Latest news with #CaliforniaScienceCenter
Los Angeles Times
20-05-2025
- Science
- Los Angeles Times
26 awe-inspiring gardens in Southern California you must visit at least once
The gardens around the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Exposition Park are a triple treat — especially during the milder temperatures of spring and fall. At the entrance a living wall of giant sandstone splinters curves into the garden, acting as fence and planter. The top is filled with succulents, Mediterranean-climate plants and many California native flowers, perennials and shrubs, and the sides are laced with more plants sprouting from the rocks, providing homes to insects and lizards. The 3.5 acre garden opened in 2013, and one of its primary goals was to provide habitat for urban wildlife, especially birds and pollinators. The Sarah Meeker Jensen Pond is alive with thirsty birds, dragonflies and even Arroyo chub, the little native fish that once thrived in the Los Angeles River. There's also a small 'urban waterfall,' and a broad shallow creek where children can wade on hot days and a wildlife viewing platform for birds and other creatures, dotted with feeders, bee 'hotels' and plenty of nectar providing flowers. Further in, you'll find the Erika J. Glazer Family Edible Garden, where beautifully tended raised beds grow a large assortment of delicious-looking produce. If your children (or you) aren't sure where vegetables come from, here's a chance to discover up close how plant food is grown. The museum offers guided tours of the garden (free with museum admission) from 11 a.m. to noon most Saturdays and Sundays, and there's a 'Get Dirty Garden,' where children can balance on a path of logs and tree stumps, search for insects in compost piles and explore a house made from willow branches. Finally, next door to the nature gardens outside the California Science Center is the the Exposition Park Rose Garden, billed as the country's largest when it opened in 1927, according to a PBS report. It opened with more than 100 species of roses and by 1949, reportedly boasted 150 species and some 15,000 roses in all. It's still an awe-inspiring sight, but you'll want to visit after April when the roses start blooming, because the pruning in the winter leaves the bushes bare. Admission: Visitors can tour the Nature Gardens with a ticket to the Natural History Museum; $18, or $14 for seniors 62+ and students with ID, ages 13-17, $7 for ages 3-12 and free for members and children under 2. Los Angeles County residents can also visit the museum for free Mondays through Fridays between 3 and 5 p.m. Admission to the Exposition Park Rose Garden is free. Hours: Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except the first Tuesday of every month, Jan. 1, July 4, Thanksgiving day and Dec. 25. Exposition Park. Rose Garden is open daily, 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Food: You can purchase food at the Natural History Museum and the California Science Center next door. Other: Restrooms are available at the museum. The gardens are wheelchair-accessible and visitors can borrow wheelchairs from the museum on a first-come, first-served basis.
Malaysian Reserve
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Malaysian Reserve
Renata Simril, President & CEO of the LA84 Foundation, to Receive THE MUSES of the California Science Center Foundation 2025 Woman of the Year Award
LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Distinguished youth sports advocate and civic leader, Renata Simril, President & CEO of the LA84 Foundation, will be honored as the 2025 Woman of the Year by THE MUSES of the California Science Center Foundation. The annual luncheon, which will take place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Jonathan Town Club in Los Angeles, honors women who are leaders and trailblazers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), business, or academia. Renata's career is defined by leadership, service, and a lasting positive impact. Committed to the communities and children of Los Angeles, Renata is dedicated to uplifting those around her, regardless of their background or economic status. Her work focuses on creating opportunities for youth—especially those with the least access—to engage in physical activity. Under her leadership, the LA84 Foundation has become a national leader in positive youth development through sports. Renata has been involved with the California Science Center for decades, including previously serving on the Board of Directors as an appointee of Governor Jerry Brown. Additionally, Renata is a driving force behind the Science Center's newest exhibition – GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play – opening May 15, 2025. She helped to shape GAME ON! from an early concept and led the effort to secure significant funding and high-profile partnerships to make the exhibition possible. A respected advocate for the vital role of sport and play in children's lifelong well-being, Renata works to address today's pressing issues with an eye toward their impact on future generations. She is an appointee of Mayor Karen Bass to serve as President of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to California's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being. Renata is also a board member of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. Prior to joining LA84, Renata was Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff to the Publisher of the Los Angeles Times, and Senior Vice President of External Affairs of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For over a decade, she worked in real estate development with Jones Lang LaSalle, Forest City Development and LCOR, Inc. Her public service includes serving as Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Housing in the James K. Hahn Administration. She was Development Deputy to Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, helping rebuild communities in South Los Angeles after the 1992 civil unrest, and began her career as a U.S. Army Military Police Officer in Germany and the U.S. The annual Woman of the Year luncheon is the major fundraiser that allows THE MUSES to support youth education programs of the California Science Center. Proceeds help to fund educational programming for children from underserved communities who are historically underrepresented in STEM fields, including scholarships to Hands-On Science Camp, Young Curators after-school enrichment programs, and Community Teen internship opportunities at the Science Center. Tickets to the Woman of the Year luncheon are $200 each, with sponsorships of tables for 10 beginning at $2,000. To RSVP and obtain tickets, or for further information, please contact Melanie Miller at mam645@ and Michelle Conrad at hollywoodmich@ About THE MUSESLike the mythological figures for which they are named, THE MUSES strive to be patrons of learning to stimulate innovation in science education. Over six decades after the group was established in 1962, their membership and spirit of commitment continues to grow. Today, THE MUSES encourage public goodwill and provide financial assistance for youth education programs of the California Science Center, contributing to the Science Center's role as a world-class learning institution for children, families, students, and educators. More information about THE MUSES and the luncheon is available at: About the California Science CenterThe California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults, and children can explore the wonders of science through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring large-format movies. The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission to the Science Center is FREE. The California Science Center is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Visit for more information. Media Contact: Kristina Kurasz Cutting(213) 744-7446 | kkurasz@
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
GAME ON! Science, Sports, & Play
New Exhibition to Debut at the California Science Center on May 15 LOS ANGELES, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Science Center will premiere GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play on May 15, 2025 – a uniquely Los Angeles exhibition that will inspire people of all ages, backgrounds, genders and abilities through an array of exciting and immersive activities. Designed by the California Science Center with the generous support and active collaboration of the Walter Family Foundation, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, and LA84 Foundation, this dynamic exhibition showcases the powerful connection between science, sports and play, while celebrating the joy of the human body in motion. The new exhibition will give guests the opportunity to explore both new and popular sports through a multitude of interactive experiences. GAME ON! will help visitors discover that understanding the scientific principles behind sports can empower their lives and elevate performance. Spanning 17,000 square feet, the groundbreaking exhibition offers hands-on activities and virtual guidance from a diverse team of well-loved Los Angeles-based mentor athletes. Guests can try a range of activities including baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, swimming, yoga, dance, snowboarding, climbing and more. Among the many activities, visitors can: Learn how to synchronize their swing with a simulated pitch at speeds varying from 30 to 60 mph Discover how to kick a soccer ball with proper positioning and movement through technology-enhanced kicking drills Swim with an elite Para athlete in a virtual pool Explore the mind-body connection through visual perception and controlled breathing Understand the importance of food and nutrition for lifelong health Explore diverse careers in the sports industry, extending beyond the field of play And more! "We're excited to bring this innovative exhibition to our guests, exploring the intersection between science and sports," said Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center. "GAME ON! presents a unique opportunity to inspire fans and participants to explore the science behind their favorite sports, empowering athletes at all levels to improve their performance and prioritize their wellness." "I am looking forward to kids experiencing the transformational power of sports through this unique exhibit and learning the science behind the games they love to play," said Renata Simril, President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation. "I appreciate the California Science Center for taking an idea and developing an immersive experience, and am grateful for our partnership with the Walter Family Foundation and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation as we conceptualized an interactive exhibit that will give visitors of all ages memories that last a lifetime." "Sports have the power to inspire, educate, and create opportunities for young people. GAME ON! aligns perfectly with our mission to provide access to new experiences that promote physical activity, learning, and well-being," said Nichol Whiteman, Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. "We're proud that this exhibition will engage youth and families across Los Angeles, reinforcing the vital role sports play in education and community development – especially as we look ahead to the world's greatest athletes competing in Los Angeles during the 2028 Games." GAME ON! kicks off on May 15, 2025, and is included in free general admission to the California Science Center. It will remain on view at least through the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. All groups of 15 or more guests will require a GAME ON! exhibition timed reservation along with a timed reservation to the California Science Center. Reservations must be made by calling 213-744-2019. About the California Science CenterThe California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults, and children can explore the wonders of science through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring large-format movies. The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission to the Science Center is FREE. The California Science Center is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Visit for more information. About the Los Angeles Dodgers FoundationThe Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) tackles the most pressing problems facing Los Angeles with a mission to improve education, health care, homelessness, and social justice for all Angelenos. Reimagined in 2013, LADF has since raised over $204 million, including a $100 million pledge in 2024 by its Chairman Mark Walter and Dodgers Ownership, marking the largest contribution ever from an MLB ownership group to the organization's charitable partner. Under its new strategic plan, "Lasting Impact for Los Angeles," LADF is amplifying best practices, scaling solutions, growing its capacity and refining its work with investments exceeding $63.5 million in its programs and grants to local organizations. To date, LADF has positively impacted over 10 million youth. LADF is the proud recipient of ESPN's Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, Robert Wood Johnson Sports Award, Beyond Sport's Sport for Reduced Racial Inequalities Collective Impact Award, and the Aspen Institute Project Play Champion. To learn more, visit and join the conversation on Instagram, X, and Facebook. About the LA84 FoundationThe LA84 Foundation is a national leader in support of sports in positive youth development. As a legacy of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games, LA84 has supported thousands of organizations in Southern California through grants, funding infrastructure, training coaches and commissioning research. The LA84 Foundation addresses critical issues by elevating youth sports and play as a path to lifelong well-being. Visit Media Contacts: Kristina Kurasz Cutting | Director of Communications | California Science Center Kkurasz@ | 213-744-7446 Sophie Jefferies| Communications Manager | California Science Centersjefferies@ | 213-744-7491 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE California Science Center Foundation Sign in to access your portfolio
CBS News
30-01-2025
- General
- CBS News
L.A. area school destroyed in wildfire helps students thrive amid devastation: "We still have each other"
An L.A. area school is finding innovative ways to keep their students engaged after the school was destroyed during the devastating California wildfires. Shawn Brown opened Pasadena Rosebud Rosebud Academy Charter School in Altadena in 2007 to give back to the community she grew up in, providing a place for students to learn things like critical thinking and financial literacy. As Brown, executive director of the school, copes with the loss of her own home, she found time to help students continue learning in the midst of tragedy. "I haven't had any moment to think about anything," Brown said. "I had to go from hearing that the house and the school burned down, to figuring out, 'What am I gonna do with these kids next?'" Searching for a new building after the wildfires After the Eaton Fire, which killed 17 people, destroyed the school, Brown and her staff quickly came up with a plan. "So the first week after all of this, we scheduled field trips," she said. "One of our pillars is exposure and experience, and so we really like to get our students out of the community. And we know that travel is a huge part of thinking bigger and dreaming bigger." One of the places they visited was the California Science Center. But after the field trips, Brown's students still needed classrooms. "I don't think they (students) understand the gravity of it. They know their school burned down, but I think that a bigger part of that is that they know that we still have each other," Brown said. After a long search, her team found a temporary solution. On Monday, the students met up to get bused to their new school. When the students arrived at The Beehive in South Los Angeles, they were excited. "It's a high-tech place, and they serve Black and Brown students. It's in L.A. and they really bring kids in to help them learn more about the tech field and encourage them that they can get in those fields as well." Brown said. "They worked around the clock that weekend to outfit each of their studios into classrooms for our students. Staff at The Beehive went out and got desks, chairs and other supplies for the youngest students, but the solution is only short-term. In two weeks, they'll need a new place to continue learning. Student impact Some students and their families lost their own homes in addition to their school. "I think that she thinks that we're on vacation, which is, I kind of like it that way because emotionally it's been very hard," said Amber Trejo, whose 5-year-old daughter Caira is a kindergartener at Rosebud Academy. Trejo's childhood home where she lived with her grandmother, parents, brother and children burned down. "We had everything in that home. My whole childhood was in that home, but we will rebuild and we'll make it stronger," Trejo said. She said still being able to keep her daughter in school gives them both a sense of normalcy. "It makes me happy. It makes me happy for her." Life outside the classroom Back in Altadena, Brown is still dealing with losing her home and the home she grew up in, where her mother Gloria still lived. Brown's mother lived in her home for more than 50 years. She finally returned to see what's left after the wildfire ravaged her community. She said she plans to rebuild her home, and Brown plans to build a new Rosebud Academy. "We would really need funding to rebuild, and that has been the ultimate goal for the school even when I started it," Brown said. "The long-term goal is to build something amazing for our students."
