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Boys & Girls Clubs Bring Technology Access to More Families

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Boys & Girls Clubs Bring Technology Access to More Families

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, in partnership with Cox Communications and Computers 2 Kids, is offering refurbished laptops and affordable internet access to help close the digital divide. The event will take place at the Port of Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club in San Pedro Feb. 7.

Laptops include Intel Core processors, Windows 11 Pro, fully licensed Microsoft Office 2019, solid-state storage, and free lifetime technical support, with prices ranging from $150 to $200. Families receiving government assistance qualify for a $50 discount on select laptops and may also be eligible for home internet with Wi-Fi for $9.95 per month through Cox. The program is open to the community, registration is strongly encouraged by Feb. 5, and laptops can be shipped to those unable to attend.

Time: 12 to 2

Details: Register at, https://tinyurl.com/technology-assist

Lack of nuance hurts small-scale “Julius Caesar”

Greggory Moore
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Lack of nuance hurts small-scale “Julius Caesar”

With a plot centering on the concentration of state power into the hands of a megalomaniac, all while the hoi polloi is easily manipulated by the powers-that-be and the threat of civil war looms, the timeliness of staging Julius Caesar in these United States is obvious. (Now, if only our Senate would take our resident megalomaniac down….)

So I wish I could recommend Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s current production. Alas, a lack of nuance leaves this show wanting.

Recently returned from a victorious military campaign that left him as Rome’s undisputed leader, Caesar (Trevor Hart) is the darling of the masses. Fearing that Caesar wants to be dictator rather than keep Rome a republic, a group of senators fret about what should be done. Chief among them are Cassius (Giovanni Navarro), who is also motivated by personal enmity; and Brutus (Dylan J. Simpson), who loves Caesar but loves Rome more.

In presenting this material, director Glenn Kelman has tacked away from subtlety. Although casting of the main roles is probably good, the performances lack the nuance that Shakespeare has written into the characters. One of the most egregious examples is Antony’s (Dominic Ryan Gabriel) speech at Caesar’s funeral, which should be full of slyness but instead is all bombast.

Stylistically, this production is more Greek than Shakespearean tragedy, a melodramatic leaning furthered by curious choices like giant musical cues to emphasize a couple of stabbings. Then there are pesky details, such as when Cassius yells “here is my naked breast” (offering to let Brutus kill him) without so much as having unstrapped his breastplate, or when Brutus asks “Why did you cry out, sirs, in your sleep?” when neither of the sirs made so much as a peep.

There’s also a problem of scale. Spatial and monetary constraints always push Long Beach Shakespeare Co. toward minimalism, but that doesn’t have to be a problem. At times — such as last year’s fantastic production of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House — they even come up with solutions so good that their limitations are not shortcomings. But this hyper-minimalist Julius Caesar almost always feels too constrained, too small. A happy exception is the crowd scenes, which suffice due to the simple gusto of the ensemble.

Although this production is not an ideal way to engage with Julius Caesar for the first time, those unfamiliar with the text will still have fun finding just how many phrases/lines are recognizable: “it was Greek to me,” “Beware the ides of March,” “Cry ‘Havoc!’ and let slip the dogs of war,” “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears,” “This was the most unkindest cut of all,” “Et tu, Brute?” — there is no play that better reveals Shakespeare’s lasting impact on the English language.

Julius Caesar at Long Beach Shakespeare Company

Times: Fri–Sat 8:00 p.m., Sun 2:00 p.m.
The show runs through February 7.
Cost: $21.50 to $31.50 (including fees)
Details: (562) 997-1494; LBshakespeare.org
Venue: Helen Borgers Theatre, 4250 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach

 

Aquarium of the Pacific Opens New Space for Sea Turtle Rescue and Recovery

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Aquarium of the Pacific Opens New Space for Sea Turtle Rescue and Recovery

 

A new sea turtle rehabilitation area is open at the Aquarium of the Pacific. For the first time, aquarium visitors will be able to see rescued sea turtles as they go through rehabilitation with the goal of release to the wild.

The new space doubles the non-profit’s capacity for caring for stranded, sick, or injured sea turtles, so they have a chance to heal and return to their natural habitats. The aquarium is one of only two facilities in Southern California that have dedicated spaces to rehabilitate sea turtles.

“We are looking forward to utilizing this new area to expand our care of rescued sea turtles, while encouraging the public to learn more about them and their conservation,” said Dr. Lance Adams, Aquarium of the Pacific veterinarian.

Details: https://tinyurl.com/sea-turtle-rehab

San Pedro Structure Fire at Old Church Building

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San Pedro Structure Fire at Old Church Building

 

Brief and photos by Chris Villanueva

Shortly before 7 a.m. Jan. 31 the Los Angeles fire department responded to a structure fire located at 101 West 1st St. in San Pedro on the corner of 1st and Harbor Blvd.

Firefighters arrived to the structure with heavy smoke and fire showing.

Approximately 93 firefighters battled the flames which extended to at least three other buildings damaging them as well.

It took approximately 48 minutes until a knockdown was achieved on the bulk of the fire.

Arson investigator are en route. No injuries have been reported.

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Structure fire on the corner of 1st and Harbor Blvd., San Pedro. Photo by Chris Villanueva

The building appeared to be an old historical church site with the name on the plaque reading Missionary Baptist Church.

Port of Los Angeles 2026 Summer Internship Program Application Period Now Open

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Port of Los Angeles 2026 Summer Internship Program Application Period Now Open

 

The Port of Los Angeles is accepting applications for its 2026 Summer Internship Program. Submissions are open now through Feb. 13.

College-enrolled students majoring in all disciplines can gain hands-on experience working at the nation’s busiest port, with assignment opportunities across various fields such as engineering, construction, environmental management, real estate and more.

The program is open to current undergraduate and graduate students interested in developing on-the-job skills and building a professional network.

The 10-week program runs June 15-Aug. 21. Summer interns may work up to 40 hours per week and should be available for in-person work, during regular business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, at Port administrative offices in San Pedro or Wilmington. A list of potential division assignments is available here.

Depending on school year, summer interns earn from $18.33-$25.01 per hour, while student engineers earn from $23.48-$37.13 per hour.

Applications will only be accepted until Feb. 13. Applications received at any other time will not be considered.

Details: Application instructions and program information can be found here.

Arts Council for Long Beach Appoints Lisa DeSmidt as Interim Executive Director

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Arts Council for Long Beach Appoints Lisa DeSmidt as Interim Executive Director

Long Beach — The Arts Council for Long Beach or ArtsLB announced that Lisa DeSmidt, director of programs, has been appointed interim executive director, effective Feb. 2.

DeSmidt has spent the past ten years at ArtsLB helping shape the organization’s programs, people, and approach to serving Long Beach’s creative community. She currently oversees ArtsLB’s programs, staff, and interns, and curates the annual Professional Artist Fellows Exhibition. Her appointment reflects years of intentional planning, leadership development, and institutional knowledge built from within the organization.

A Long Beach–based artist and local business owner since 2009, DeSmidt brings both creative practice and operational experience to the role. Her background includes work in marketing, event production, community outreach, and curation, organizing large-scale events for the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, TED Conferences, LLC, The Designory, Blizzard Entertainment, and others. She previously served as assistant curator at the Torrance Art Museum and continues to exhibit her work nationally and internationally.

“Lisa has been a central part of ArtsLB for many years, and the Board’s confidence in her leadership is unanimous,” said Anne Lattime, President of the ArtsLB Board of Directors. “She knows this organization, she knows this community, and she has helped shape the programs and partnerships that artists and cultural organizations rely on. We are proud to support her as she steps into this role.”

DeSmidt is a local business owner who holds a BFA in Drawing and Painting from California State University, Long Beach, and has completed additional coursework in the Design Communications Certificate Program at the University of Southern California. She is a graduate of the Nonprofit Partnership’s Emerging Leaders program and has served as a Peer Group Leader for the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture’s Internship Program.

“ArtsLB has been my professional home for the past decade, and I’ve been deeply involved in building the programs and partnerships that support our creative community,” said Lisa DeSmidt. “I’m grateful to Griselda for her leadership and mentorship, and I’m honored to step into this role. I’m ready to continue strengthening an organization that plays a vital role in Long Beach’s creative economy and cultural life.”

All ArtsLB programs and operations will continue as planned.

Port Rolls Out New Online Grant Platform for Community Investment Program

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Port Rolls Out New Online Grant Platform for Community Investment Program

 

LOS ANGELES — Applications for the Port of Los Angeles community investment grant program are now being accepted via an all-new online application system launched Jan. 30. The port plans to award up to $2 million in non-taxpayer-funded grants for the upcoming 2026/27 fiscal year.

Grants will support initiatives benefiting the Los Angeles Harbor area and LA Waterfront, as well as port goals related to community and sustainability, port commerce and jobs, and education and workforce development. Grants will be awarded in two categories: large (over $100,000) and general (under $100,000).

The new online application system will now allow applicants to seamlessly upload digital applications, identify any missing information and virtually track the application process. Applications are due by 4 p.m., March 16.

The port is hosting an online Zoom workshop to assist applicants and answer questions at 6 p.m., Feb 19. Interested applicants can join the meeting via this Zoom link, using the passcode 575329.

Since 2014, the community investment grant program has awarded a total of 422 grants totaling $14.5 million. This week the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved FY 2025/26 grants totaling an unprecedented $1.85 million to support 47 local non-profit organizations.

 

Emergency Rent Relief Program to Relaunch Feb. 9; Phase II Accepts Tenant Applications

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Emergency Rent Relief Program to Relaunch Feb. 9; Phase II Accepts Tenant Applications

The Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program or LAERRP, will reopen on, Feb. 9, expanding access by allowing tenants to apply while continuing to accept applications from landlords.

During round 1 of the program, which closed on Jan. 23, the county accepted applications from eligible landlords and property owners experiencing unpaid rent due to emergency-related financial hardship. A total of 4,644 applications were received during the first round.

“The County’s Emergency Rent Relief Program has reaffirmed what we already know to be true – Los Angeles County residents are navigating undue hardship and financial challenges due to emergencies like federal immigration enforcement and the 2025 wildfires,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis. “The reopening of this program will not only allow our tenants to apply directly but will ensure we continue to provide assistance to those who need it most.”

Application Period:

Applications Open: Feb. 9, at 9 a.m.

Applications Close: March 11, at 4:59 p.m.

What’s New in Round 2

Round 2 builds on the initial rollout by expanding access and reducing barriers to entry for households experiencing housing instability, ensuring that assistance reaches eligible households more efficiently.

Tenant Initiated Applications

Beginning February 9, tenants can apply through the online program portal at lacountyrentrelief.com. Tenants can also apply by phone through approved program partners. This change improves access for households experiencing housing instability by allowing tenants to initiate the process themselves, rather than relying solely on landlord-initiated applications.

Allowing tenants to initiate applications is intended to streamline the process and ensure eligible households can access the program more efficiently, regardless of who submits the application.

What Stays the Same

The Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program provides emergency financial assistance to tenants, landlords and, in some cases, displaced homeowners experiencing unpaid rent, mortgage, or related housing expenses due to emergency-related financial hardship.

Program Basics

  • Emergency financial assistance for eligible past-due rent and mortgage-related hardship
    • Grants of up to six (6) months of relief, with limited exceptions
    • Maximum of $15,000 per unit

Eligible Expenses

  • Unpaid rental or mortgage debt
  • Eligible utilities
  • Other verified, related housing expenses

Payment and Participation Requirements

Once a payment is issued to the landlord, tenants will be notified of the payment and the time period covered for their records.

Both tenants and landlords must complete their required portions of the application. Applications will not be considered if either party does not participate.

How to Apply

Applications are not being accepted at this time. However, those interested can complete the online interest form at lacountyrentrelief.com to receive program updates. Interested tenants and landlords should visit the website to learn more about required documentation ahead of the Feb. 9 application opening, eligibility requirements, and future workshop dates.

Queen Mary 2 and the Historic Queen Mary will Reunite for a Royal Rendezvous – 20 Years Since Last Meeting

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Queen Mary 2 and the Historic Queen Mary will Reunite for a Royal Rendezvous – 20 Years Since Last Meeting

 

Following Queen Mary 2’s historic first transit through the Panama Canal, Queen Mary 2 will visit Long Beach, CA to reunite with its namesake, The Queen Mary, permanently docked in Long Beach, marking the first time the two iconic vessels have rendezvoused in 20 years. After the Royal rendezvous, Queen Mary 2 will make its official return to Port of Los Angeles after 17 years with an overnight stay. Queen Mary 2 arrives in Los Angeles as part of its “2026 World Voyage,” a 108-night journey around the world, visiting over 30 ports of call, including overnight stays in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Cape Town.

The public is invited to see this royal rendezvous from the decks of the Queen Mary or a harbor cruise for a unique view of the ships.

Time: 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., Feb. 2 Queen Mary 2 will anchor off the port, within view of The Queen Mary,

  • 7 a.m. – The ships will share a whistle salute to celebrate their reunion
  • 7:30 a.m. – Queen Mary 2 will continue its journey to the Port of Los Angeles. The vessel will be docked at Berths 91/92 by 9a.m.

Details: Harbor cruise reservations are available through www.QueenMary.com

Venue: The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach

Arts Council for Long Beach Honors Griselda Suarez’s Legacy as Executive Director

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Arts Council for Long Beach Honors Griselda Suarez’s Legacy as Executive Director

 

After ten years of transformative leadership, Griselda Suarez will step down as executive director of Arts council for Long Beach. Suarez will now serve as the City of Long Beach’s inaugural Cultural Affairs Officer at the Department of Libraries, Arts and Culture.

Since joining ArtsLB in 2015, Griselda has been a visionary force. Her tenure is defined by an expanded grant program for local artists, the strengthening of neighborhood-based public art, and a steadfast commitment to equity. Under her guidance, the organization didn’t just survive the challenges of the pandemic—it emerged more stable and better positioned for the future with campaigns like “Keep Arts Working.”

“ArtsLB has always been about people—artists, organizers, educators, and neighbors who believe culture belongs everywhere in this city,” said Suarez, reflecting on a decade of collaborative success. Most recently, projects like the 14th Street Park Basketball Court Mural project in collaboration with “Books and Buckets” and artist Tracy Negrete Allen.

Anne Lattime, president of the ArtsLB Board, noted that Griselda’s leadership was characterized by “care, clarity, and deep respect for the communities we serve.” While she is moving to a new role, the Board views this transition as a continuation of her service to the city and the strong foundation she built at ArtsLB.

The Arts Council for LB staff noted it has been inspired by her thoughtful leadership and her dedication to their individual and collective growth.

“While we will miss her presence in our office, we are thrilled to see her shape the City’s cultural landscape in this new capacity,” staff members said.

Griselda’s final day will be Feb. 6. ArtsLB has implemented a transition plan to ensure operations continue seamlessly, and we will share leadership updates in the coming days.

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