Staff
From family movie nights to a free pet clinic, South East Los Angeles city calendars are jam-packed with fun and useful events suitable for all ages in January.
Here’s a guide to over a dozen free events and services this month. Information has been gathered from city websites (for additional details, contact the respective cities directly).
Downey: Wednesday, Jan. 3, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Downey City Library, The Cormack Room, 11121 Brookshire Avenue
Bilingual Story Time for Toddlers
Starting Jan. 3, the Downey Library will hold its weekly Bilingual Story Time for Toddlers every Wednesday. This Spanish bilingual storytime includes books, singing, fingerplays, and music and movement activities, aimed at nurturing early childhood development for children aged 18 to 36 months.
Also: Family Movie Night, Thursday, January 4, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Downey City Library, 11121 Brookshire Avenue
Come down to Downey City Library for a screening of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023), PG, this month.
Bell Gardens: Friday, Jan. 5, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Veterans Park, 6662 Loveland Street
Bell Gardens Resident Art and Yard Sale
Find unique masterpieces and hidden gems at this art and yard sale which takes place every Friday at Veterans Park and will feature local artists and residents selling their work and wares. This event, which is free to attend, is suitable for art lovers and bargain hunters alike. Booths are free of charge for Bell Gardens residents but registration is required (spaces will be given on a first come, first served basis).
Norwalk: Saturday, Jan. 6, 6:00 PM
Location: City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard
Las Posadas Event
Join the Recreation and Park Services Department for Las Posadas at the Norwalk Civic Center Lawn. “Las Posadas,” Spanish for “The Inns,” is a traditional Latin procession celebrating Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter. This free community event will include arts and crafts, traditional treats, Folkloric dance, food trucks, live music and entertainment, and a photo booth area.
Hawaiian Gardens: Thursday, Jan. 11, 3:00 PM
Location: Helen Rosas Center, 22150 Wardham Avenue
Diaper Giveaway
Free baby diapers distributed to residents in need, courtesy of @baby2baby. First come, first served.
Lakewood: Friday, Jan. 12, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Palms Park, 12305 207th Street
Play at Palms featuring The Amazing Dave Magic Show
Enjoy an entertaining night with The Amazing Dave’s magical performance and balloon art! Pre-registration required.
Also: Survive for 7, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Avenue
Learn about emergency preparedness in a free seminar open to ages 12 and over. Discover how to prepare for regional emergencies and what to do in the seven days following a disaster.
South Gate: Saturday, Jan. 13, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Hollydale Regional Park (north of the Monroe Avenue entrance and parking lot).
Community Campfire Event
Nature for All and the Conservation Corps of Long Beach presents a free, family-friendly Community Campfire event. Discover your nocturnal animal neighbors and roast some s’mores around the campfire. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. This program is funded through a grant from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy in partnership with the Watershed Conservation Authority.
Cerritos: Monday, Jan. 15, 10:00 AM
Location: CCPA Sierra Room
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Ceremony
Commerce: Thursday, Jan. 18, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Bristow Neighborhood Library, 1466 S McDonnell Avenue
Winnie the Pooh’s Birthday and POPCORN Day!
Celebrate Winnie the Pooh’s 98th birthday with a movie and popcorn! For ages 5-12. Space is limited and registration is required.
Also: VR @ the Library, Friday, Jan. 12, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Rosewood Neighborhood Library, 5655 Jillson Street
Reserve a spot to try the Rosewood Neighborhood Library’s new virtual reality system by calling 323-722-6660. For ages 12 and up.
Whittier: Friday, Jan. 19, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Whittwood Branch Library, 10537 Santa Gertrudes Avenue
Family Film Afternoon-Whittwood
Enjoy a screening of “Elemental” (2023), PG. Disney’s “Elemental” portrays Ember, a fiery young woman, challenging her beliefs in Element City, where residents of fire, water, land, and air coexist. Snacks provided. No registration is required.
La Mirada: Saturday, Jan. 20, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Neff Estate, 18750 Clarkdale Avenue
Historical Tours at Neff Estate
Take a tour of the historic 11-room Neff Home, built in 1894, provided by members of the Historical Preservation Advisory Council and docents. Tours are free for all ages, with the last tour provided at 3:45 pm.
Paramount: Monday, Jan. 22, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Pond, Paramount Town Center, corner of Paramount Blvd. and Jackson St.
Chats and Snacks with the Mayor
Join the Mayor of Paramount for an informal discussion about town happenings. Light refreshments will be served.
Artesia: Sunday, Jan. 28, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Artesia Park, 18750 Clarkdale Ave.
Vet @ The Park
The City of Artesia is partnering with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control and the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation to provide a free pet wellness clinic at Artesia Park. Services provided include exams, vaccines, microchips, flea medication, deworming, and pet food. All dogs must be on a leash and all cats must be in a carrier. Masks are strongly recommended. Pet licensing is available (cash and checks are accepted).
