Ah yes! The novel

Scribblocity: The up side of not accomplishing any of your New Year's resolutions is that you save so much time on the following New Year's Eve. Why I'll have time for at least two more glasses of champagne. So here's my novel resolution:

Finish novel --Set aside at least 5 hours a week for writing; continue to read writing magazines and books; set aside a long weekend for myself as a birthday present (ongoing blog post: Scribblocity will discuss thought about the novel and writing in general)

I did read some writing magazines and books, but as for setting aside time for writing -- hoo boy! don't even go there! A long weekend! Ha! And as you can see, this is the first and only 2010 installment of Scribblocity.

So this year, I'm going to kick start the writing urge with an email blast from Write it Sideways called Better Writing Habits 31 Day Challenge.

I'll make a habit of checking out writers blogs like Courage to Create, Victoria Mixon, The Creative Penn, Word Play, Writer Unboxed, The Renegade Writer, Cats Eye Writer, Make a Living Writing, Men with Pens, Story Fix, and Procrastinating Writers

Read 3 writing books and at least 2 articles in every issue of Writers Digest and The Writer and skim Poets and Writers.

Submit one piece each month

Give myself a long weekend for writing somewhere

Blog twice a month for Scribblocity: step one-- get an on-going photo for the post. Mid-month moaning and Writing Wrap Up

New Year's Eve eve

Well, it's resolution time again. I'll have to pull up my crazy brave list of goals from last year and face the music. Beliefnet has a great list of tips for making simple but effective resolutions, one of which is don' make too many. Now that's advice I can make use of.

Kava, Kava

Since I missed my beginner's yoga class this morning, I can congratulate myself that I did attend two consecutive days at Kava Yoga on Tuesday and Wednesday. The studio is serene in its simplicity, although there is the occasional bus or truck disturbing the peace as it rumbles down 4th Street. Cindy Anderson, the only teacher I've had so far, is nurturing and very good at communicating the essentials of a pose without confusing a perpetual newcomer like me. And the price can't be beat! $10 for 10 days!

Civil War Sites Gear Up for 150th

As a girl who grew up in the midst of the Civil War Centennial, I was amazed and just a little chagrinned to realize that 2011 will mark the beginning of the 150th anniversary of that bloody war. A group called Journey Through Hallowed Ground has created a website with information about the major battlefields from Manassas to Gettysburg. Closer to home, the Drum Barracks Museum in Wilmington housed soldiers and military supplies during the Civil War era. A 360-page book, The Civil: A Visual History, will be released in April with photos from the Smithsonian and eyewitness accounts.

Inner Circle at LAX

Westways had some intriguing information about airline clubs at major airports. Most of them offer day passes for about $50, with the annual fee runs about $500. American Airlines has free snacks and music rooms. Continental Airlines has free beverages and snacks and sells premium wines. Delta has free cocktails and snacks, putting greens and access to frequent-traveler security lines. United Airlines has free beverages and snacks plus wine and sandwiches for sale. US Airways has free beer and wine and snacks and print on demand.

Solvang Celebrate 100 years

2011 markd the 100th anniversary of the founding of the little Danish town of Solvang in Santa Ynez Valley. Exhibits at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, a musical about Hans Christian Anderson in August, a Taste of Solvang in March, and the Danish Days Festival in September are some of the events planned for the Centennial Fest.

Presidio Tours

The Presidio of San Francisco in Golden Gate Park was once the home base of the 9th Cavalry, an all-black regiment which patrolled national parks in California and accompanied Teddy Roosevelt when he toured Yosemite. Two-hour tours are offered once a month, detailing the time of the buffalo soldiers.

Shore Leave

Here's a new twist on the cruise experience. Princess Cruises now offers the "Bon Voyage Experience" at the Port of Los Angeles where cruise passengers can invite guests on board four hours before departure for a lunch, a tour of the ship, and a souvenir photo. The cost is $39 per person, which can be applied to a future Princess cruise.

Museums for the Holidays

I'm determined to get to Long Beach Museum of Art for the "A Light in the Shadow" exhibit which ends January 2. Friday is free from 11 to 5, so I still have a good chance of making it.

Over at the Museum of Latin American Art, "Siquerios: Landscape Painter" features the provocative work of the famous muralist. It's free on Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm.

The Art of Travel

Here are some tips from travel experts Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman for making a trip more meaningful: Volunteer at a beach cleanup or other community effort for an afternoon; Take a cooking class; travel with a carry-on; use a travel agent; and spend time in local cafes

Little India

Some spots to investigate along Pioneer Boulevard in Artesia:

Naz 8 Cinemas (in Lakewood)

Cottage Art (decor, clothes and jewelry)
Loveleen Sari Palace
Books N Bits
Rajdhani (lunchtime buffet--thali)
Surati Farsan Mart (sweet and savory snacks -- dosas)
Shan (mutton curry)
Saffron Spot (chikoo, fruit flavor, or malai kulfi, frozen milk dessert)

Napa Happenings

The Napa Valley Mustard Festival runs from January 20 to March 26. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers sightseeing and winery tours. Napa River Inn features Victorian decor while Avia Napa has a chic modern vibe. Places to eat: The Restaurant at Meadowood (St. Helena); Bottega (Yountville); Cade Winery (Angwin)

Whales Ahoy!

San Pedro will celebrate a Whale Fiesta at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium with duct tape and sand sculpture competions as well as speakers, food and music. The event takes place on January 30.

Gertrude Stein Play Bears Repeating

International City Theatre will present Loving Repeating ... A Musical of Gertrude Stein from January 18 to February. The idiosyncratic writer influenced most of the literary circle in Paris in the 20s including Fitzgerald and Hemingway, and her lifestyle was eccentric to say the least, so the potential for drama and comedy is ripe.

What! A Little Dickens!

Riverside goes Victorian for the Dickens Festival from January 21 to 23 with costume balls, place, lectures, and more. The activities are centered around the Convention Center and other downtown locations

Morro Goes to the Birds

Bird lovers flock to Morro Bay for the annual Winter Bird Festival. This year, it runs from January 14 to 17. There are over a hundred field trips offered with expert guides to explore the habitats of native and migratory species.

Plaid Tidings to You

Yes, it's over a month away, but still not too early to add the Scottish Festival to your calendar. From February 18 to 20, wooly goodness, from tartans to sheepherding, will be on view at the Queen Mary. There'll be bagpipes and Highland dancing and traditional food and (ahem) drink as well as competions and kid-friendly activities.

Books, Glorious Books

Here's a random sampling from the LA Times recommended lists

We Took to the Woods by Louise Dickinson Rich

The Tree by John Fowles

Five Skies by Ron Carlson

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

Los Angeles: Portrait of a City

Our Kind of Traitor by John Le Carre

Broken by Karin Fossum

Emily Dickinson's house m-plus-e.com

My Hollywood by Mona Simpson
Take One Candle Light a Room by Susan Straight

New year, less pounds

Yes, the year must be changing because I have this irresistable urge to shed some pounds. So what am I going to do about it?

Serve dinner on salad plates, and serve dishes with a teaspoon; Use tall thin glasses; store snacks in individual serving pouches; serve from the stove instead of from platters on the table

Examine my eating habits: overeating at mealtime; binging at parties; stuffing things down in the car or at my desk; indulging at restaurants; snacking without thinking

Choose three things to change: give up potato chips, throw away half French fries, only eating dessert if I buy it separately

Include a fruit and vegetable with dinner and lunch

Don't eat white foods at dinner.

Fill half your plate with salad or veggies.

Have a sweet or salty afternoon snack only if you first eat a piece of fresh fruit

Drink one glass of water before every meal or snack

Order only two items other than the entree at restaurants

Never eat in front of the TV

Eat a piece of fruit on the way to work every day

Save desserts for weekends

Freeze half of what you make, and serve the other half

mindlesseating.org

Scrimping and Saving

Here's some advice from Sunset on trimming the waste from your lifestyle.

Get rid of junk mail: dmachoice.org; catalogchoice.org; for first class mail marked address return reguested, you can write "refuse" on the envelope. You can track the sender dwon via phone or email and thell them to take you off their list.

Websites: besimpler.com; zerowastehome.blogspot.com

Shop twice a year (April and October) at a thrift store to replace items that are discarded.

Wardrobe: 6 pairs of shoes, 7 tops, 7 pants, 2 skirts

Buy in bulk and bring your own jars, fabric bags, and canvas totes; even cheese and meat go in jars

Freeze bread

Clean up with microfiber cloths instead of paper towels

Step it up Los Angeles

Looking for guides to all the stairways of the city? Dan Koeppel leads a Big Parade up and down 101 of them in May.

Public Stairs lists stairways all around the world.

Check out these books: Public Stairways of Los Angeles by Bob Inman and Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles by Charles Fleming

Lunch deluxe

1. Toss mixed green with thin slices of roast chicken plus canned chickpeas. Pack separate containers of lemon vinaigrette and whole grain croutons, then toss at lunchtime
2. Canned albacore with curry mayo and chopped grapes stuffed into a whole wheat pita. Add a pineapple, kiwi and coconut salad
3. Bacon, avocado, sprouts, hummus, and tomato in big whole wheat tortilla. Tuck in baked chips and a sports bottle with pomegranate juice.

Coffee Yum

Simmer crushed seeds from 1 cardamom pod and 3/4 cup low fat milk in a small saucepan over medium low heat for about 5 minute, stirring occasionally. Heat 2/3 cup water almost to boiling. PUt 3 tbsp. finely ground coffee in a drip cone set on a large mug. Pour water over grounds. Strain milk into coffe. Stir in sugar if you like. Serves one.

Retreat Treats

If I only had the time and/or money, I know where I'd like to go.

Shambhala (2 miles from Denver)

New Camaldoli Hermitage (Big Surrr)

Spirit Rock (Marin County)

Ranch at Live Oak Malibu

Glen Ivy Hot Springs (Riverside County)

Red Mountain (St. George, Utah)

Esalen (Big Sur)

Ten Thousand Waves (outside Santa Fe)

Rancho La Puerta (just over the border from San Diego)

Hawaii Island Retreat (northern tip of the Big Island)

Breitenbush Hot Springs (Oregon Cascades)

Easy Peasy Cheesy

Nobody does cheesy like L.A., right? Here're some places to get some quality cheese.

Campanile 624 South La Brea Classic Grilled Cheese ($16)

Wally's Cheese Box 2107 Westwood Blvd. The Classic ($7)

And don't forget to cut the cheese in S.F. American Grilled Cheese Kitchen
Mousetrap ($8.50)

DIY Data

Good places to start before tackling a homespun, homemade project.
unconsumption.tumblr.com
scrapaction.org
dollarstorecrafts.com
destinationdiy.org (Julie Sabatier)

RED means we care

First Long Beach got TED, now Long Beach goes RED. Yes, Mayor Bob Foster will host a RED rally in downtown Long Beach on December 1. To support AIDS awareness, most of downtown will be illuminated with red light. The rally begins at 5:30 in front of the Terrace Theatre with giveaways for the first 500 attendees and music for all. There will be an after party at SIP (WHAT'S with all the capitalizations?) in the Renaissance Hotel and several downtown restaurants are donating part of their proceeds to AIDS charities.

Conservation Corps gets large

The Conservation Corps of Long Beach expanded into Signal Hill. Yes, recycling is that big. The new Environmental Education Center at 3251 19th Street will process close to 90% of CCLB's recycling operations and host class visits as well. But not to worry, the recycling bins at 340 Nieto will still be there for all of usardent recyclers who want to turn in our bottles, paper or cans.

First of my Christmas-y treats

Long Beach Heritage will be gussying up the Bembridge House for a Victorian Christmas on Sunday, December 5 from noon to 4 pm. There'll be Christmas favors, refreshments and music plus crafts for the children in the carriage house. Santa is slated to arrive in an antique firetruck, too. Admission is $10 for adults.

A Tree Glows in Colorado (Lagoon, that is)

The bad news is that Long Beach is charging more to maintain our beloved floating Christmas trees. The good news is that Alamitos Heights Neighborhood Association still has enough in its coffers to pay for at least on tree (sigh). The lighting will take place the Friday after Thanksgiving at 7 pm. Carolers and Santa will be on hand to help heighten the holiday cheer.

El Dorado Nature Center Goes Native

Native plants that is. This Saturday, November 13, the Nature Center will be selling plants native to Southern California and the Southwest US. These plants are drought tolerant and often have fragrant blooms that attract butterflies and birds. Sale begins at 9 am. Come early for the best selection.

Pre-Holiday Fun on East Fourth

The businesses on Fourth Street between Termino and Grand are holding an open house this Saturday from noon to 5 pm. Viento & Agua is offering a free cup of regular coffee or tea for a canned food donation. Growing Roots will give you a free plant is you bring in something for the food bank. If you visit all 14 locations, you can enter a holiday drawing for prizes, services and gift certificates.

Water-saving gardening advice

A free workshop featuring plants for a drought tolerant landscape will take place on Wednesday, November 10, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Neighborhood Resource Center, 425 Atlantic Ave., 90802. A landscape designer will be on hand at the program sponsored by the Neighborhood Resource Center and the Long Beach Water Department to discuss plant selection and maintenance and other alternatives to turf. Reserve a seat by calling 562-570-1010.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Superman --but where?

Long Beach Cinemateque is presenting an outdoor screening of Superman on November 20. Events begin music at 6 pm, and everything's free. Donations of canned food are requested to help with Food Finders' Thanksgiving food drive. Sounds fun is a bit chilly, but the location is top secret. Just follow the man in the red cape or contact LB Cinemateque

Forget the birthday cake, get me Poundstone

Yes, that dread day is approaching when I have to admit to friends and family (and myself) that I'm a year older. What better way to ease to pain than have a good laugh and who better to deliver the yucks than Paula Poundstone? She'll be appearing at the Art Theatre on December 16 at 9 pm. The performance is sponsored by the Artful Thinking Organization as a benefit to breast cancer organizations. In addition, Poundstone will donate part of the proceeds from sales of her books and CDs to Long Beach Public Library. Tickets go for $40, but what the heck, it's my birthday.

Jade Buddha in Huntington Beach

The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, the largest jem quality jade statue in the world, is on display in Huntington Beach at 7641 Talbert Avenue through November 15. The statue is on tour throughout major cities in North America, Asia and Australia before being set up at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia. The exhibitors hope that all people who come to see the inspiring statue will take a moment to reflect upon peace.

Organic pick up

beachgreens has been delivering boxes of organic fruits and vegetables to homes in and around Long Beach for years now. Recently, this business teamed up with Long Beach Local to offer a new way to get organic locally-grown produce. For $30 a box, you can now sign up to pick up your own box of healthy greens at Bella Costa in Bixby Knolls on a weekly or biweekly schedule. Each box will contain 7 different types of vegetables, 2 herbs, and 2-3 different types of fruit.

Sierra Club focuses on Native people

Linda Gonzalez will speak about the past and present culture of the Tongva-Gabrielino people in the Los Angeles basin. The free presentation will be part of the Sierra Club's monthly meeting at 7:30 pm on November 3 at the Environmental Services Bureau, 2929 E. Willow Street

Poetry Anyone?

Kevin Lee is holding a monthly poetry reading series at Borders in the Pike. Called The Hump Readings because the events are held on the third Wednesday (or hump day) of each month at 7 pm, the series presents a featured poet selected by Lee followed by an open mic session.

Are you ready for the Cemetery Tour?

Stroll through Sunnyside and Long Beach Municipal Cemeteries this Saturday October 30 for Long Beach Historical Society's 15th annual Cemetory Tour. Listen to actors and Long Beach notables recount the lives and deaths of long departed citizens buries int the city's two oldest cemeteries. Tickets cost $18 for the guided tours which will be conducted from 9 am to 2 pm.

A Bookstore Made for Halloween

Secret Passages, a downtown bookstore specializing in sci fi, fantasy, horror and mythology, is holding a Halloween bash this Sunday. Transport yourself to 406 E. 3rd Street for free movies, free popcorn, prizes and candy.

So Green, So Beautiful

The Brewitt Branch of the Long Beach Public Library will present a free workshop for creating upcycled eco art on November 13 at 11 am. Micaela Salatino, Supporting Artist at the Long Beach Depot for Creative ReUse, will show how to make coasters from computers disks, mini books from scrap paper, and a fabric basket from plastic. Reusable items will be provided for participating crafters.

O-pah!

It's not too late to activate your inner frauen oder herren at the Long Beach Oktoberfest at El Dorado Park this weekend. The hours are 5 to 11 pm on Friday, noon to 11 pm on Saturday, and noon to 10 pm on Sunday. Admission is $13 for polka bands and carnival rides. Food and beverages cost extra.

Patchwork Returns!

Looks like the Patchwork Indie Art and Craft Festival will return to the Marine Stadium on November 21 from 11 to 5. Expect lots of good items for holiday presents, food and fun.

Walk This Way

I've got a beef with Walkscore, a website that rates neighborhoods on walkability. Alamitos Heights only got a 77, ranking 7th in Long Beach. With Rec Park, the Lagoon, and CSULB campus within a mile of us, we only rank 7th? Harumph!

Music Untold Launches Provocative Film Series

Music Untold, a group that promotes diversity through the arts, will present the first film of its Community Cinema series at the Main Library of Long Beach Public Library on Tuesday October 26 at 6 pm. Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian, a feature length documentary, will be followed by a panel discussion. Films are scheduled to be shown on the last Tuesday of each month through June 2011.

Cambodian Arts Festival Returns to MacArthur Park

On November 20 from 10 am to 3 pm, the second annual Cambodian Arts and Cultural Exhibition will bring the arts and crafts of this ancient culture to MacArthur Park in the heart of the Long Beach Cambodian community. Some of the exhibits include court dancing, shadow puppets, musical instruments, and cooking.

Do Re Mi Fa So El Do(rado)

Get ready to hit high C at the El Dorado branch of Long Beach Public Library when John Spear presents An Introduction to Opera on November 6 at 2 pm. An opera fanatic and active member of several local opera groups, Spear will share his love of this mesmerizing art form as well as offering door prizes.

Go Green Cars Go!

After cheering on the valiant marathon runners, I just found out there's another race to cheer for in a couple of weeks. The Go Green Auto Rally will begin its inaugural run at the Queen Mary on November 6. Fourteen other events are planned for 2011. Contestants will drive to Malibu, competing to see who has the most eco-friendly driving techniques. The winner will be awarded a sub-compact car.

Belmont Shore Will Host Chalk Art Contest

On October 23, the sidewalks of Second Street will blossom in all imaginable shades of color for the Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest from 9 am to 4 pm. Stores in Belmont Shore will also be showcasing artwork from students in local schools who competed in the Young Artists Art Contest, and there will be artist demontrations and art for sale.

Tales of the Haunted City

Claudine Burnett will be signing her new book Haunted Long Beach II at Apostrophe Books from 2 to 4 on Saturday, October 16. Ms. Burnett's training as a historian and a librarian helped her thoroughly research to facts behind the eerie tales of ghostly sightings in the homes and haunts of Long Beach, including the Queen Mary.

Penseys Spices up the Southland

The online spice dealer Penzeys now has locations in Torrance (21301 Hawthorne) and Santa Monica (1347 Fourth Street). As in the website, the stores have information about the spices and recipes to use them in. The aroma of all those spices in one place is awesome.

Books Offers a Step Up to Local Landmarks

Charles Fleming has a new book out called Secret Stairs, which describes the views from staircases in different cities like Pasadena, Echo Park and Santa Monica. The book includes maps and directions for getting to locations by bus.

Nola Lee Kelsey has published a new book based on her blog, Volunteer Before You Die Traveler's Network. It's called 700 Places to Volunteer Before You Die. She advocates "voluntourism" as a way to satisfy the thirst of seeing new places and doing new things by helping others.

Taking great photos

Westways October issue has some great tips for putting pizzazz in your pictures. Take pictures of the same subject from different angles and distances. Focus on a same detail. Use people to show scale or liven up a much photographed setting. Capture people doing something rather than posing. Take photos in early morning or late afternoon.

Progressive Diners Party On

The Progressive Dinner Party has been revived to offer people a chance to socialize and help a worthy cause at the same time. For $35, you can enjoy a good meal and good company in the home of one of the PDP organizers and the money will go to a local group. On October 17, the dinner proceeds will go to CANTO!, a downtown Long Beach afterschool program.

The Pets are Blessed

The ninth Interfaith Blessing of the Animals will take place at noon today at Marine Stadium. Besides the celebration of religious tolerance and the loving connection between humans and animals, there will be pet adoption booths, several dog contests and the National Mutt Show dog walk down the red carpet. The pet blessing is free but contests require $10 entry fees.

All Authors All the Time at Apostrophe

There's a marathon going on at Apostrophe Books. Yesterday, local authorsJennifer Volland, Cara Mullio, Holly Wojahn, Kibry Fopma, Paul Paolilli, Dan Brewer, Tyler Dilst, Jo Anne Kurman, Harry Salzgaver, Caleb Ownes, and Rob Gokee pulled out their pens to autograph their books for avid bibliophiles. Today, the roster includes Wendy Hornsby, Liisa Kyle, Kathy Porter, Darlene Quinn, Bibi Angola, and Wesla Kerr will do the honors. Meet some authors and get some personalized Christmas gifts before the holiday rush!

SoundWalk Tonight!

Even though it's in its seventh year, Soundwalk always seems to slip up on me. Tonight, October 2 in the East Village over thirty different installations will be up and running beginning at 5 pm. Ranging from silly to cerebral, there will be live performances as well as recorded and interactive sound. Pardon the pun, but the event really sets art on its ear.

Time to go GLOBAL

GLOBAL is the Long Beach Arts community's acronym for its comprehensive guide to arts events in Long Beach during National Arts and Humanities Month. The website breaks down the events by neighbor or category (like dance or family friendly). It also has a free category, which is my favorite. Information about Soundwalk, free museum days, plus lots of gallery shows and open mikes will keep you busy all month without spending a dime.

Ask a Mexican . . . In Person

The El Dorado Neighborhood Library of Long Beach Public Library has invited Gustavo Arellano, the entertaining writer of Ask a Mexican to speak on October 5 at 6 pm in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Mr. Arellano appears regularly on radio talks shows besides writing for the OC Weekly and the Los Angeles Times. The event is free.

Big Night on Broadway

The shops along East Broadway are featuring an open house from 5 to 8 pm with a grand prize gift basket giveaway. From home furnishing at Red Door Living to belly dancing at Merry's, there's something for everyone in a few short blocks.

One Hundred Years and Going Strong

Alamitos Branch Library will celebrate 100 years as part of the Long Beach Public Library system this Saturday September 25 from 10 to 5. Mayor Bob Foster will be there and the librarians have planned craft workshops and book giveaways as well as refreshments.

Ready for your close-up, LBPL?

On October 7, Long Beach Public Library will participate in Snapshot: One Day in the Life of California Libraries. Photos, statistics, and other documentation will be sent to California Library Association for display on its website. Everyone is invited to visit their favorite branch for photos, games and other festivities.

A Tasty Bite of Signal Hill History

Signal Hill Historical Society is serving up a Pancake Breakfast at the Foothill Club this Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm in Discovery Well Park. For $6, you get a full breakfast with historic displays, games, raffles and a re-enactment of the first gusher.

Bike spotting with perks

This year volunteers at the third annual Bicycle Count will receive a $10 gift certificate for their effort. The count takes place Thursday, October 14 and Sunday, October 17. The counts, which will take place all over the city, help determine areas with large numbers of bicyclists and pedestrians, so the sidewalks and streets can be better adapted for them. Volunteers must attend a 30-minute training session on October 12 or 13.

Green is Greater as we speak

Not that we're speaking, but six bands are performing from noon to 6 pm at the Gaslamp for the Green Is Greater Festival, a fundraiser for Egrets not Regrets. Many environmental groups will also be on hand. The Gaslamp is located at 6251 E. PCH.

"Fascination" at Les Jolis Tresors

A multi-artist show at Les Jolis Tresors gallery called "Fascination" highlights tangible interpretations of spiritual, mental and emotional states. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional works evoke moods and dreams often linked to the natural world. The show runs through November 12 at 3226 Broadway.

Carnaval Tomorrow

September 19, the Carnaval Street Parade returns to downtown Long Beach. It costs $20 to watch and $35 to participate as streams of dancers and partiers strut their stuff in feathers, sequins and not much else. The mood and the music are non-stop up-tempo.

Los Cerritos Wetlands Clean-Up

Saturday, September 25, volunteers are invited to help spruce up Los Cerritos wetlands. Supplies and equipment will be provided. Everyone is asked to bring reusable water bottles. RSVP Eric@tidalinfluence.com for a spot.

Sorry I missed this one

There's a new ongoing swap and shop exchange held on the third Friday of each month at the Catalyst Community Space. The 710 Swap Party accepts clothes, books, DVDs, CDs, sports equipment and other items that are clean and in good condition. You can drop off items at the Space (430 E. First Street) at 6 pm. Or come by to shop at 7:10 pm. Everything wraps up by 9 pm.

A Little Patch of Green

There's a new class at Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine called Square Foot Gardening. Instructor Van Der Fluit teaches you how to grow organic produce in small, manageable space, saving time and money in the process. , The class costs $25 and will be held on Saturday October 9 from 9 am to noon at the PR & M Headquarters in El Dorado Park.

Long Live the King of Lake Wobegon

Garrison Keillor will speak at the Carpenter Center on campus at CSULB on September 22 at 8 pm. The host of the Prairie Home Companion radio show will share anecdotes of the quirks and hilarity of small-town life. Tickets are $65.

Exploration of Restoration

For all you local history buffs and old house renovators, Rose Park Neighborhood Association is offering the Restoration Trade Fair from 8:30 am to 4 pm on Saturday September 9 at Burbank Elementary School. Experts on requirements for home improvement in historic districts, local historians and contractors will be on hand to offer advice on things like working with an architect and writing a history of your house. Admission is $5.

Disasters Happen

Do you know how to cope when they do? Today, at the Neighborhood Resource Center at 423 Atlantic, experts from the Long Beach Fire Department and the American Red Cross will be on hand to discuss how to prepare an emergency plan for your family and how to prepare an emergency supply kit along with other related topics. The free program runs from 6 to 7:30 pm.

Arianna, Dahling

Arianna Huffington, blog maven of the Huffington Post, will be speaking at the CSULB Distinguished Speaker Series in the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on Thursday, October 21. Her topic will be "politics and the new media." The program begins at 7:30 pm and tickets cost $45.

Plug-In Fever

Does the thought of pulling in to your own garage and powering up your car by just plugging it into an outlet, well, turn you on? I'm definitely charged up by the idea of never weaving my way through the chaos of a crowded gas station again. Southern Californa Edison now has a plug-in car rate assistant to estimate the impact on your utility bill to power a plug-in vehicle

Mystery Author Signs New Book at Apostrophe

Mystery writer and Long Beach resident Wendy Hornsby will be signing her latest novel, The Paramour's Daughter, at Apostrophe Books on September 11 from 1 to 3:30 pm.

Take to the Streets for Park(ing) Day LA

Business districts and urban neighborhorhoods around Southern California will be converting sidewalks, parking lots, and even parking spaces in public parks on September 17 for Park(ing) Day LA. The businesses on Fourth Street will turn the Edsel Park into a vegetable stand, performance space, and mini park. Downtown merchants will also add greenery to Pine Street.

Long Beach Fire and Police Honor September 11 Heroes

Members of the Long Beach Fire Department and Police Department will hold a ceremony to honor those who died on the September 11, 2001 attacks. The event will be held tomorrow at 9 am at the Police/Fire Memorial in the Civic Center Plaza between City Hall and the Public Safety Building.

History and Culture of Long Beach Studied at Conference

After much planning and preparation, Long Beach City College and the Historical Society of Long Beach will host the Long Beach Community Studies Conference this Saturday, September 11 from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Historical Society at 4260 Atlantic. Students from LBCC and other local experts with present their research on aspects of Long Beach history that still impact the city today on topics as diverse as the Ku Klux Klan and the Port of Long Beach. Many of these reports will eventually be posted on LBCC's website. Tickets are $30 and lunch is available for $10.

Zoom, zoom, Second Street

Belmont Shore Auto Show is this Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm. Thousands of people will flood Second Street to ogle the souped-up, slicked down, and generally tricked out classic cars on display from Bay Shore to Livingston. There'll be lots of street closures and limited parking, so taking a bike or bus would be a good choice.

Cal Rep gets on board with activist drama

California Repertory Company will open Waiting for Lefty at the Royal Theatre aboard the Queen Mary on September 24 at 8 pm. Based on a workers' strike in 1934, the play resonates with the frustration and uncertainty of the country's current financial upheaval. The play runs through October 18, and general admission costs $20.

Chalk one up at the Marketplace

The annual Chalk Art Festival is coming early to the Marketplace this year. On September 18 from 9 am to 5 pm 20 artists will decorate the plaza with fleeting glimpses of beauty and whimsy as they create colorful designs with chalk that will be washed or worn away in a day or two. Visitors can vote on their favorites.

Less than a month to Green Port Fest

On October 2 the Port of Long Beach will host Green Port Fest 2010 from 10 am to 3 pm. There'll be narrated boat tours and Metrolink excursions on land through cargo shipping terminals. New this year is the Wyland Living Green Fair, which includes the opportunity to paint a mural with the artist. Parking will be free at the Long Beach Convention Center with shuttles to the port.

Now dat's Italian

Gondola Getaway offers a catered pizza dinner (from Belmont Shore's own Demenico's) for six to 10 people for $35 per person. The super-size gondola has a table set with tableware, glassware and a checkered tablecloth, and the gondola tour of Alamitos Bay lasts about an hour.

Long Weekend and All that Jazz

Kjazz is sponsoring a Blues Bash in September 4. From noon to 6 pm, there's a free street fest in front of the Carpenter Center where there'll be live performances plus food, vendors, and a beer garden. A concert headlined by the Keb Mo Band begins as 7 pm in the auditorium. Tickets cost $55.

Coffee, tea and Me-ditation

Bogart's Coffee House is getting together a morning meditation group for 3 Saturdays in the month of September, beginning September 4 at 7 am. It begins with a yoga stretch that leads into a guided meditation led by Victor Byrd of Long Beach Meditation right on the beach. Jackets, towels and chairs or pads are recommended to guard against chilly breezes and wet sand. The sessions will end at 8:30 am at Bogarts

How's Trikkes?

Long Beach Trikkers are excited about the first annual Labor Day Trikke Ride to be held on September 4, beginning at 11 am at Shoreline Village and cruising the entire length of the beach bike path, down the Peninsula and all the way back to Shoreline Village. What's a Trikke? Also called a body propelled vehicle, it's a three-wheeled scooter that's propelled by the movement of your legs and shifting weight.

New Yoga Kid in Town

Kava Yoga, located at 4005 East Fourth Street in Belmont Heights, is celebrating its grand opening on September 4 from 4 pm to 9 pm. Owner Cindy Anderson will welcome visitors with food and music by kirtan chanting group Bhakti Ma as well as Indian clothing and jewelry for sale. I'll be there to get a schedule of classes and to find out if the grand opening special -- 10 days of unlimited classes for $10 -- is for real.

Photos Focus on Day in Long Beach

Hundreds of photos submitted to the Say Cheese, Long Beach contest will be on display at the Expo building at 4321 Atlantic this Friday, September 3 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Prizes for the best photos, which were taken in Long Beach from noon August 28 to noon August 29, will be awarded beginning at 8 pm. The free event is part of First Fridays in Bixby Knolls, a monthly showcase of the shops and restaurants in that part of town.

Got Scrabble?

Rising TIDE, an afterschool program housed at the Marguerite Keifer Educational Center in Covenant Presbyterian Church (607 E. Third Street), will host its annual Scrabble Scramble on Friday, September 17. Admission is $25 for three rounds of the game, and prizes will be awarded to the winning scores for an individual and a team. Doors open at 6 for pre-game refreshments (hot off the grill!) and viewing silent auction items.

Archive of Archives

LA as Subject is an interesting conglomeration of libraries, archives, and other collections of materials which contain documents and artifacts related to the history of the Southern California area. The group is in the process of creating a database of facilities which house this valuable and often one-0f-a-kind material. On October 23, they're planning an archives bazaar from 10 am to 5 pm with exhibits of local historical collections as well as speakers. The event will take place at the Doheny Memorial Library on the USC campus

Khmer 101

Only Long Beachers would consider learning the Cambodian language a community safety issue. The Long Beach Neighborhood Services Bureau and the Anaheim Street Community Police Center have joined together to offer free Cambodian Literacy lessons on Saturdays from 10 am to 11:30 am at the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library. On a visit recently, I observed it's mostly attended by school age children. They learn consonants, vowels, numbers, combining consonants and vowels, Special consonants and vowels, and phrases and sentence structure. Call Brant Ben at (562) 570-1691 to reserve a space in the class.

Portal to Love on September 11

To honor September 11 and to provide a healthy opportunity for people to experience and participate in art, music and other creative expression, Drum for Love will offer its Debut Portal on the beach at Granada and Ocean Blvd. on September 11 from 11:11 am to 10 pm. Some of the activities include dance, music, live Art, Chant, Eclectic Music, Spoken Word, Laughter, Performance Art, Spiritual Activism, Sound Alchemy, Drumming, and a Portal that caters to the senses. Tickets cost $15.

Free Trade

Long Beach is about to join hip communities like West L.A. and Echo Park with its own Long Beach Time Exchange. Actually, time banks, community groups which enable members to earn "time dollars" for services provided to other members and then spend those "time dollars" for other services, are catching on around the country. The kickoff event for the L.B. Time Exchange will take place at the 2nd City Council District Art Gallery at 435 Alamitos on Sunday, September 12 from 1 to 4 pm. Besides learning about the time bank, people can enjoy free food, music, and comedy.

Vegetarians do it with Relish

To celebrate International Vegetarian Day on Friday, October 1, Compassionate Cuisine fair will be held at Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the CSULB campus. All proceeds go to support Animal Acres, a farmed animal sanctuary. The event runs from 7 to 11 pm and features gourmet vegetarian dishes donated by Whole Foods, Zephyr, Viento Y Agua as well as Seabirds, a vegan street food truck. There will be speakers and music to help wile away the time. Tickets go for $35 in advance or $45 at the door.

ICT announces new season

International City Theatre has a challenging season for 2010-2011. From a musicals based on Gertrude Stein and bluegrass to a May/December romance in the Harlem Renaissance, the plays are pushing the envelope in all sorts of ways. The ICT's reliably high production standards and the comfortable setting at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center guarantee many satisfying nights at the theater.

Art Deco at the Queen

Labor Day seems an odd match-up for a big Art Deco shindig, but that's an easy way to remember the dates for the Queen Mary Art Deco Festival -- September 3-5. A day-pass costs $200, but you can view the Art Deco Bazaar, attend lectures and view the vintage car show and Art Deco showcase for the price of a day pass, $24.95.

Say Hey for Ioway!

History, Los Angeles has a great blog wrapping up the history of Iowa picnics in a neat little picnic basket. I did not know that Pasadena started the tradition in 1900. I did know that Long Beach is the hands-down winner of Iowan pride and that the picnics continue. This year's chow-down took place at Recreation Park.
There's also a mention of the Tiki Festival and lots of cool historic photos.

Cupcake alert!

Magnolia Bakery, which has supplied New Yorkers with their cupcake needs since 1996, now has an outlet in Los Angeles at 8389 W. Third Street. They've got standard chocolate and vanilla with buttercream frosting as well as unique combinations like S'mores and other pies, cakes, and cheesecakes.

Get Ready to Get out and Do

National Public Lands Day is set for September 25 this year. Volunteers all over the country get outdoors and do something good -- like clearing trash, planting trees and building trails. According to the quick and easy to use locator on the website, there are 6 possibilities within 20 miles of me and 11 within 30 miles of me.

Special events in special places

Mass Historia has an interesting take on historic houses and parks. It keeps a calendar of reenactments and other gatherings where historic costumes will be worn or activities like dancing or banqueting might take place, like the Queen Mary Art Deco Festival on September 3 for instance.

All Aboard for Music

On September 1, the Queen Mary will host 3 free concerts by concert pianist Philip Fortenberry in the Starboard Lounge. Fortenberry has worked on Broadway as a musician and conductor and will perform for three half-hour concerts at 4, 8:30 and 9:30 pm. Reservations are required and can be made at info@kmpartists.com or 773-294-9816.

Yoga for the People!

The Infinite Yoga and Sacred Movement Studio will open in downtown Long Beach at 517 Pine Avenue on August 26. At 9:30 am, participants will begin chanting the Adi Shakti Mantra and continue for two and a half hours in honor of Yogi Bhajan, who brought Kundalini yoga practices to the West. One of the goals of this studio is to offer yoga to communities that have disparities in the number of people practicing yoga due to low-income or lack of accessibility. Other studios are being planned in the L.A. area.

What a Bargain

Goodwill Stores throughout Southern California will be holding a $2 clothing sale on August 28 and 29. Any clothing currently priced under $2 would still be sold at that lower price. There are several Goodwill Stores in Long Beach, including 800 W. Pacific Coast Highway, 2610 Atlantic Avenue, 11 30 Redondo Avenue, and 8155 E. Wardlow Road.

Girls night out

I'm going to the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro tonight to see "Forever Plaid." From what I hear, an intimate atmosphere is created in the magnificent old showpiece of a theater by actually seating the audience on stage with the performers. Lots of nostalgia and four part harmony in the mix, which suits me fine.

Now here's a lottery with staying power

An Energy Efficiency Opportunity Drawing is underway for Long Beach homeowners, sponsored by Southern California Edison and the city of Long Beach. Nine first prizes of $5,ooo and nine second prizes of $800 will be awarded. To enter, you must complete an online energy survey and complete an entry form between August 18 and November 19.

Quilt Show at Bembridge House

Beautiful and historic quilts will be on display at the Bembridge House on Tuesdays through the month of September from 1 to 4 pm. The magnificent Queen Anne Victorian mansion, maintained by Long Beach Heritage is located in Drake Park at 953 Park Circle.

Plays a Poppin'

The Alive Theatre will present 11 different plays in 12 days in its Poppin' Play Festival beginning today, August 19 through September 11. The festival will take place at the Lafayette, 528 E. Broadway. Plays will be presented at 8 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Tickets cost $18

Adding Art to Redevelopment

Long Beach Senior Artist Colony -- would a housing development by any other name smell as sweet? The multi-million dollar affordable senior rental housing project at 1235 Long Beach Boulevard will not require its over-55 residents to wax artistic, but it will include studios, a gallery, and a library as well as a fitness center and performance theater. Phase 2 of the project will include mixed general affordable occupancy. The first units should be open by fall of 2012.

Bicycles-to-Go

Next year, Long Beach will accelerate opportunities for alternative transportation with a grant-funded bike sharing program that will start in the spring. Fold-and-go bikes will be available to rent at various kiosks around the city, so people don't need to make round trips to return the bikes. Software in the frames of the bikes will keep track of their locations. There will be several kiosks in downtown as well as the CSULB campus and the Veterans Hospital.

Peace in the Garden

This Saturday, August 21, volunteers can help green things up at the Community Peace Garden at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at 1133 Rhea Street. From 8:3o am to 1 pm, work will continue on community lots, a horseshoe garden, a small orchard, a monarch butterfly garden, a shaded meditation area, and a learning center. Bring your own gardening utensils.

Living History at Rancho Los Cerritos

Rancho Los Cerritos will present a Visitors from History Tour on August 29. Tour the grounds with former owners, laborers or guests to get unique perspectives on what life at the rancho must have been like. The free tours run from 1 to 4 pm.

Attention Goofballs! Flugtag is almost here

This Saturday, August 21, Red Bull Flugtag will wallow all over Long Beach Rainbow Harbor from 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Thirty six teams will be competing. Having designed a flying vehicle, the wackier, the better, these brave souls will push it off a platform into the bay to be judged on distance of the flight, creativity of design and showmanship. There's even a people's choice award. Gates open 11 am.

New art space

I missed the opening, but I will be downtown tomorrow, so I'll definitely check out the new performance space sponsored by the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency called Urban Lab: Chantilly Clad, which is located at Ocean Boulevard and Lime Avenue. It's made of materials retrieved from the port like ship's rope to create a canopy suspended by a crane over a stage made of reclaimed lumber. The structure is expected to be used for performance for about two years.

Action, Camera, Long Beach

Justin Rudd and his Community Action Team have announced a new photography contest called Say Cheese, Long Beach! From noon August 28 to noon August 29, people are invited to take digital photos within the city limits of Long Beach to record what happens in a day in this diverse city. Each entrant can submit up to 10 photos to be judged by a professional panel and 10 winners will be selected for $100 prizes. The winning photos and many others will be featured in an exhibit and possibly a book of photographs.

Low, Low on Retro Row

The stores on Fourth Street, aka Retro Row, will be taking it to the street on August 14 for the biennial Sidewalk Sale. The stock is moved outdoors and prices are slashed to catch the attention of all us lazy shoppers who can't even walk in the door and count out our money. Besides the bargains, there's live entertainment and free samples plus games for the kids.

Jazzed Up Weekend

Marina Green will be alive with the sound of jazz all weekend. From August 13 to 15, the Long Beach Jazz Festival will bring legends and newcomers together for days and nights of performances. Big names like Al Jarreau and Poncho Sanchez will be on hand as well as young performers on a second stage near the food booths. Lawn seats cost $50.

Un-tired Retirement

AARP Magazine had a very informative piece about places to retire outside the US. Top on my list is Languedoc-Roussillon in Southern France. It has Mediterranean coastline and hiking plus Medieval towns. Buenos Aires also sounds tempting, but the article warns that the cost of living may rise there as the economy stabilizes.

Urban Foraging

There's a bounty of food around us if only we knew how to tell the yummy stuff from the yucky stuff. The L.A. Times had an interesting article a couple of weeks ago about an urban foraging hike offered by the School of Self-Reliance. The guided tour through the Pasadena area pointed out good things to eat, as well as a few poisonous plants to avoid, and helped people assemble enough to make a salad at the end of the walk. The cost of the outings runs from $20 to $50. Urban Outdoor Skills, which specializes in preparing gourmet dishes using wild foods, was also mentioned

Let the Sun Shine In

Southern California Edison is sponsoring a series of solar fairs to offer customers who are interested in installing solar energy systems the opportunity to talk to contractors and other experts who can answer their questions. Information will also be provided about SCE incentives for installing solar panels. The first event will be at the Museum of Latin American Art on Saturday, August 21 from 1o am to 1 pm. SCE customers can register to attend by email at homesolar@sce.com.

Let's go sail a boat!

The annual model boat regatta will take place at Colorado Lagoon on Friday, August 13 from 11 am to 4 pm. Participants build their own boats and race them in the calm waters of the lagoon. You can register at Leeway Sailing Center

Seriously--pull a plane?

On Saturday, August 21 at 10 am, Long Beach Airport will be sponsoring a plane pull. Sort of like a tractor pull and sort of like a tug of war, teams of 25 will be given two tries each to pull a FedEx Airbus 310 airplane for 12 feet on the tarmac. Teams will be judged for distance, speed, and creativity of their T-shirt design. The cost to participate is $50 per person, and proceeds will go to Special Olympics of Southern California.

Greek expectations

Only a few more weeks until the Greek Festival by the Sea at the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. As always, it will be on Labor Day Weekend, which is September 4 to 6 this year from noon to 9 pm. There's Greek music and dancing (and even dancing lessons and carnival rides and most of all there's terrific food. Tickets are $3.

Meeting may decide the fate of Colorado Lagoon

On Wednesday, August 11, at 7 pm there will be an important meeting to discuss the various alternatives to renovating the area between Colorado Lagoon and Marine Stadium, especially Marina Vista Park. Friends of Colorado Lagoon advocates an open channel design, because it maintains the sports venues already in the park and the design will be the easiest to maintain in the long run. The meeting will be held at the Bruins' Den, 4900 E 7th Street.

Downtown transit center closed again

It hasn't been open very long, but the streamlined Long Beach Transit center downtown is now closed by renovations. New lighting and passenger benches will be installed as well as a public art installation. The transit center is expected to reopen in Spring 2011, and in the meantime, buses that usually stop there will be reassigned to other stops on First Street.

Links for Vagabonds

L.A. Times has some good websites for solo travellers to hitch up with partners and possibly save some money.

Connecting . . . Solo Travel Network

CouchSurfing

Nonprofit Earthwatch

GlobalFreeloaders

TravelersMeet

Singles Cruise

More food trucks

Several parks in L.A. host outdoor films with food trucks nearby to serve up food. Sort of like a gourmet drive-in without the cars, it's called the Outdoor Cinema Food Fest. The schedule only goes up to August so the shows may taper off as the night get colder. The parks involved are La Cienega Park, Grand Hope Park, and Exposition Park. Tickets cost $8.

A Whole Lot More Than Windsurfing

I know I'm too clumsy to ever succeed at stand up paddling, but there are many more beach-related activities outfitted by Long Beach Windsurf Center on Ocean Boulevard near Belmont Pier and the beach bike path. Besides the stand up paddle boards, you can rent windsurfers, kayaks, and rollerblades.

Did I hear someone say "fresh bread"?

This too from Sunset: 85 Degrees Centigrade Bakery Cafe in Irvine has Sea Salt Coffee (sweetened ice coffee with a sea salt/cocoa froth topping) plus walnut raisin bread loaves for less than $3. Expect a line.

A Moveable Feast

Sunset Magazine listed Orgasmo de la Boca as an underground supper club in the L.A. area. The group arranges catered meals at people's homes or yards and usually throws in a movie or a show of some kind for $50 per person. The locations of the events are announced to ticket holders a few days before the event.

A Feast on the Beach

This Sunday, August 1, Taste of the Coast, sponsored by Kids Connection, comes to the Belmont Pier. From 3 to 7 pm, more than 40 area restaurants will offer samples and there will be music and a fireboat show as well. Tickets cost $50 and proceeds will go toward local children's charities.

They're going the distance to stop cancer

Tonight in Long Beach at Saint Anthony High School track many dedicated souls will be participating ing the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. From 6 pm Friday until 6 pm Saturday at 4832 Clark Avenue over 150 will walk the track, raising about $13,000 for the cause. There will be a survivor's lap and after sunset the area will be illuminated by luminaria commemorating loved ones who have been affected by cancer.

All Things Considered--Long Beach Style

Grunion Gazette had a great article on three enterprising young people who have put together their own talk radio show, Changing Prespectives Radio. They broadcast live from various restaurants in the Long Beach area, and you can listen to past shows too on their website. The topics are varied and they have a playful give-and-take on the subjects, which makes the shows very pleasant listening.

Intimate Evenings with Music Greats At the Queen Mary

A new series of small venue (3,000 seats) concerts has just been announced for the Queen Mary Events Park. So far, four artists have been confirmed. Joan Baez will perform on August 13, Smokey Robinson on August 18, the Beach Boys on August 19, and Lucinda Williams on August 26. Reserved seating will cost $65 and general admission, $35.

Belmont Shore Merchants Take to the Streets

Meanwhile, down in Belmont Shore, they're having a red hot summer sidewalk sale today, tomorrow and Sunday. Some stores mark down as much as 50% and others have samples or other temptations to draw in customers. Apostrophe Books is presenting a book signing of the biography of Beverly O'Neill on Saturday. Both the author Harry Saltzgaver and the former mayor will be there from 1 to 3 pm.

AVP Beauty Takes to the Beach

CSULB volleyball legend MistyMay-Treanor will appear at the Long Beach Open presented by AVP and Nivea at Marina Green tomorrow and Sunday. Gates open at 8 am and the tournament starts at 9 am with games continuing to 7:15 pm. Parking is free and general admission is free, plus there are a limited number of reserved seats.

Downtown gets a spruce up

Promenade Square is opening tomorrow. Long time Long Beacher's might know this little corner of the Promenade near First Street as the Amphitheater. a public art installation titled “Aerial Plaza” by artist Carl Cheng, plus a varieThe area has been spruced up with new trees, landscaping, new lighting, and a copper water wall flanking the stage. A new public art installation called "Aerial Plaza" will be dedicated at the ribbon cutting ceremony on July 24 at 10 am. Later that day, there will be a free yoga session at 6 pm and a showing of the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" at 8:30 pm.

A Month of Sundays at So Cal Flea Markets

Sunset Magazine has a spread about area flea markets this month and Long Beach Outdoor Antique & Collectible Flea Market (third Sunday of the month) made the grade. Also featured were Melrose Trading Post (every Sunday), Pasadena City College Flea Market (first Sunday of the month), Rose Bowl Flea Market (second Sundayof the month), and Santa Monica Airport Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market (first and fourth Sunday of the month).

Cool Pops

What better way to beat the heat than with a cool ice cream treat? Sweet Rose Creamery in Santa Monica has yummy ice cream sandwiches. Locali in Hollywood has eco-conscious snow cones in flavors like cola and mango. BoardWalk Ice Cream Company in the Irvine Spectrum Center has an ice cream bar withas many as 15 toppings. Coolhaus has uberkool ice cream trucks to sell their decadent ice cream sandwiches. Cut the fat content with goat's milk ice cream by Laloo's.

Pinching those pennies

Trying to save some money without giving up shopping altogether. Here's some sites that list discounts or coupons at stores and online: About: Couponing; Retail Me Not; and Fat Wallet. Also, Etsy has great deals for craft-y items.

Go, Dragons, Go!

The Long Beach Dragon Boat Races are scheduled for July 31 to August 1 at Marine Stadium. Besides the eye-catching craft zipping up and down the water, there will be acrobats and traditional dances, and lots of vendors. Some events begin as early as 7 am.

The South (and North) shall rise again

The Civil War Re-enactment is returning to El Dorado Regional Park East from July 31 to August 1. There'll be skirmishes with cannon fire by uniformed troops as well as others in authentic costumes of the period in the encampment, even some historical figures. Adult tickets cost $12 and parking costs $7. Events are scheduled from 10 am to 5 pm both days.

Sandcastles Galore

August 8 is the date of the official competition of the U.S. Open Sand Castle event at Imperial Beach. Construction begins on the intricately designed and usually massive sand sculptures at 9 am. Judging starts at 2 pm and once the tide moves in at 4 pm many of the creations begin to erode. Besides viewing the frantic and fun activities on the beach as the amateur and professional teams work against the clock, there's a huge street fair with live entertainment.

Shed a Little Light on Saving Energy

On July 17 and 18 in the KMart parking lot at 2900 North Bellflower, Southern California Edison will hold Operation Lamp Exchange where SCE residential customers can bring up to 10 inefficient halogen and incandescent light fixtures for new, Energy Star labeled lamps. Leave the current light bulbs in the socket and remove lamp shades. Lamps will be exchanged while supplies last from 8 am to 1 pm.

Get a Kick out of Donating

For those who caught the soccer bug during the World Cup, here's a way to see some soccer stars up close. Goodwill is offering vouchers for free tickets to certain Los Angeles Galaxy games for anyone who donates items AND asks for a voucher. There are no limits on who can receive a voucher and how many times they can ask for voucher, but the vouchers themselves are limited, available on a first come first served basis. Each voucher is good for two tickets to one of the following Galaxy games: July 22 vs. San Jose Earthquakes; Aug. 1 vs. Chicago Fire; Aug. 28 vs. Kansas City Wizards; Sept. 11 vs. Columbus Crew; Sept. 18 vs. DC United; Sept. 24 vs. New York Red Bulls

It's Not your Father's Meals on Wheels

The Long Beach Street Food Festival will bring some of the finest gourmet food trucks to Rainbow Lagoon Park on July 24 from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Some of the vendors on tap are the Buttermilk Truck, Great Balls on Tires, and Sweet's Truck. Tickets cost $8 at the gate.

Let's Get Quilted!

Quilts, Inc. will bring the International Quilt Festival to the Long Beach Convention Center on July 23 through 25. There will be classes and lectures and over 300 booths offering sewing supplies and unique quilted items for sale. Tickets are $10 per day.

Scissors Cut Paper, Solar Crushes Cans

Long Beach now has solar powered trash cans! Or, to be more precise, several test models of recycling bins that have trash compactors powered by solar panels that can crush cans to 20% their normal volume. There are also receptacles for recycling paper and glass in the same unit. Since they hold more, these cans will not need to be emptied as often. The bionic dumpsters are located at the 200 block of Pine Avenue, 2nd Street and Argonne Avenue, and Atlantic Avenue and Carson Street.

Blues Moves

This year, KKJZ will host a Blues Blast instead of the legendary Blues Festival that has drawn music lovers to Long Beach for thirty years. On Saturday, September 4, on the CSULB campus, there will be a free afternoon fair with performances by local musicians followed by a ticketed concert at 7 pm in the Carpenter Center featuring Keb Mo, Guitar Shorty, and Jon Cleary.

Only You can Prevent Messy Beaches

Save Our Beach has scheduled Saturday clean-up events at many area beaches in the next two months.

July Beach Clean-ups
July 9 at 10 Pacific Coast Hwy, Seal Beach (wetlands) from 9 to 11
July 10 at Beach Blvd & PCH., Huntington Beach
July 11 at Bolsa Chica State Beach from 10 to Noon
July 17 at 15 1st Street, Seal Beach from 9 to Noon

August Beach Clean-ups
Aug 7 at 90 Termino Avenue, Long Beach from 9 to Noon
Aug 13 at 10 Pacific Coast Hwy, Seal Beach (wetlands) from 9 to 11
Aug 14 at Beach Blvd & PCH., Huntington Beach
Aug 15 at Bolsa Chica State Beach from 10 to Noon
Aug 21 at 15 1st Street, Seal Beach from 9 to Noon

There's free yoga before the events from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Parking and pickup bags are provided, but volunteers should bring gloves, a light jacket and sun screen as well as non-plastic water bottle

Arts and Crafts at the Nature Center

El Dorado Nature Center will be holding a series of Artisan Craft Fairs this year--July 24, August 28, and September 25. They'll run from 10 am to 2 pm and admission is free. The unique items made by local artists make great gifts for friends and family.

Get in on the ground floor of a new gardening venture

Farm Lot 59 is an exciting plan to create a 1 acre garden in the heart of Long Beach at 2712 California Avenue. Spearheaded by Long Beach Local, the new garden, established on city property will draw from many skill sets--young and old, experienced and inexperienced gardeners--to create a 21st century urban farm. Currently, the project is seeking funding through Kickstarter.

Folding frenzy at Japanese Gardens

Also on Sunday, July 11, from 10 am to 4 pm, at the Japanese Garden, on the CSULB campus, the Origami Festival, more than 40 experts will demonstrate a variety of techniques to create three-dimensional works of art out of a single sheet of paper. Admission is $7 for adults, which includes origami paper, and parking is free in the lot adjacent to the garden.

Stories to Tell

Next Sunday, July 11, at 7 pm, Found Theatre is hosting storyteller Kirk Waller for his show "My Angel and Other Stories," mixing a little song and dance into engaging tales from his life. Tickets cost $10 and there is parking in the CVS lot nearby.

HAPPY 4TH FROM MOUNT VERNON

Wow! There are a lot of patriotic folk who were inspired to visit 1st president's home today. It is truly inspiring the see the thoughtful and elegant design of the estate, but waiting in line for over an hour in summer heat was a test of my patriotic fervor.

International City Theatre Cleans House

Housewives, unite! International City Theatre is staging Sarah Ruhl's The Clean House, a provocative comedy about women's obsession with making order out of mess. Preview performances begin August 24. Preview tickets cost $29.

Read, read, read the book

Spend some quality time with a book this summer, and share your experience through the Summer Reading Club at Long Beach Public Library. This year it's called Make a Splash at the Library, and the club is open to children, teens and adults. All the kids have to do is read 20 minutes a day. Teens and adults are asked to right a few comments on each book they read. There's fun and prizes and free books for everyone. What a great way to find out about other good books to read.

Downtown's Got Taste

Next Wednesday, June 30, Taste of Downtown comes to the East Village. On First Street between Elm and Linden from 6 pm to 9 pm, samples from such popular restaurants as Parker's Lighthouse and Utopia will be available for only a dollar a ticket. Musicians will also be on hand to make the place even more festive.

Give a little, get a lot

The Cystic Fibrosis Thrift store on the corner of Fourth Street and Termino will be closing this Sunday due to the death of its owner. Cindy Anderson has leased the space to open Kava Yoga in September. In order to clear the space she is holding an "all you can carry" close out sale this Saturday and Sunday. For $15, shoppers can take whatever they want from the place. BYOB -- that's bring your own bag (or box). Doors open at 8 am and close 5 pm both days.

Has your kitty got its papers?

City Council has approved an ordinance requiring cat owners to license their pets. At this point no fee has been officially mandated, and there will probably be a grace period to get a license without cost. Long Beach Animal Care Services is hosting a low-cost microchip clinic this Saturday at Houghton Park where pets can be micro-chipped and registered at a mobile clinic for $10. Licenses can also be issued for animals with proof of up-to-date vaccinations. The will be other mobile clinics in other parts of the city in months to come.

Look to the Ladies

Long Beach Museum of Art opens an new exhibition tomorrow -- "A Light in the Shadow, Decades of Art by Women -- which will run through January 2, 2011. About 60 works by women artists will be on display, featuring topics and techniques given distinctly female points of view. The museum is open from11 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday and Fridays are free.

Zen and the Art of Church Going

Members Yokoji Zen Mountain Center are offering instruction in zen practices, including meditation at First Congregational Church downtown. The classes are held on Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am. A donation of $10 is suggested.

The Heights of History

Long Beach Historical Society is offering a "See, Sip & Savor" tour of 4 Belmonts Heights homes on June 25. You get to tour the homes and hear about their historic significance and enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres. The event runs from 6 pm to 9 pm and tickets can be purchased by calling the Historical Society at 562-424-2220.

Just one more reason to come to Patchwork

Adriana Martinez of Anarchy in the Garden will be hold Q&A sessions at the Patchwork Indie Arts and Crafts Festival this Sunday. Martinez will be spreading the word about composting, seed starting, and raised bed gardening to encourage back yard gardeners to go out there and get their hands dirty. As mentioned before, the Patchwork Festival will be held this Sunday June 27 at Marine Stadium from 11 am to 5 pm.

Bringing Olympus to the Queen Mary

A fascinating assortment of artists, activists, and organizers are gathering at the Queen Mary this weekend at the kick-off festivities for a group called World Arts Olympus, which proposes to conduct a voyage of global cultural understanding through the arts. A boat with artists and performers will sail to cities around the world and create festivals promoting self expression and cooperation through music, dance, film, poetry, and graphic arts. This weekend, there will be many films screened as well as improvisational dancers, musicians representing many ethnic backgrounds, and open poetry mike performances. Tickets to the gala awards dinner cost $125, but it is unclear how much is charged for other events.

Come to the Garden (Organic, that is)

Long Beach Organic is opening the gates of its flagship enterprise, the Wilde Oats Community Garden to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Tomorrow, June 19, from 11 am to 4 pm, people are invited to tour the 70 individual plot that demonstrate how much a little sweat and compost can do. There will be music, food, and vendors, and proceeds go to help finance LBO. The garden is located on the former Pacific Electiric Right-of-Way north of 10th Street between Loma and Grand

Red, White, and Queen

There's something ironic about celebrating America's independence from England on board one of Great Britain's proudest achievements, the good ship HMS Queen Mary. There'll be bands and lots of food for purchase and a fantastic fireworks display set to music on Saturday and Sunday nights. Tickets cost $24.95.

When the earth moves, do you have what it takes?

A kit, that is. To make an earthquake kit, start by stocking up on emergency personal supplies in a backpack to speed up your getaway, if needed. Here are some esential items:
Medications, prescription list, copies of medical cards, doctor’s name and contact information
First aid kit and handbook
Dust mask
Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses and cleaning solution
Bottled water
Whistle (to alert rescuers to your location)
Sturdy shoes
Emergency cash, including quarters for the pay phone
Road maps
List of emergency out-of-area contact phone numbers
Snack foods, high in water and calories
Working flashlight with extra batteries and light bulbs, or light sticks
Toilet paper and toiletries
Special provisions the elderly, disabled, small children, and animals
Copies of personal identification (drivers license, work ID card, etc.)
Bank account numbers and copies of important family records

In addition to your personal disaster supplies kits, put together a household disaster supplies kit in an easily accessible location in a large watertight container that can be easily moved like a trash can. Stock it with a supply of the following items to last at least 3 days and ideally for 2 weeks:
Water (minimum one gallon a day for each person)
Wrenches and basic tools to turn off gas and water supplies
Work gloves and protective goggles
Heavy duty plastic bags for waste, and to serve as tarps, rain ponchos, and other uses
Portable radio with extra batteries (or hand crank for charging)
Additional flashlights or light sticks
Canned and packaged foods
Charcoal or gas grill for outdoor cooking and matches if needed
Cooking utensils, including a manual can opener
Pet food and pet restraints
Comfortable, warm clothing including extra socks
Blankets or sleeping bags, and perhaps even a tent
Copies of vital documents such as insurance policies
Use and replace these items every year

And don't forget to set up an out-of-state emergency contact for your family. After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Add the name, address, and phone number of the contact person to your emergency earthquake kit. Get together with your family to decide on a meeting place in case your neighborhood is evacuated and review what to do during an earthquake as described at the website Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

A Bicycle that Floats?

Long Beach Hydrobikes is opening this weekend, June 19 at 11 am in front of Khoury's restaurant in Alamitos Bay. There'll be free hot dogs and drinks and discounted rides. Regular charge for a half hour is $10, and the company also offers night rides and exercise classes. The pictures on the website look like bike frames suspended completely above the water on two bright yellow pontoons, sort of a bike-a-maran.

Time to Cleanify the Beach

Get down to the beach this Saturday, June 19 for the 30-Minute Beach Clean-Up. From 10 am to 1 pm at Granada Avenue, more than 200 volunteers are expected to pick up litter for a mile-long strand along the beach. Dads and anyone who has volunteered at least twice before will receive free t-shirts and other door prizes will be given away. As always, all participants get gloves and bags as well as refreshments, and parking is free.

Another opening, another show

The Carpenter Center has another bang-up season scheduled for 2010/2011. I'm particularly looking forward to Pilobolus on October 2, the Glenn Miller Orchestra Holiday Show on December 18, and an Evening with Billy Collins on May 21. The season closer on July 2, 2011 is First Person: Seeing America, a celebration of the American spirit combining words, music and photographs with NPR's Neal Conan

Keeping it real and keeping it green

What do you do with books that are so old, torn up, or faded that no one wants them? I'm helping sort through children's books at my church and some of these dusty tomes are old enough to collect Social Security. So my question is--can they be recycled or at least can the pages be recycled? I have calls out to the experts at Associated Students Recycling Center at CSULB and Long Beach ConServation Corps. It's hard to keep my fingers crossed while I'm keying in their phone numbers, but I need all the luck I can muster.

So Many Olives, So Little Time

Met my husband and son for a delicious and oh so easy lunch at Olive's Gourmet Grocer on Broadway. They have lots of olives to choose from plus sandwiches made to order and yummy vegetarian chili. Most people order take out from the deli, but there are a few tables on the sidewalk out front. Friendly service and lots of selection. Just one more excuse for shopping the Broadway Revival District.

I [heart] LB Murals

We Love Long Beach, along with Council Member Robert Garcia and the Molina family, has sponsored the creation of 17 murals on the old Press Telegram Building as it's being refurbished into lofts. The painting will take place this weekend, June 12 and 13, and the public is welcome to come and watch or lend a hand. Refreshments will be served at the kick-off ceremonies at 11 am on Saturday.

Fish-tastic

Everything Long Beach posted a restaurant review that has my mouth watering. Long Beach Fish Grill has 10 selections of fish off the grill plus sandwiches, fryer combos, and chowder. I like the mix and match options, including a choice of seasonings: garlic butter, Cajun, and teriyaki. Located on the edge of a shopping center at Redondo and Anaheim, the ambience is unpretentious but friendly.

Herb Yummy, Herb Healthy

Great little article in AARP about growing herbs suggests peppermint, lemon balm, rosemary, valerian, and sage. Peppermint takes itch out of bug bites and settle upset stomach. Lemon balm improves mood and may help improve memory. Rosemary also helps memory and also reduces joint pain. Valerian helps you get to sleep and can promote deeper sleep. Sage helps relieve sore throats and can freshen breath. To make tea: pour 1 cup boiling water over 6 leaves (for valerian, 2 tablespoons chopped root). Steep for 5 minutes and strain. Online herb sources include Horizon Herbs and Richters.

Saving Money and Saving the Earth

The New American Dream is a portal for many interesting projects like cutting back on junk mail and giving alternative gifts that don't wind up prematurely in the trash bin. The group hopes to make it a little easier for Americans to consume responsibly to protect the environment and enhance their quality of life at the same time.

Dutch Bike Flick Redux

A charming movie called Riding Bikes with the Dutch , which premiered during the Long Beach Bike Festival on May 9 will be shown again at the Art Theatre on this Thursday, June 10, at 7 pm. Tickets are only $5. Speaking of charming, my son Drew conducted an interview with the director for Streetsblog a while back. Check it out

Moving and Thought-Provoking Play Returns

A Shayna Maidel, a play about two sisters reunited in the U.S. after one sister has suffered atrocities during the Holocaust, is being given a second production by International City Theater from June 8 to July 3. The play was one of the first productions of ICT and is now being reprised in its 25th season. Tickets for the preview performances on June 8, 9, and 10 at 8 pm cost $29. To volunteer for ICT call Sheila Lee at (562) 495-4595 ext. 10.

Historic Beach Hideaway

My friend, the travel maven, let me in on this intriguing remnant of Southern California history. The city of Santa Monica now offers tours of the Marion Davies Guest House, the one remaining structure of the lavish estate built by Davis and William Randolph Hearst where movie stars like Greta Garboand Clark Gable once lolled around the pool. That very same pool by the way is now open to the public along with meeting rooms and a beachside restaurant. The website has lots of historic background, but the actual hours are a little puzzling, but as I read it there will be free tours every day except Wednesdays at 11 am, noon, and 2 pm starting June 19 through August 31. Parking costs $6 a day.

Improv in Long Beach? Don't kid me now!

Laughing Stock Development, a 7-member improv troupe, has been around for several years, actually, but they're bringing their act to the All American Melodrama Theater (in Shoreline Village) this month for some cutting edge comedy. The shows start at 10 pm on June 5 and June 19 and tickets cost $10.

Shimmy, shimmy, shake

Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association is holding its annual meeting tomorrow at the Queen Mary. You guessed it--a belly dancing convention. It's called Cairo Sunset and will bring together talent from all over the country on one stage. Tickets are $25 at the door, if they haven't sold out by then. I've heard rumors about a bra decorating contest and a shimmy thon, but you might have to be a member for those tantalizing events

Pedal Movement Online

Pedal Movement has a new home online. It's got a blog and groups and forums and a terrific events calendar.
It's a great way to stay connected with this group that seems to be reborn and reformed every three months or so.

Women's Conference Buzz

The speakers at Long Beach's 2010 Women's Conference (to be held from October 24 to October 26) will be announced June 17 and tickets are available through the website at 9 am Pacific Daylight Time (and unavailable due to being completely sold out shortly thereafter despite the steep price). This year, there's another way to nab a couple of tickets. Each month two tickets will be given away to the most interesting post in the Community Forum. Besides the tickets, the winner gets to interview Dr. Mehmet Oz and meet Maria Shriver. So, pardon me while I sharpen up my writing skills.

Up Close and Social

Melissa Balmer will share tips on getting attention for businesses or event through social media like Facebook and Twitter at a workshop on June 8 at Legends from 8:30 am to 10 am. It costs $50 which includes a local media list and information packet, and you need to sign up by June 7 at 6 pm.

Which came first--the twig or the willow?

A lovely little shop on 4th Street near Grand called Twig & Willow sells clothes, jewelry and lots feel-good gift items. Prices aren't bad for such a unique inventory and there's a definite leaning toward eco-friendly products.

If this is Summer, it must be Music

The Summer and Music series will return to downtown Long Beach this year with 13 free events presented on a solar-powered stage no less. Not all the details are posted yet, but the first concert will be Future Legends: New Sounds of the Long Beach Bloodline from 4 to 9 pm on June 12 in the East Village. Call me old-fashioned, but I'm looking forward to Swing Saturday on July 10.

Bright Lights, Big Ocean

The Aquarium of the Pacific is offering another way to test your sea legs this summer. Every weekend from June 18 through September 5, the Urban Ocean World Port and Sealife Cruise will explore the co-existence of natural and manmade worlds with close up views of operations at the port as well as the majestic harbor bridges and the breakwater and encounters with the pelicans, gulls, sea lions and other wildlife that share the water with international ocean-going vessels. The two hour excursion is narrated by aquarium staff who share facts about the area and discuss how individuals can preserve the ocean for future generations. Tickets cost $29.95 for adults. No information is given on the website about how many cruises are offered each Saturday and Sunday or when the cruises set sail. Call (562) 590-3100 ext. 0 for more information

Return of the Aqualink

My favorite multicolored catamaran is back for another summer of cruising the Long Beach shoreline. The Aqualink will ply the waters of Alamitos Bay Landing all the way to the Queen Mary from May 23 to September 12. For $5 (each way), the hour-long cruise offers a cool breeze on a hot day, a sweeping view of the Long Beach skyline, and an up-close look at the oil islands, plus you don't have to hassle parking downtown. There'll be cruises on Friday and Saturday evenings(docking as late as 10 pm) from June 25 to August 28 and Long Beach Transit promises a new stop at Belmont Pier before the summer's over.

Calling All Goddesses

The Summer Solstice Fair is coming to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach On Saturday, June 5 from 10 am to 4 pm. There will be food and lots of unique and exotic items for sale and entertainment all day from such groups as the Temple Sluts and Odd's Bodkin. Organized by Womanspirit of Long Beach, the event celebrates the Goddess Energy generated by everyone. Admission is $5.

Entering the Place of Emergence

The area around Rancho Los Alamitos and the CSULB campus is honored as a sacred place of emergence ( Povuu'ngna) for the Tongva-Gabrieleno people. On Sunday, June 13 at the Rancho, Come Home to Povuu'ngna explores the culture and heritage of their ancestors who lived in this area for thousands of years. After an opening procession, there will be traditional dance, music, and demonstrations of traditional food and medicines. Admission is free, with parking available at CSULB parking lot with a shuttle to the Rancho. The Wildhorse Native American Association will be selling refreshments at the event.

Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month in Long Beach. The staff and volunteers at Long Beach Animal Care Services can help you pick out just the right feline to suit your personality and give lots of advice to keep your kitty happy and healthy

Storytelling at El Dorado Nature Center

No campfire but plenty of delightful shivers as seven master storytellers gather for Liars, Thieves and Chocolate at El Dorado Nature Center to enchant listeners with their tales. The event begins at 7:30 pm on June 12 and will last about two hours with time for refreshments. Admission is $5, and parking is free.

Lummis Day Celebrates a Man and the Region He Loved

June 6 is Lummis Day. Named for Charles Lummis, writer, historian, and ardent advocate for all things Southwestern and Southern California in particular, the celebration begins at El Alisal, the native stone residence Lummis built with his own hands with poetry readings at 10:30 am. Heritage Square Museum is the locale for local musicians and dancers with performances beginning at 12:30 pm. The festivities also include arts and crafts booths and refreshments and will go on until 7:00 pm. Admission and parking is free to this day long event

More chatchkies in the Sunset

Sunset Magazine, as always, has a ton of lawn and garden accessories to die for. There's a luscious lime green garden hose from Alice Supply Company, an elegant teahouse kit from East West TeaHouse, a nifty design for an outdoor shower with corrugated metal panels for support, and eye-popping red metal Fermob bistro chairs.

How Dry I Am

Yes, summer's coming so it's time to think of draught resistant gardening again. I'm starting small with a couple of lavender plants and some sedum (sedum spathulifolium "Cape Blanco" as featured in Sunset this month in an article about Wonderland Garden and Landscape). They say it makes good ground cover, so I'm going to try it around the flagstones on the slope down to the gate. Another candidate from the same article, Lewisia cotylededon "Sunset Strain", grows a foot high and 10 inches wide with hot pink blooms with white-edged petals.

Once that lavender takes hold, Sunset has an intriguing recipe for lavendar tea. For 4 servings, add 4 green-tea bags and 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lavendar blossoms or 3/4 teaspoons dried lavendar to 1 quart water brought to a simmer. Steep 5 minutes. Strain and let cool. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with lavender sprigs.