Leisure

SCENE &HEARDWRITTEN BY DANIEL RAMIREZEducation of the SeaHonoring the CauseThe California Conference for Equality andJustice (CCEJ) hosted its HumanitarianAwards Dinner on May 20 at the HyattRegency Hotel. The dinner honored AliceBraly, Dr. Ebenezer Bush, Supervisor Donand Julie Knabe, and Shirley Wild for theirdedication to ending discrimination.A Legend StaysOn May 21, The Aquarium of the Pacificdebuted its newest permanent expansion,The Molina Animal Care Center, which willallow visitors to see daily animal care shows,watch the Aquarium’s veterinarian conductmedical exams, and learn more aboutaquatic medicine. Along with the Center, therenovation of the BP Sea Otter Habitat wasunveiled. Inside the new habitat, visitors wereintroduced to Long Beach’s newest marinemember, Maggie, who was nursed back tohealth after being stranded as a baby.CSULB, C’est Chic!CSULB junior and senior students sent theirfashion designs down the runway at theannual Campus Couture Fashion show onMay 14. Attendees gathered at the CarpenterCenter to celebrate an evening of style andyoung fashion talent straight from the FashionDesign and Merchandising Department.Bring Out the ChopsticksDowntown is now home to a new sushi tenant,Octopus Japanese Restaurant, located at 200Pine Ave. With locations throughout SouthernCalifornia, Octopus offers a variety of uniquesushi creations and the latest innovations inJapanese cuisine.Pink PrideThousands of participants gathered for the2010 Long Beach Pride festival on May 15– 16. The Pink Party kicked the weekend offon May 14, with a night of dancing, drinks,and a drag show. The weekend festivalhighlighted food, outdoor entertainment,information booths, and the colorful paradealong Ocean Boulevard.On May 4, the City Council granted a$600,000 loan to Worthington Ford, allowingthe dealership to remain in the city. Thefive-year loan will be used to expand the35-year-old dealership located just south ofWorthington Ford.Women Who Make aDifferenceOn May 1, 450 guests including LongBeach’s first lady, Nancy Foster, attended theSoroptimist International of Long Beach’s 29thannual Awards Luncheon, held at The GrandEvent Center. The “Women Who Make ADifference” luncheon recognized eight womenfor their commitment to both women’s andchildren’s issues.Locals Celebrate Green!In an effort to “Turn the Tide” and focus onenvironmental issues, the East Village ArtsDistrict hosted the Green Long Beach Festivalon May 22. Locals were treated to music fromlocal bands, artist exhibitions, and a displayof organic food and gardens. nlongbeachmagazine.com 57