International Save the Vaquita Day with Aquarium of the Pacific

International Save the Vaquita Day with Aquarium of the Pacific

I have never heard of this whale so I was extremely interested in reading up on them. Here is more info on the event and the whales. The Vaquita - the smallest whale. How cute is that!?

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC TEACHES PUBLIC ABOUT CURRENT CONSERVATION ISSUES WITH WORLD’S LARGEST AND SMALLEST WHALES

Endangered blue whales in SoCal and critically endangered vaquita whales of Mexico are the focus of Aquarium’s whale programs this summer

July 9, 2015, Long Beach, California—The largest animal to ever have lived on Earth, the blue whale is massive in size and visits the waters off California each year to feed. The vaquita, which is found only in the northernmost portion of the Gulf of California in Mexico, is the smallest whale. Both of these whales are endangered; about 2,000 blue whales are estimated to live in the Southern California region, and the vaquita population is down to fewer than 100.Experts believe that the vaquita could become extinct in about two years. The Aquarium is launching a campaign to educate the public about the conservation issues surrounding these whales. The campaign officially begins on International Save the Vaquita Day, July 11, 2015.

 

During this campaign the Aquarium will highlight the critically endangered vaquita on all of its daily blue whale cruises. On July 11 Aquarium visitors will learn more about the vaquita during all animal and dive shows. On August 13 the Aquarium will host a panel of experts to discuss the vaquita and ways to protect the species. And at the Aquarium’s annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival on September 26 and 27 presentations will be made in both English and Spanish about the plight of the vaquita and what people can do to help, and the Aquarium will also debut the newly updatedWhales: Voices of the Sea exhibit kiosk with stories and interviews with vaquita experts. The exhibit features the ‘songs’ of various whale species, including the blue whale and vaquita, delving deeper into how the whales communicate and how they live.

“Engaging the public in learning more about these endangered species is key to helping to protect these animals’ future,” said Dr. Debborah Luke, senior vice president of conservation and science at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), through which the Aquarium of the Pacific is accredited. “Through the recent launch of AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction, an initiative that combines the conservation science and research, expertise, and public engagement of all 229 AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos, we are focusing our efforts on protecting species in the wild. The vaquita has been selected as one of AZA SAFE’s ten inaugural species, and we are committed to efforts ensuring its protection. We encourage guests at the Aquarium of the Pacific to take the opportunity to engage in these activities offered by the Aquarium and join us in helping to ensure these animals don’t disappear forever.”

Harbor Breeze Cruises and the Aquarium have begun the blue whale watch season with trips offered daily at noon and 3:30 p.m. out of Long Beach. Trips are also now offered out of San Pedro. These whale watch trips give guests a chance to witness the largest animal on Earth in its natural habitat. They also help Aquarium staff members conduct the blue whale photo ID program and teach the public about the vaquita whale. To find out more about the Aquarium’s whale watching in partnership with Harbor Breeze Cruises, visit Aquarium Of The Pacific 

The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is dedicated to environmental education. Its vision is to create a sustainable future for nature and its resources by building relationships between and among people. The Aquarium is home to over 11,000 animals in more than fifty exhibits. It is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. For more information call 562-590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org.

Harbor Breeze Cruises has been providing public whale watching, world port, and charter cruises for over twenty years in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Their experienced captains provide comprehensive narration about the characteristics of each cruise. The double-deck sightseeing vessels are U.S. Coast Guard-inspected, certified safe, and are complete with seating, snack bar, restrooms, salon, and plenty of outside viewing room for everyone. For more information, visit http://www.2seewhales.com/ .

We are looking forward to learning more about this little whale and will be visiting the aquarium very soon this summer. Follow along for more. 

OnTheGoOC

#AquariumOfThePacific #Whales #SmallestWhale #WhalesInSocal #Vaquita #SummerAtTheAquarium #AOP #AquariumPacific #SeaLife #SeaLifeInSoCal #SeaLifeSummer #SummerFun #ThingsToDo

Traveling Beer Festival in SoCal - Giveaway!

Wait did I write that !? Yes, I did! I am so excited to announce that the Traveling Beer Festival is coming to SoCal this September.

Photo Credit Traveling Beer Festival

This will be our first year attending the festival - I CAN NOT WAIT

Let me fill you in on this years' who, what when and where...

The California Beer Festival in San Dimas will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13, 2015 at Puddingstone Lake in Frank G. Bonelli Park at 120 Via Verde, San Dimas, CA 91773. Tickets are available for purchase online now. Tickets will also be sold at the door while supplies last. Tickets need to be printed in advance and brought to the front gate for entry. All ticket sales are final.  A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Gen Giammanco Foundation, which provides financial support to student athletes to assist in their pursuit of both scholastic and athletic success

Individuals must be 21 years of age or older with a valid ID to enter the California Beer Festival on Saturday and to consume alcohol. For more information and a full list of participating breweries, please visit www.californiabeerfestival.com. 

About California Beer Festival

Since 2009, California Beer Festival has become the event of the year for any beer and food lover. California Beer Festival’s main goal is to shine a light on the craft beer movement and celebrate great beer. For one low price, guests will receive a souvenir tasting cup to sample some of the best craft beers from around the state and watch electrifying musical performances. California Beer Festival offers a chance for guests to expand their minds and educate themselves on new and old styles of craft beer. Individuals must be 21 years of age or older with a valid ID to sample beer. California Beer Festival also holds annual events in Ventura, Santa Cruz and Marin County.

Have you been to the festival before? If you have - what was your favorite beer?

I will be giving away two general admission tickets to SUNDAY of the festival.

Beer enthusiasts and aficionados alike are invited to ride the Craft Beer Movement wave at “Craft Beer Heaven” on Saturday, September 12.  Attendees are invited to enjoy refreshing samples of over 85 select ciders and craft beers on tap including Alosta Brewing Co., Angel City Brewery, Fireman’s Brew and Wicks Brewing, all for the price of a single ticket. The festival will feature live performances from popular local bands, games such as bikini bocce ball and delicious food options such as garlic fries, sliders and tacos. All individuals must be 21 years of age or older with a valid ID to enter the California Beer Festival on Saturday.

Ticket options for Saturday’s Craft Beer Heaven are as follows:

• 2-Day VIP Pass - $99:  This ultimate California Beer Festival experience includes access to the festival both days, 1-hour early entry on Saturday, tacos from Rubio’s VIP taco bar on Saturday, a CBF tasting cup, a souvenir pint glass and four samples of craft beer on Sunday.
• VIP Early Bird Experience - $75:  Limited to only 300 attendees, the VIP experience gives guests a 1-hour early entry into the festival as well as tacos from Rubio’s VIP taco bar, a CBF tasting cup and a souvenir pint glass.
• General Admission - $50:  Enjoy samples of over 85 craft beers and ciders. Ticket includes entry to the festival and a CBF tasting cup.
• Designated Driver - $25:  Spend the day with friends and make sure they get home safely. Ticket includes entry to the festival, water and a meal from any food vendor.

Sunday’s “Hamburgers and Hops” event will feature electrifying musical performances from bands such as Foreverland, a nationally renowned 14-piece tribute to Michael Jackson.  Families are invited to relax with their blankets, umbrellas and chairs as they enjoy sets from top tribute bands paying homage to classic musical acts.  Mouth-watering hamburgers and refreshing craft beers will be on offer from gourmet food vendors and a large selection of craft breweries.

Ticket options for Sunday’s Hamburgers and Hops are as follows:

• General Admission - $10:  Enjoy entry to the festival on Sunday and watch an awesome lineup of tribute bands as they perform their modern and upbeat versions of classics. Craft beer and a variety of food will be available for purchase.
• Sunday Hops Ticket -$35:  Access the festival on Sunday and receive a souvenir tasting cup along with four craft beer samples. Food and additional beer will be available for purchase. Individuals must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this ticket.

Comment on my post why you want to go and you may win! Comments will be accepted here or on Facebook. Thank YOU!
OnTheGoOC

Contest will end on August 16th, Sunday. Winner will be announced and have 24hours to confirm Sunday tickets.. Good Luck!

#Beer #BeerFestival #SanDimas #SanDimasBeerFestival #SeptemberBeerFestivals #FestivalsInSoCal #BeerFestivalsInSoCal #BeerFun #OC #IE #LA #SoCal #SouthernCalifornia #SummerBeerFestivals #SummerFun #SummerFunInSoCal #ThingsToDo *I am being given two tickets to attend and experience on my own for the first time. Looking forward to all of it*

Medieval Times - Summer Fun Must Do!

Beat the Heat with a Dinner and Show!

Photo Credit Medieval Times BP

Our favorite Dinner and Show is Medieval Time in Buena Park.

I have written a few posts on how much I love the history I have with my own parents and the new memories I am making with my own family, but they also have a fun summer deal I wanted to share.

Now through September 7th, 2015 you can score the deal below using promo code "SMRWEB"
With this code Adults will be $41.95 and Kids will be $26.95 (12 and under)

We have also attended a show with my nephew that is in a wheel chair and their accommodations for end of isle and isle view seating but not separated from our family were perfect. 

My son who deals with behavior and speech delay did extremely well sitting for 2 hours since there is so much to see and do at +Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament  +Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 

We can not wait to get back again. It's about that time.... We love to Joust!

Summer Is Here!

OnTheGoOC

#MedievalTimes #MedievalTimesDinnerandTournament #DinnerandSHow #ThingsToDo #SummerFun #SoCalFun #SummerToDo #MustDo #LoveTheShow #DinnerandaShow #PromoCode #FunForFamily #KidsFun #FamilyFun #LoveMedievalTimes #3GenerationsofMTFans

Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil A!

We love this time of year! Cow appreciation day is here!

So what's the scoop?

Dress as a cow from head to hoof on Tuesday, July 14 to get a FREE meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Need a spot-on costume idea? See a bunch here.

Here is an easy idea, thanks to ChickFilA, that you can do at home in just a few minutes. 

Cow Headband!

Photo Credit Chick Fil A

Happy Cowing- I mean Chowing!

OnTheGoOC

#ChickFilA #CFA #CFAMom #ChickFilAMoms #LoveCFA #Chicken #SoGood #Free #DressLikeACow #EatMoreChicken #CowAppreciation 

LegoLand and the Newly opened Lego friends Heartlake City @LegoLand_CA

LegoLand and the Newly opened Lego friends Heartlake City 

Guest Blogger- Catheryn (contributor at SoCal Pocket Memories) writes her experience at LegoLand for my blog and shares the Autism Friendly side of things.

I was invited to join On The Go Oc to visit the park thanks to the generous gift from 
Glee Music Academy ( Lake family) 

My daughter is well, Obsessed! With lego Friends. We couldn't wait to get to the park and see the new Heartlake City area. With school out, it was perfect timing to head down and spend the day. It had been awhile since we last visited so we were looking forward to an entire day enjoying all the rides, shows and food LegoLand has to offer.

Let me just start out by saying we have visited most of the  local So Cal amusement parks, used their handicap/disability pass systems and have made best with them all. Legoland's system though is by far the most autism friendly, easiest to use and has maked for the smoothest most natural experience we have had by far. For those  with ADS there are many factors that can keep our kids from hanging in there all day at an amusement park. From medical conditions to sensory overload to coping with crowds and the noise that goes along with them. Many families don't have the stamina to stay at the parks for more than a few hours making the disability access a huge benefit to utilize.   

Offered at Legoland is the Assisted Access Pass. Simple to use, it makes for an equal experience for our kids. Unlike most of the other parks, this one is the most natural, unrestricted pass out there.

So here's how it works: 

Upon arrival go to the customer service window located right outside the park or there is one directly inside the turn styles to the right. Explain your child's limitations/your concerns . An Assisted Access Pass is granted for your child and their party up to 6. The pass is then presented at the ride of choice at the designated entry points (which is either marked with a handicap sign or you enter through the rides exit) from there you are boarded with very little wait time. That's it, you do this for each ride. No need to get a return time and go back.

Now for some tips on getting the most from your visit with your ASD child.

• Prime your child ahead of time where you are going and what to expect. There will be crowds (especially during the peak summer months) there will be noises around the park, there will be lots of walking up and down hills. 
• Do a little research on the Legoland's web site for the layout of the park and try to plan out your route/must see's and do's plus rides if it's your first visit. 

• The majority of the rides are suited for kids up to 10 years old in my opinion. Best ages to experience would be 4 and up.  (my girls first visit was when she was 5 and totally enjoyed it being able to ride the majority of the attractions) she is almost 8 now and high functioning.
• There is a splash pad in Heartlake City for the sensory fix and a Lego build area there as well in the stables. 
• With the disability pass your wait times are not guaranteed to be shorter, but they will be! 5-10 minute per ride. 
• I would say you can cover the entire park in 5-6 hours on a good day. Choose off peak season times to visit if possible. It can be either really hot at the park or socked in with coastal fog, check weather to know what to wear. 
• If your child can still fit in a stroller and is comfortable in one, bring it. It will save on them getting tired and gives them a break from the crowds. They also have strollers for rent inside the park in case you need one. Makes for an easy way to carry your things, snacks and drinks too.
• So inside the park there is a water park (additional admission is required or multi park pass) if your child is like mine and loves the water, it might be a good option. If transitions are an issue, have a plan in place. 
• There is also an aquarium at Legoland (again separate admission unless you purchased the multi park pass) it is small in scale but offers some real nice exhibits, easy to navigate and groups are let in at a staggered pace.  

Ride operators are very friendly, helpful and accommodating. Just be aware, sometimes it's just one of them per ride, so loading and unloading can be delayed thus delaying your boarding/exiting. Any special requests, just ask!

Check out the Legoland website for special show, their times as well as special holiday events.

 Oh and most important, have fun! Everything is awesome at LegoLand!

For More info, hours and ticket info check them out here http://california.legoland.com/

Thanks for having us On The Go Oc! We had a blast.

Note from OnTheGoOC - Thank  you Catheryn and Lali for being our guests and partners in FUN! We had a blast and hope to do it again soon.

#OnTheGoOC #ASD #Spectrum #TipsOnLegoLandforChildOnSpectrum #Autism #ThemeParkWithAutism #LegoLand #LegoFun #LegolandCA #BestFriendsForever #EverythingIsAwesome #GirlsDay #VisitLegoLand #LegoLandTips #LegoLandHints #WhenToVisitLegoLand #AssistancePass #AssistancePassAtLegoLand #HeartLakeCity +LEGO