This week’s broadcast of Eye on Travel comes from the new Pacific Visions at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. We’ll have another update on the investigation into the crashes of the Boeing 737 Max jets, along with a pre-July 4th report on the real history of the Statue of Liberty that is almost guaranteed to surprise you. Jerry Schubel, President and CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific, discusses why California — the state with the largest ocean coastline and agricultural economy — should be on the forefront of climate change action and water conservation. Sandy Trautwein, Vice President of Animal Husbandry at the aquarium, reports on what it takes to care of the the more than 10,000 animals in the aquarium’s living connection. And Tim Grobaty, from the Long Beach Post with a surprising report on all the movies filmed in Long Beach and why Babe Ruth was once arrested there. There’s all this and more as Eye on Travel comes from the new Pacific Visions at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.

Jerry Schubel, President and CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific, discusses changing peoples’ relationship with the ocean via the new wing: Pacific Visions. He also shares more about the scientists from all over the world that contributed to it. He then expands on why California — with the largest ocean and agricultural economy — should be on the forefront of climate change and the environment movement. Jerry then brings up agriculture and water, and he shares his take on what needs to change, his ideal solutions and how to live more sustainably.

Sandy Trautwein, Vice President of Animal Husbandry at the Aquarium of the Pacific, explains exactly what her title means and walks us through what it’s like caring for the more than 10,000 animals. Sandy also discusses the aquarium’s focus transformation from entertainment to now playing a role in conservation. She sets out to demystify sharks and shares their very important role in our ocean’s ecosystems.  She then offers stunning statistics about the planet’s freshwater, how the aquarium helps guests make decisions in their daily lives for the betterment of the planet and the technology that’s leading the way in sustainability.

John Thomas, Preservationist, Lecturer, Art Consultant and Co-Author of Long Beach Art Deco and RMS Queen Mary, joins the show again to discuss the historical significance of the Queen Mary in WWII and shares misconceptions as well as facts about the legendary ship and even the surprising things people throw overboard in an attempt to act like Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Jack Dawson in Titanic. He then speaks about the importance and challenges of preservation and why preservation is a lot like an onion because the more you peel, the more you’ll want to cry.

Meaghan O’Neill, Community Supervisor at El Dorado Nature Center and Long Beach Parks and Recreation, talks about the center and what surprises visitors most. She then shares details about the thousands of bird species that inhabit the area, the staggering number of parks, and one of the only dog beaches in the state. She reveals some of the most surprisings aspects of the park and what is being done to get more people out and enjoying its spaces.

Tim Grobaty, Columnist at the Long Beach Post and Author of Growing Up in Long Beach: Boomer Memories from Autoettes to Los Altos Drive-In, opens up about the city of Long Beach, a place he was born and raised in, and all of the changes that he’s seen. He dives into the booming restaurant scene as well as the reemergence of the city and its buildings. He also shares some of the surprising movies that were filmed in Long Beach and the gas stations that were blown up in the process. He chats about the Long Beach Airport, one of his favorite places in the city, and a little-known story about Babe Ruth. He then dispels a few Long Beach myths and why it’s emerging from Los Angeles’ shadow.

Ron Nelson, Executive Director at the Long Beach Museum of Art, shares that most people in Los Angeles might not know about this museum. He discusses its stunning property, the current exhibits and the artists being showcased. Ron further shares that people are usually surprised by its restaurant with a view, its history, and its extra large willow exhibits.

Fahria Qader, Aquarium Director of Pacific Visions and Architecture, expands on how its museum ensures that visitors who are blind and deaf can also experience the museum. She also brings up some of the misconceptions that visitors come in with about water usage. Then, Fahria discusses capturing rain water as well as the exhibit of delta smelt.   

Sal Flores, Founder and Editor of Long Beach Home & Living Magazine, reveals why he moved to Long Beach, his dad’s reservations about the city and the renaissance that it’s going through now. He speaks about the young and diverse demographic moving to Long Beach, how it’s become a progressive town, and why it’s no longer, in his words, “Los Angeles’ ugly stepsister.” Sal also expands on Long Beach’s iconic architecture and landmarks and tells the story of some of the city’s hidden treasures. Sal speaks about working with the city and the significance of Long Beach Architecture Week.