As we set our sights on a new year and the countless possibilities that come with it, now is the perfect time to gain perspective as a community. Long Beach is a large city, but the people living in our neighborhoods, shopping at our small businesses and volunteering at our parks and libraries make it feel like a small town, where each voice matters.
Our first Around Town edition for the year highlights just that—you will find opportunities to support local breweries and libraries, an invitation to explore the city’s wetlands and a chance to refine your vision for the year among fellow neighbors.
Fill up Friday afternoon by taking in the arts, either with a classic film screening at the Billie Jean King Main Library or an exhibit at the Munzón Gallery. Saturday is a perfect day for those wishing to try new things in the new year. Search for sea turtles and learn local history with Los Cerritos Wetlands Saturday morning, then make it back in time to listen to a story in Khmer at the Signal Hill Library, donate gently used books at the same location or catch an online author talk on a new young adult series.
The week offers multiple fun and free ways to meet new people and hone new skills, so don’t miss the chance to explore around town.
Friday 1/6
Blood Drive: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Belmont Shore Athletic Club (4918 2nd St.) is hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross. Volunteers are needed to donate life-saving blood. To make an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit the Red Cross’ website.Free.
Classic Film Series: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to a screening of the 1941 classic drama “Citizen Kane” in the Billie Jean King Main Library’s Miller Room (200 W. Broadway). The film follows the life-story of a wealthy man who begins a disastrous affair with a nightclub singer. Free.
Closing Reception: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The public is invited to the Munzón Gallery (1730 E Anaheim St. #A) for the closing night of the group art exhibit “Filling The Void.” Free to attend.
Saturday 1/7
Turtle Trek: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Environmental educators will lead Los Cerritos Wetlands’ first nature walk of the year, as they take attendees along the levy of the San Gabriel River, which bisects Los Cerritos Wetlands. Residents can search for sea turtles, learn about the Zelder marsh ecosystem and hear about the Signal Hill Petroleum’s history and impact on the wetlands. Closed-toe shoes are required. The parking lot gate (at the corner of First Street and PCH) will close at 8:10 a.m. and latecomers will not be permitted. Children ages seven and older are welcome, though they must be able to walk for two hours without turning back. RSVP on Eventbrite. Free.
AAUW first meeting of 2023: 9:30 a.m. to noon. The American Association of University Women will host its first meeting of the new year at the Long Beach City College Planetarium (4901 E. Carson St. Building D, Room D326). The meeting will honor women pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) by fundraising to send 96 middle schoolers to Tech Trek, a week-long college experience with hands-on science experiments. AAUW has done this annually since 1998. Guests are asked to arrive and check in by 10:30 a.m. Reservations are suggested: aauwlongbeach.reservations@gmail.com. Free.
Khmer Storytime: 11 a.m. to noon. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children of all ages to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) to enjoy Khmer stories, music and movements led by local business Khemara Kids. Free.
Author Talk: 11 a.m. to noon. The Long Beach Public Library will be hosting an online discussion by Namina Forna, author of the “Gilded Ones” series. The young adult fantasy book series tells the story of a teen girl with golden blood who is outcast from her village and becomes a warrior. To register for this event, visit https://libraryc.org/lbpl/upcoming. Free.
First Saturday of the month Book Donation Drop Off: Noon to 2 p.m. Bring gently used books to the Signal Hill Library (1800 E. Hill St.) and drop them off at the curbside. Donors will receive a Friends of Signal Hill Library tax donation receipt. Free.
Sunday 1/8
Hi-Performance Swap Meet: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. A wide variety of antique, classic and high-performance cars and parts will be available for purchase at Veterans Memorial Stadium (5000 E Lew Davis St.). Free to enter.
LBFD PREP Workout: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Long Beach Fire Department invites anyone interested in becoming a firefighter to this workout that will familiarize them with the physical requirements for the job. The workout will be held at the Captain David Rosa Regional Fire Training Center (2249 Argonne Ave.). Participants are asked to bring T-shirts, shorts, workout shoes, work gloves, pen and paper. To reserve a spot, visit Eventbrite. Free.
Monday 1/9
Dignity on Wheels: 9 a.m. to noon. We Hope Showers will provide showers and laundry machines for those in need at MacArthur Park (1321 E. Anaheim St.). Free of charge.
STEAM Station: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring school-age children to the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E Hill St.) to learn about building, engineering and designing. Free.
Trivia Night: 7 p.m. Those 21 and older are invited to the Auld Dubliner (71 S Pine Ave.) to participate in a trivia competition hosted by America’s Pub Quiz. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Free to attend.
Tuesday 1/10
Rancho Storytime: 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring young children to Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Rd.) to enjoy stories from diverse authors. Families are welcome to bring blankets, strollers and snacks. Free.
Game Night: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tabletop game enthusiasts are invited to play a variety of games at this monthly event held at the Billie Jean King Main Library’s Miller Room (200 W. Broadway). From 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., players will be able to choose from chess, checkers, backgammon, rummikub, mahjong and cards. From 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. attendees will learn and play the game Nine Men’s Morris, a centuries-old two-player board game. Free.
Trivia Night: 7 p.m. Those 21 and older are invited to Beachwood Brewing (210 E 3rd St.) to compete in various rounds of trivia. $5 beers and food will be available for purchase. First, second and third place prizes will be given out at the end. Free.
Wednesday 1/11
Career Fair: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Job seekers are invited to the Marriott (4700 Airport Plaza Drive) to meet face-to-face with recruiters from a variety of companies. Attendees are asked to dress professionally and to bring an updated resume. Free.
Community Vision Boarding: 12:30 p.m. Project Opportunity invites the community to create vision boards that will inspire them for the rest of the year. Participants will cut out magazine clippings to create their vision boards. Snacks and supplies will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own art supplies as well. Those who attend will receive a complimentary planner for 2023. The event will take place at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.) Free.
Bear City Comedy: 7:30 p.m. A roster of stand-up comedians perform weekly at Que Sera (1923 E 7th St.). This event is for those 21 and older. Free.
Thursday 1/12
Toddler Storytime: 10 a.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring toddlers from 9 months to 3 years old to El Dorado Neighborhood Library (2900 Studebaker Rd.) to enjoy stories, songs and more. Free.
Building Healthy Relationships: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The WomenShelter of Long Beach invites teens to the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) to learn about dating violence, the cycle of violence, power, control and healthy relationships. Free.
ArtLAB: 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. An art exploration program for children ages 7 to 12 at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). All supplies will be provided. No previous art experience is necessary. Free.
Live Comedy & Music: 7 p.m. The public is invited to watch a new live comedy show by Cara Connors and a musical performance by Bonded Jacky at Plantiitas (2011 E 4th St.) Tickets for the event cost $20 at the door, and $15 if purchased in advance at caraconnors.com/tickets.
