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.