WALKING DOWN THE RIVER
What Community kick-off event
Who Presented by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and 8th District Councilmember Al Austin
When Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9am to 11am
Where Dominguez Gap Wetlands, southwest corner of Del Amo Boulevard and Oregon Avenue
More Info City officials invite the community to the event to learn about the Lower L.A. River Revitalization Plan. Community input is requested. Trail activities, including a walk of the wetlands, will take place at the event. Information booths, activities and light refreshments will be available, as well. Call Miguel at (818) 568-9139.
NOW HEAR THIS
What Hands-on demonstration
Who Presented by the Hearing Loss Association of America
When Friday, Dec. 9 from 10am to noon
Where Weingart Center, 5220 Olivia Ave.
More Info The demonstration will feature information about free captioned phones and hearing aids. Attendees will be able to access and use the items. Call (562) 630-6141 or visit hlalongbeachlakewood.org.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?
What Book-signing event
Who Hosted by the Long Beach Ministers Alliance
When Saturday, Dec. 10 from 1pm to 3pm
Where The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, 5870 Atlantic Ave.
More Info Cookie Johnson, author and wife of former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Magic Johnson, will be at the library signing her memoir Believing in Magic: My Story of Love, Overcoming Adversity, and Keeping the Faith. Cookie will share the story of her and Magic discovering the latter was HIV-positive. Call Steve Neal at 1 (310) 489-7790.
WRITE RIGHT
What Writers club meeting
Who Hosted by the California Writers Club
When Saturday, Dec. 10 from 3pm to 5pm
Where Ruth Bach Neighborhood Library, 4055 Bellflower Blvd.
More Info The meeting will be a holiday-networking event and will feature three-minute open mic for attendees. Visit calwriterslongbeach.org or email info@calwriterslongbeach.org.
FA-LA-LA-LA-LAAA
What Holiday concert
Who Presented by the LBCC Performing Arts Department
When Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2pm
Where Long Beach City College Auditorium, Liberal Arts campus, Building J, 4901 E. Carson St.
More Info The performance will feature the Long Beach City College Symphony Orchestra and Scott Arakawa as a special guest conductor. Purchase tickets at lbcc.edu/performingarts or call (866) 811-4111.
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR…
What Monthly breakfast
Who Hosted by the Good Neighbors of North Long Beach
When Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7am
Where Spires Restaurant, 1935 Del Amo Blvd.
More Info The guest speaker for the meeting will be Blair Cohn, executive director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association. Cohn will discuss the status of the association. Email Val at vallerch@gmail.com.
POWER BREAKFAST
What Monthly meeting
Who Hosted by the Success Network
When Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 7:30am to 9am
Where The Corner Bakery, 6507 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
More Info Speaker Michael Almaraz, a neuro-linguistic programmer, will discuss the topic of “Hypnotic Marketing Secrets to Get More Sales.” Visit deeperstate.com.
CRACK A BOOK
What Literary society meeting
Who Hosted by the BKBIA
When Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7pm
Where Elise’s Tea Room, 3924 Atlantic Ave.
More Info The meeting will feature a discussion of author Roberto Bolano’s novel Savage Detectives, a story of a quest featuring two modern-day Quixotes. The public is welcome, and all are encouraged to read the book in advance. Refreshments will be provided. Call (562) 595-0081 or email info@bixbyknollsinfo.com.
BETTER TO BE SAFE
What Self-defense seminars
Who Hosted by the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach and Groundwork Fitness
When Saturday, Dec. 17
Where Groundwork Fitness, 333 Pine Ave.
More Info The Dec. 17 seminar for transgender and gender-nonconforming people will be at 11:30am, and the Dec. 17 seminar for people of color will be at 1pm. The seminars are in response to the recent nationwide reports of increased hate crimes. All sessions will be led by Gisele Fong, an activist and second-degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate. Seminars are 90 minutes. Water and snacks will be provided. Attendees are encourages to wear comfortable clothing. Visit centerlb.org or email Porter at porterg@centerlb.org.
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
What Monthly meeting
Who Hosted by the Questing Heirs Genealogical Society
When Sunday, Dec. 18 at 1pm
Where Lakewood Masonic Center, 5918 Parkcrest St.
More Info The group meets with the purpose of collecting, preserving and publishing data relating to genealogy and hosts its monthly meetings on the third Sunday of every month. Visit qhgs.info or call Shareholder Liz Myers at (562) 598-3027.
STOP IT
What Smoking-prevention program
Who Presented by the American Lung Association
When Meetings begin Tuesday, Jan. 10
Where Todd Cancer Pavilion Group Room, 2nd floor, 2810 Long Beach Blvd.
More Info The association is presenting the seven-week “Freedom From Smoking” program to help tobacco users gain control over smoking and quit. The program is free and includes eight meetings, parking and a workbook. Registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 6. Call 800-MEMORIAL to register.
