable one with Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine.

There are five easy ways to register:

· Touch-Tone: Call 562.570.3111 to get your password and be set up for this convenient registration service.
· On-line - Rec-Connect: Call 562.570.3111 and get your password and be set up to register on line. It's fast and easy!
· Mail-In: to City of Long Beach, 2760 Studebaker Rd, Long Beach, CA 90815.
· Fax-In: to 562.570.3113.
· Walk-In: Register at El Dorado Park Administration Building, 2760 Studebaker Road, Long Beach, CA 90815. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm. For more information, call 562.570.3111.

For information on other Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine programs, call 562.570.3100 or visit www.LBParks.org and sign up for E-notify.

Austin to meet Good Neighbors

2012-05-05T01:03:58Z

Al Austin, winner of the recent race for the Long Beach 8th District City Council seat will be the featured speaker at the regular meeting of Good Neighbors of North Long Beach.
Here are the specifics:
~ THE GOOD NEIGHBORS OF NORTH LONG BEACH ~

Spires Restaurant, 1935 Del Amo Blvd (at Cherry)

May 8, 2012: Our guest speaker will be 8^th District Councilmember Elect Al Austin. Mr. Austin will speak about his plans for the 8^th District. Please bring a neighbor or friend and let's talk about the future of our community.

7:00 Sign-In, Breakfast, Council Reports, and Organizational Reports

7:30 Speaker

8:15 Meeting Closed

Social media primer

2012-05-05T00:42:04Z

Businesses, community, neighborhood and social organizations are all moving into the digital age. One of the best ways to connect and communicate is through social media. To help residents how to harness some of the potential of this growing phenomenon, the Neighborhood Resource Center is playing host to a free workshop. Here are details:

Neighborhood Resource Center
invites you to learn about

SOCIAL MEDIA
Engaging and Empowering Your Audience

Wednesday, May 16, 2012
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
425 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA

Presented by
Megan Marshman
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Hosted by Long Beach City College

Learn How To

· Create buzz for your organization with new cost effective marketing channels.

· Use different types of social media such as Facebook to gain exposure for your organization.

RSVP to the Neighborhood Resource Center at (562) 570-1010
or email Scottie Hinkey at Sharron.Hinkey@longbeach.gov

This FREE workshop is presented in English
with Spanish and Khmer translation available.

Free parking behind the building and on the street.

The City of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations
in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
If a special accommodation is desired, please call Scottie Hinkey 48 hours prior to the event at (562) 570-1010.
This information is available in an alternate format on request by calling (562) 570-1010.

Social media primer

2012-05-05T00:42:04Z

Presented by
Megan Marshman
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Hosted by Long Beach City College

Learn How To

· Create buzz for your organization with new cost effective marketing channels.

· Use different types of social media such as Facebook to gain exposure for your organization.

Asian film fest coming to Long Beach

2012-05-03T15:00:00Z

The 28^th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival kicks off May 10 and for the first time, Long Beach's Art Theater 2025 E. 4th Street, will part of the proceedings.

The largest and most prestigious film festival of its kind in the Southland, the festival will celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month with 188 films from both Asian Pacific American and Asian international directors.

The closing weekend will be staged in Long Beach beginning Friday, May 18. In addition to screening festival award-winners there will be a showcase of six Pacific Islander works.

The festival kicks off with the Los Angeles premiere of '"Shanghai Calling," directed by Daniel Hsia.

Information and tickets are available online at www.vconline.org/festival or calling 213-680-4462 x59.

First Friday's to have Star Wars theme

2012-05-03T00:37:06Z

First Friday in Bixby Knolls is just around the corner and here's what the folks at the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association have dreamed up:

'May the Fourth be With You!

Attention jedis, wookies, clones, jawas, ewoks, bounty hunters, and droids: the force will be strong on Friday, May 4th as Bixby Knolls brings a bit of Star Wars onto Atlantic Avenue. Dress as your favorite character and you just might win a prize. Plus, there's always plenty of art, music, and great dining to enjoy.

Ingredients of the night include: Live art and interactive art activities, free comic books, Mr. DJ, CSULB dance troupe, jazz, pop, swing, student recitals, Gringo de Mayo troubadours, the Knolls Ranger, classic cars, dramatic scenes and musical revues, gift items, antiques, funky hair, the Big Red Bus, and plenty of the unexpected."

Khmer girls play host to 'Yellow Lounge' performances

2012-05-02T21:48:48Z

Cambodian teens will share their stories about their lives as Khmer Youth in Long Beach at the Khmer Girls in Action's eighth annual Yellow Lounge, Friday, May 11, 6 - 9 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 607 3^rd St.

The teens will describe their fights for wellness through arts and performances. Khmer Girls In Action is a group that advocates for gender, racial and economic justice led by Southeast Asian and Khmer young women

Performers include youth rappers the Shining Sons, Recon Dance Crew, Oh Ok Crew, and a film screening of "My Asian America" produced and directed by Anida Yoeu.

A recent study by KGA members under the guidance of UCLA found high rates of depression among Khmer youth in Long Beach and is working to create Wellness Centers in area high schools to promote better mental and physical health.

Khmer girls play host to 'Yellow Lounge' performances

2012-05-02T21:48:48Z

Performers include youth rappers the Shining Sons, Recon Dance Crew, Oh Ok Crew, and a film screening of "My Asian America" produced and directed by Anida Yoeu.