Love Those We Love Long Beach Events

I'm happy to hear that We Love Long Beach will be giving my neighborhood a couple of big hugs this month. On March 19 and 20 volunteers from the group will participate in A LOT Series 1, a new effort by the Long Beach Arts Council to bring visual and performance art to vacant lots in the city. The performance, a new work by Heidi Duckler featuring the Collage Dance Theatre and dancers from the Khmer Arts Academy, will be held at 1546 East Anaheim at 6 pm. On Friday there will be a discussion after the show.

Then, get out your bibs and syrup bottles for a pancake breakfast at Los Altos Park on March 27 from 9 am to 11 am. I just think it's great that this group spreads good cheer and good food throughout the city.

2010 List of Neighbor Groups Now Online

The City of Long Beach Neighborhood Resource Center has launched The List 2010, a directory of the city's many local groups. There are neighborhood organizations, condo and homeowner's groups, and special interest groups listed with a map that shows the groups' headquarters location. Contact information and guidelines on meeting schedules are also included.

Pedal Movement's Got a New Home

Bike Hub, the new Pedal Movement headquarters at 1741 Long Beach Boulevard is already up and running, but the official grand opening will take place on Saturday April 3 from noon to 10 pm. There'll be food and DJs and prizes as well as bicycle competition. How about a flat tire competition? I might have a shot at that one.

Read my lips . . . no, seriously

If you're interesting in adding more dimension to your communication skills, consider signing up for the lip reading classes offered by the Hearing Loss Association of America. Beginner's classes are held every Monday at 10 am at the Weingart Senior Center in Lakewood. The classes are free and available to anyone, not just the hearing impaired.

Pow Wow 40 Point 0

The annual two-day Pow Wow, a celebration of native American dance, music and crafts, will be held for the 40th time on the CSULB central quad on March 13 and 14. Admission is free and parking costs $4. The events run from 11 am to 10 pm on Saturday and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. The costumes are stunning and the dancers, ranging in age from toddlers to super seniors, are graceful and assured, but always ask before taking photos. Some native Americans have strong beliefs about having their image captured.