LET CONSTRUCTION COMMENCE!

The day has finally arrived and we have never been happier to see a dump truck roll up to our LA site. On Monday, September 16th our construction team came onsite to begin demolition of our birthday party room which will make way for construction to begin on the solar canopy cover. Once the canopy has been completed we will be able to bring in our long awaited Conservation Carousel for all to learn and enjoy!

Exciting times at Discovery Cube Los Angeles, as this is just the first of many impactful projects that are planned to make their way into our front courtyard.

09.20.24

GALA LIVE AUCTION SNEAK PEEK AND FUND-A-NEED MATCH!

With just ONE week to go until the big night, we’re busy preparing, and we want to make sure you are too, so get those bidding arms loose!

Check out our amazing Live Auction line-up that will make a BIG BANG next weekend!  We have something for everyone, from a wine weekend with stargazing, suites for all our favorite SoCal sports teams, and Music Under the Stars – how on theme. Click on the “sneak peek” button below to learn more about all our live items, as well as our STELLAR Opportunity Drawing Packages.

In addition to our Live Auction and Opportunity Drawings, you will all have the opportunity to double your impact with OneRoot Foundation! Special thanks to our Board Member Henry Pyle and family for this incredible opportunity!

We are so grateful and excited that OneRoot Foundation will again be matching every dollar raised through our Gala Fund-A-Need Campaign (up to $100,000) in support of our STEM Education Inclusion Fund. We hope you will “raise your paddle” to help support Discovery Cube’s mission and our STEM Education Inclusion Fund next Saturday night!

If you cannot join us on Gala night, we are happy to accept absentee bids or donations. Just contact me for details.

GALA Sneak Peek

09.20.24

DISCOVERY CUBE LA BLOCK PARTY!

This past weekend at our Los Angeles site we held an End of Summer Block Party! Over 1,500 guests join us for a fun-filled weekend with daily prizes, a live DJ, dinosaur-themed activities, a bounce house, food trucks, and so much more!

While we had to say goodbye to our seasonal exhibit Expedition Dinosaur, we know that only means the next new and exciting exhibit is just around the corner so mark your calendars for the opening of DC SUPER HEROES: Discover Your Superpower on October 5th.

09.20.24

 

CUBE INVITATIONAL MULTIPLIER IN EFFECT!

On September 3rd, The Women’s Golf Association of Big Canyon, chaired by Robin Tippett and Alana Hedley – two of our 2024 Cube Invitational players, selected Discovery Cube Orange County as their charity of choice to receive funds raised at their Fall scramble.

The Fall event, hosted at Big Canyon, was a wonderful success in not only raising awareness of the Cube and our Girls in STEM initiative to a wonderful group of Orange County women, but also a great fundraiser.

Just this past Monday, Robin and Alana stopped by to drop off the generous donation of nearly $4,000 for the Cube and took the opportunity to join me on a full tour. They were thrilled to see for themselves what their support will be providing for the children of Orange County and beyond!

Thanks to Board Member Janet Burns for teeing it up for science education and spearheading our new Annual Cube Invitational event which is already bringing in new friends and new funds!

09.20.24

 

WELCOME SARA TO OUR OC DEVELOPMENT TEAM!

We are thrilled to share that Sara Garske has joined Discovery Cube Orange County’s Development team. Sara will be leading fundraising efforts around our space campaign as we prepare to ramp up efforts; reimagining the Mission Control space with a new “Coding on a Mission” exhibit.

Sara is the Principal of Elwood Advisors, and is passionate about helping nonprofits and individuals achieve sustainable and meaningful philanthropy. Prior to starting Elwood Advisors, Sara was part of the Philanthropic Services team at First Foundation for over 16 years; responsible for managing operations for family foundation clients and collaborating with their trusted advisors.

Sara is also a champion for equitable high-quality education and for creating opportunities for disadvantaged students. She comes with an extensive background in board management, private giving opportunities, program development, fundraising evaluation, and event planning.

For years, Sara has also been part of the Cube family as an Innovator member and advisor on our Innovator Leadership Council, so she joins us as an already devoted and passionate Cube supporter and volunteer!

09.20.24

 

 

APPROVAL FOR LOS ANGELES EXPANSION PROJECTS!

A big day yesterday for DCLA at the Recreation and Parks (RAP) Department Board of Director’s meeting. Not one, but two HUGE unanimous approvals for our Courtyard Project.

The first was for the Carousel Project. This is the final step in green lighting the construction of the Eco-Adventure Carousel and the associated canopy. The contractor has been selected for the project and construction will start this month and be completed early next year.

The second approval was for the environmental document covering the entire Courtyard Project. This means we have now completed the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and we can proceed with the design work for all our exciting, interactive exhibits planned for this space! We can also use this document to secure additional funding from our partners.

WHEN we build it, they WILL come!

09.06.2024

OC TO HOST ROBOTICS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Cube team has been working closely with robotics based organizations and companies including the Southern California Attack Robots (SCAR), Turnabot, and Battlebots over the past few months to foster exciting new partnerships. SCAR, who’s mission is to educate area youth on the fundamentals of combat robotics while educating and promoting character-building skills, has enthusiastically come on board as our lead partner in this endeavor.

Through their connections and networks, they’ve put us in touch with the Robot Combat League and just this past week we were able to secure the opportunity to host their National Championship event which will take place in early May. The weekend invitation-only event hosts nationally ranked robots from across North America and covers weight classes ranging from tiny 150g Fairyweights to heavy-hitting 30 pound Sportsman, all competing for the title in this exciting event!

Combat robotics welcomes all age groups from elementary school through adults with the sweet spot being middle school and high school.

As part of our current five year plan mandate to expand our age range, utilize competitions in the STEM fields and further our expertise in the technology arena we see this as an exciting opportunity to make strides in all of these areas and do it in a fun, engaging and mission based way!

09.06.24

INNOVATOR FIELD TRIP

Last week our Innovators hosted its first Summer Field Trip which took them to the OCC School of Sailing & Seamanship in Newport Beach. They enjoyed small-group demonstrations and educational stations throughout the Waterfront Campus that straddles Pacific Coast Highway.

The groups learned about marine fire safety and survival at sea from a retired firefighter and current professor, as well as sextant navigation from a session with Greg Wisner, who manages the campus.  The highlight was certainly a fully immersive tug boat simulation leading an oil tanker from the Port of Los Angeles to the Port of Long Beach.

To learn more or join Innovators today check out the link below!

JOIN INNOVATORS TODAY

09.06.24

WELCOME PATTY TO OUR OC DEVELOPMENT TEAM!

We are thrilled to share that Patty Covarrubias has joined the Orange County Development team. She will be leading our fundraising efforts around our Girls in STEM campaign which supports our Winter Lights Show and Festival, our Innovator Women in Science Annual event, Camps and a whole host of other exciting initiatives throughout the year!

Additionally, she’ll support our Annual Cube Invitational which is not only a catalyst for our Girls in STEM campaign but is also a growing fundraiser and multiplier for the Cube.

With over two decades of experience in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Social Impact, Patty is a distinguished expert known for her strategic leadership, program development, and impactful storytelling. She champions innovative initiatives, secures impactful social partnerships, develops communication strategies to enhance brand awareness and engagement all while elevating outreach and donor support.

Patty resides in Orange County with her husband and two young children who are all enthusiastic users and current members of Discovery Cube. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Patty as she joins the Cube team!

09.06.24

DISCOVERY CUBE HOSTS SWANA

Discovery Cube OC proudly hosted the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) conference in partnership with OC Waste and Recycling. SWANA is a dedicated organization of public and private sector professionals committed to advancing from solid waste management to resource management through their shared emphasis on education, advocacy, and research. SWANA also provides valuable resources to industry professionals through technical conferences, certifications, publications, and technical training courses. A total of 130 SWANA members actively participated in the meeting.

Tom Koutroulis, the Director of OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR), serves on the SWANA Board. Through our newly established 5-year partnership with OCWR, hosting this conference at our facility presented an exceptional opportunity for the Cube to showcase our commitment to educational outreach programs and environmental stewardship while highlighting our valuable partnership with OCWR and provide an engaging interactive experience for attendees through our Eco Challenge Exhibit.

09.20.24

 

PACOIMA BEAUTIFUL VISITS DCLA

A couple of weeks ago, Pacoima Beautiful visited Discovery Cube LA for a tour and to discuss a partnership between our two organizations with senior leadership.

Pacoima Beautiful is a grassroots organization promoting environmental justice and sustainability through education, policy impact, and community engagement. They are looking to potentially select our LA site for a significant grant funded through the Transformative Climate Communities from the Strategic Growth Council (SGC) of which they lead the Community Engagement Plan.

We look forward to this and future collaborations!

JOE ABOUT TOWN!

Over the past couple of weeks, Joe has been on the circuit attending meetings with a few of the local neighborhoods adjacent to the Orange County Cube, Park Santiago and Floral Park. He presented an overview of our upcoming outdoor science park creek project to ensure that we have the support and backing of the local community for these projects. As we seek to be good neighbors and a positive community asset, local support is always an important piece of that puzzle.

Both presentations were well received and our neighbors have shown great enthusiasm for our growth as we embark on this next phase. While there is still a lot of work ahead, we are excited for the project as it progresses through the necessary planning stages.

Always more to come!

08.23.24

LET’S TEE IT UP FOR YEAR TWO!

Last year, Discovery Cube LA’s first inaugural Chairman’s Cup was a great success and this year’s even looks to build on that success and grow.

This year’s event is slated for late October, and we still have 5-7 available golf openings that we could use your help to fill! While the LA Chairman’s Cup committee and Board Members are working hard to fill all our golf seats and find sponsors for the various activities, we could use your help and networks in the Los Angeles area. 

LA’s Chairman’s Cup is an event open to men and women golfers, including guests and spouses. So, come one, come all! If you know someone who may be interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities OR attending, please check out the BROCHURE or the webpage below – we’re happy to help!

LA CHAIRMAN’S CUP

08.23.24

 

 

LET’S GET GLOWING, IT’S ALMOST HERE…

With less than six weeks to go until the OC Gala on September 28th, we are in high gear! We thought we’d pull the curtain back a bit and give you all a sneak peek behind the scenes with our Cube Studio’s crew and all the work they’ve got going as they film, edit and make some movie magic for our BIG night.

Specials thanks also goes out to our Board Members who generously offered up their children for participation in this years video!

Finally, if you haven’t already, now’s is the time to start finalizing your guest list and purchase any last minute  table enhancements for our interGALActic bash! Those Premium Wine upgrades go fast, so secure yours today! All opportunities and upgrades can be found on the Gala website below.

GALA WEBSITE

08.23.24

CUBE INVITATIONAL DOUBLES IMPACT IN YEAR TWO!

With our 2^nd Annual Cube Invitational under our belts, we are thrilled with the results. Under the leadership and guidance of our Board Member and event Chairwoman Janet Burns, we were able to DOUBLE our impact with double the attendance from last year’s twelve to a solid twenty-four in 2024!

What an incredible event! We couldn’t be more grateful for the support and participation of all our golfers and we are honored to have twenty-four new champions for our Girls in STEM initiative here at the Cube. We look forward to turning this year’s success into a long tradition for years to come!

Enjoy the video below on our Girls in STEM initiative supported by our Cube Invitational.

07.26.24

THE CUBE LAUNCHES SENSORY FRIENDLY MORNINGS

We are dedicated to providing EVERY child a safe and enjoyable experience when they come to learn and discover with us. Because of this commitment, the team officially launched our Sensory Friendly Mornings this past Sunday. These early mornings create a space that celebrates neurodiversity and is committed to offering more inclusive guest experiences.

With the launch of Sensory Friendly Mornings our team has also created a number of supporting materials for guests that include sensory friendly maps, visual cue cards, and backpacks allowing independent exploration and target specific interests and needs for guests.

Additionally the Cube has also partnered with CHOC’s Autism Center for guidance, support and training for all our frontline team members in OC and LA to help foster a welcoming and informed culture among our staff.

While this is just the start, we look to continue to evolve and learn from our visitors and aspire to be a place where everyone can learn and grow in a thriving and comfortable setting.

Sensory Friendly Mornings will occur every third Sunday of each month from 8:00 am – 10:00 am.

OC Sensory Friendly Mornings dates

LA Sensory Friendly Mornings dates

07.26.24

 

ANNUAL BOARD RETREAT – LOCATION UPDATE!

We’ve settled on a location for our Board Retreat next January and we’ll be hosting our annual meeting at the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Just a stone’s throw from the San Juan train station we hope the location’s convenience helps assure your attendance, not to mention that is happens to be adjacent to the beautiful and historic Mission San Juan Capistrano! We hope to pull a few stings, call-in a few favors and see about getting an personal tour from their amazing Executive Director, Mechelle Lawrence Adams, fingers-crossed 😉

Another reminder, in case you missed it in our last edition, next year’s Annual Joint Board Retreat on Friday, January 24th and Saturday, January 25th.

As promised, we will send out more detailed information on rooms and to gather RSVPs as we get a bit closer.

07.26.24

 

REMINDER! JOIN US AT OC’S NEXT IMPACT EVENT

Please look to join us at Orange County’s next Impact Event, we’ll be hosting another Beach Clean up at the Seal Beach jetty on Saturday, August 3rd.

Pull out your sunscreen and meet us at the Beach! You can register below.

REGISTER TODAY

07.24.24

 

OC’S GALA UNDERWRITING RECEPTION STARTS WITH A BIG BANG

On behalf of Emily Horowitz and Chatom Arkin, Carey and John Dunlop, the Gala Committee, and the whole Discovery Cube team. We want to THANK YOU for joining us at our annual Gala Underwriting Reception last night and share special thanks to Emily and Chatom for hosting the event at the beautiful Big Canyon Country Club. Also, a heartfelt thank you to our incredible guest speakers, Kim and Delaney for sharing how the Cube has impacted them and inspired a love of STEM in their lives and the lives of those around them.

The event was a GLOWING success, and we’re so pleased to share that we received over $200,000 in underwriting commitments and sponsorships for our 2024 Cube Gala!  What an INCREDIBLE kick-off to our fundraising efforts; pushing us just over the halfway mark! While the work is not done, we will take the energy and excitement from last night to help us cross the finish line in the coming weeks.

Discovery Cube’s success is all made possible through your generosity and dedication to science education in our community. The Gala is both an important fundraising event for the Cube as well as a “friend-raiser” to introduce new people to our important mission.  We look forward to celebrating with you and honoring Farmers & Merchants Bank and Senator Tom Umberg at the Cube on Saturday, September 28th. We hope you’re already planning your InterGALActic attire as we speak, and if not, you’d better get GLOWING, it’s going to be a STELLAR night!

One last giant THANK YOU from the entire Discovery Cube family!

 

06.28.24

JAFRA AT DISCOVERY CUBE LOS ANGELES

Last weekend JAFRA Cosmetics, a supporter at our recent Gala, partnered with us to host a fantastic summer celebration at Discovery Cube Los Angeles on Saturday, June 22nd, from 12 PM and 4 PM. This event introduced JAFRA’s latest sensation—the Sweetie Rainbow fragrance, the perfect scent for the summer season.

As part of the festivities, guests enjoyed complimentary paletas to keep cool, participate in exciting giveaways, and explored the Cube!

JAFRA AT DISCOVERY CUBE LOS ANGELES

Last weekend JAFRA Cosmetics, a supporter at our recent Gala, partnered with us to host a fantastic summer celebration at Discovery Cube Los Angeles on Saturday, June 22nd, from 12 PM and 4 PM. This event introduced JAFRA’s latest sensation—the Sweetie Rainbow fragrance, the perfect scent for the summer season.

As part of the festivities, guests enjoyed complimentary paletas to keep cool, participated in exciting giveaways, and explored the Cube!

06.28.24

ORANGE COUNTY…OR ORANGE COUNTRY? 

On Wednesday, June 26th the Anaheim Ducks unveiled the National Hockey League (NHL) club’s new logo alongside new home and away jerseys as part of a brand evolution. In partnership with the Cube, they chose our Orange County site as a reveal location and wrapped our Delta Rocket in the North Lot with a teaser last week and then a full reveal of the new Logo on Wednesday afternoon to coincide with their press release. You will also see the announcement on the digital billboard running through the weekend along with Ducks orange on the Cube.

Following years of deliberation and fan feedback, the Ducks introduced a refreshed version of the classic and world-famous Ducks logo. Revolutionized by a vibrant transformation of the iconic duck mask with a refreshed twist now framed in vibrant orange as the bold primary color reflective of the team’s home in Orange County.

“As our organization enters a new chapter of Anaheim Ducks hockey, we are proud to reveal our new, refreshed logo and uniform kit that identifies with the Orange County community,” said Anaheim Ducks owners Susan and Henry Samueli. “The Ducks are a symbol of Orange County, and our pivot to orange with an updated, iconic logo encompasses our past, present and future.”

Discovery Cube was proud to partner with the Ducks on this exciting announcement and continue our long-term partnership as they launched into this next chapter in Ducks history!

CHECK OUT THE LA IST ARTICLE HERE

06.28.24

WELCOME TO THE BOARD!

Just this week, we welcomed TWO new Board Members to the Orange County Board of Directors. Nikki Bennett and Clarence Turner, Jr..

Nikki spent her childhood and formative years abroad in both Europe and Canada, fostering a deep appreciation for cultural sensitivity and a passion for working with diverse populations. She returned to the United States for her higher education, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a focus on culture and curricular studies from Chapman University. Prior to this achievement, she completed a Master of Science in Reading Education at California State University Fullerton and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at the University of San Diego.

With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education, Nikki has dedicated herself to designing and teaching dynamic, engaging courses. Currently serving as an adjunct professor in the Masters of Education program at University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University), Nikki previously held a full-time professorship within the MAE program.

While Nikki has adjusted her career focus to spend more time with her family, she remains committed to teaching as an adjunct, maintaining her connection to the program she values deeply. Outside of academia, Nikki is happily married and a proud parent of three children. An active family, they enthusiastically support their children’s interests in hockey, golf, tennis, soccer, and ballet, while also enjoying beach outings, Disneyland visits, and camping adventures together. For over five years, Nikki has enjoyed frequent visits to Discovery Cube with her children, relishing in their interactions with exhibits and engaging in unique educational experiences.

Clarence is a principal owner of Trico Realty. Trico Realty owns and manages multi-tenant and free-standing industrial properties in the greater Orange County area. Founded in 1968 by Clarence’s father, Trico’s portfolio has grown from 100,000 square feet to approximately 2.5 million square feet. Clarence joined Trico in 1991. In his current role at Trico, Clarence acts as Chief “Visionary” Officer as well as overseeing the asset management of all of the Turner Family owned assets. As Chief Visionary Officer, Clarence enjoys innovative and out of the box thinking as he tries to reimagine the future of both Trico and industrial real estate.

In his free time Clarence enjoys spending time with family, traveling, cycling, skiing, reading, writing and enjoying photography and food. Clarence graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1990 and has an English degree in both professional and creative writing. Clarence has three daughters. His oldest daughter, Hailey, is married and lives in New York City and is a fourth-grade teacher. His middle daughter, Abby, is married and lives in Columbus, Georgia and is the proud new mom of 3 month old baby Caleb. His youngest daughter, Emma, is a recent college graduate and is currently working as a nurse in Santa Barbara.

Please join us in welcoming Nikki and Clarence to the Cube family, we’re thrilled to have them both join us!

06.28.24

ORANGE COUNTY’S CHAIRMAN’S CUP DRIVES HOME SUCCESS

It’s like an advanced math calculation, but the answer is worth the effort! What do you get when you take 56 golfers and multiply that by Pebble Beach Cubed?

56 x Pebble Beach³ = $1,000,000

That’s right, you get over $1M to support the mission, and the magic, of the Cube for the children we serve in our communities. In addition to exceeding this year’s lofty goal, the roster was chock-full of not only current supporters and Board Members, but also a handful of new players. Many of them have already shown excitement to engage with us around Life Sciences, Technology, and AI, as well as joining the Board to support all our Cube initiatives.

This event has always proven to be not only a great fundraiser but a multiplier for us, and this year did not disappoint. We also had the honor of inducting Mike Schulman into our Folino Hall of Fame this year for his partnership and dedication to the Cube on and off the greens. Special thanks go out to our Committee Co-Chairs Jim Mazzo and Steve Litchfield, along with all our dedicated Chairman’s Cup Committee members which include Sean Barrette, Mark Clemens, Chris Copps, Karl Kreutziger, Jim Luce, Tom Mitro, and Tim Sullivan.

Additionally, I’d like to recognize and thank our Board Members who joined us and served as Cube ambassadors throughout the trip, Rick Baily and Carl Jordan.  It was a wonderful three days full of camaraderie, shared enthusiasm for STEM Education and time spent on the greens to bring home the green! Thank you to everyone for your contributions of time, resources, planes, and passion.

06.14.24

CONGRATULATIONS VANESSA!

We’re excited to share that our very own Director of Operations in Los Angeles, Vanessa Perez, has been honored with the prestigious Steadfast Service Award by the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce. This award is part of the Success in Business Awards featuring Women of Impact (SIBBIE), and it recognizes Vanessa for her unwavering dedication, commitment, and outstanding contributions to Discovery Cube. Vanessa was presented with this award on May 31^st at the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala.

Vanessa’s receipt of the Steadfast Service award is a testament to her loyalty and the significant impact she has made within our organization. Her tireless efforts, enthusiasm, and commitment have been instrumental in driving our success, and it is heartening to see her hard work and dedication celebrated by the wider business community.

Please join me in congratulating Vanessa on this remarkable achievement next time you see her. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our team, and we look forward to celebrating her continued contributions to the Cube!

06.14.24

AHOY! CITIZEN SCIENCE FIELD TRIPS

In partnership with the State Coastal Conservancy, Discovery Cube received a $50,000 Explore the Coast grant to interact with almost 600 middle and high school students from underserved communities. The grant program seeks to provide coastal access for communities and its citizens who face accessibility challenges to experiencing and enjoying our coasts. The ability to have these moments without fear of financial cost, physical barriers, or feelings of not belonging, is crucial to how people cultivate their own lifelong connections with our coastal regions.

Using our Citizen Science field trip model, along with an adventure exploring Newport Back Bay aboard the Dylan Ayers education vessel, students participated in a Marine Protected Area Watch; performed water quality testing and discussed the phenomenon of sea level rise and its effects on coastal environments. Data was collected and shared with partner organizations like the Surfrider Foundation and Coastkeeper’s MPA Watch to contribute to their research in these areas.

Thank you to the State Coastal Conservancy for helping us provide a positive and meaningful impact to these students during the course of the year. Feel free to check out our INSTAGRAM POST to learn more.

06.14.24

WELCOME TO THE BOARD RENEE!

This past week, we officially welcomed Renee Valdes to the Los Angeles Board of Directors.

Renee is a one-third owner of Parking Company of America (PCA) along with her two brothers. As the Executive Vice President, Renee oversees human resources, workman’s comp, safety coordination, financials, and employee-related matters. PCA is a family-owned and operated company. Founded in 1964, PCA has over 1500 employees and operates in 4 states – California, Missouri, Georgia, and Wisconsin. The core business is parking management and transportation; PCA transports over 12 million passengers a year!

In addition to her work, she is affiliated with several non-profit organizations. She serves on the Deloris Mission, Habitat for Humanity, and Cardinal’s Award Dinner Boards. When she is not working or volunteering, Renee enjoys walks with her husband, spending time with her daughters and mother, reading, playing tennis, and traveling. She has been married to her husband, Pep, for almost 30 years and they have two incredible daughters; Lauren, a 29-year-old marketing executive and Regan a 27-year-old child and family therapist specializing in art therapy. Both girls live in Newport Beach.

Please join us in welcoming Renee to the Cube family, we’re thrilled to have her join us!

06.14.24

ORANGE COUNTY’S DINO QUEST OPENS WITH A JURASSIC-SIZED EVENT

We are excited to announce that Dino Quest was officially opened on Friday night in the most spectacular fashion! As nearly 400 VIP guests were gathered around for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. But OH-NO, dinosaurs ran through the crowd, tearing down the caution tape and balloon drop. Guests loved it and eagerly followed our dinos into our newly reimagined Dino Quest for the first time! Nothing says GRAND OPENING like the carefully orchestrated chaos of rogue dinosaurs!

The exhibit was met by collective oohs and ahhs from children and parents alike as they took in all the new sights to be seen…and experienced. Favorites included the 16-foot animatronic T-Rex which greeted guests upon arrival, the towering Quetzalcoatlus in the fossil yard, the spectacular new volcano that erupts with geysers and smoke, a glorious sight to see, and our incredible new sand-filled dig pit which was packed all night long. Last, but certainly not least, guests of all ages enjoyed our new Dino Quest adventure featuring four different missions for all our aspiring paleontologists out there!

Speaking of paleontologists, we had a real one of our own that evening! We were honored to have the legendary Jack Horner, world-renowned paleontologist and technical advisor to the Jurassic Park movies, join us at the opening festivities. Not only has he acted as an advisor on this project, but he also presented a facinating lecture on dinosaurs that evening sharing his expert insight with a crowd of over 80 guests hosted by our very own INNOVATORS group.

The night was surely one to remember and a spectacular start to what we’re sure will be a spectacular summer! A massive thank you to our dedicated board members, donors, elected officials, partners and Discovery Cube staff whose support made this incredible exhibit possible.

05.31.24

 

DISCOVERY CUBE LOS ANGELES’ EXPEDITION: DINOSAUR VIP PREVIEW 

On Saturday, May 25th Discovery Cube LA hosted a VIP Preview for opening day of it’s summer blockbuster exhibit Expedition: Dinosaur.

With over 250 guests in attendance for the 8am preview we kicked off the weekend with a roar! Throughout the Holiday weekend attendance numbers looked great with nearly 3,000 guests flooding in to check out the new exhibit featuring:

• A whole host of animatronic creatures including a T-Rex, Anzu, Dakota Raptor, and Ankylosaurus.
• Replica and artifact displays of a T-Rex skull, Ammonites, dinosaur skin and feathers, among others.
• A fossil detector scanning stop, interactive topographic sandbox, dig pit and a Pangea puzzle.
• And, last but not least, a draw alive station where guests color their own dinosaurs, place them on a scanning plate, and watch them come to life on the monitor!

Running through Labor Day weekend in September, we look forward to a busy summer filled with programming and activities to support dino-sized crowds!

05.31.24

 

DISCOVERY CUBE LOS ANGELES BRING STEM FUN TO DODGERS STADIUM

On May 21, Will and Cara Smith hosted an unforgettable VIP experience for students from Clifford Elementary School at Dodger Stadium. The event, which was not only fun but also educational, saw 120 enthusiastic pre-k to 5th-grade students come together for a day filled with excitement and learning.

Discovery Cube was thrilled to be part of this special day; facilitating an all-inclusive clinic packed with engaging activities:

• Heart Health Obstacle Course: Students learned about the importance of cardio exercise for their hearts by participating in a heart-healthy obstacle course.
• Catapults: Each group engineered and launched a catapult, helping students understand basic physics concepts such as force, levers, potential, and kinetic energy and how these concepts are similar to a pitcher throwing a baseball.
• Slime and Tie-Dye: Students created amazing tie-dye patterns on t-shirts and made slime, fostering a sense of team spirit and community.

The excitement reached new heights as Dodgers pitchers Alex Vesia and Kyle Hurt joined in the fun, participating in the activities and interacting with the students. The students were equally thrilled to see the Discovery Cube staff as they were to meet the Dodgers players, making it a truly memorable day for everyone involved. The unique activities like tie-dye and slime-making added a fun twist to the day.

We are deeply grateful to Will and Cara Smith for their initiative in organizing this event and for the opportunity to inspire young minds. We look forward to more events like this in the future!

05.31.25

 

LOS ANGELES GALA UNDERWRITING AND EXPANSION LAUNCH!!

We are grateful for those of you who were able to join us last week on a beautiful Thursday morning to celebrate the official launch of our exciting courtyard expansion and jump start our fundraising efforts in support of LA’s 10-year-anniversary gala on May 4!

We had a great mix of Board Members, donors, and partners who all came together in support of this exciting occasion. The event helped to secure over $100,000 in pledges towards this year’s Gala as well as create a palpable buzz and excitement for what is to come in our 10th year as part of the Los Angeles community.

The strides we have made together would not have been possible without everyone’s collective belief in our mission and support. We are excited to embark on the next chapter of growth and innovation together as a Cube family and look forward to having you join us on this journey!

02.23.24

 

JACK HORNER VISITS THE CUBE

Last Friday, Discovery Cube Orange County had a special visit from world-renowned paleontologist and dinosaur expert, Jack Horner.

Jack is currently a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University but is more notably acclaimed for his fieldwork and research on dinosaur growth and behaviors. His most important discoveries include the first dinosaur eggs and embryos in the Western Hemisphere and the first evidence of colonial nesting and parental care among dinosaurs. As a technical adviser for all the Jurassic Park and World films, he is also the inspiration for the series lead character Dr. Alan Grant.

At our invitation, Jack came out to the Cube for a tour and lunch to learn more about who we are and, of course, about our upcoming Dino Quest refresh. Upon his arrival, he was immediately blown away with what he saw and shared immense excitement to be involved.

Joe and I toured him through the exhibit site and share the grand vision for what is to come in the next few months. Jack enthusiastically agreed to lend his time, his expertise, and his authority to the project and sat with us dreaming up what else the future could hold for our newly budding partnership!

We are thrilled to partner with him and Chapman University, and look forward to what lies ahead.

02.23.24

 

 

TEACHERS NIGHT OUT | LOS ANGELES

On Wednesday, February 21st Discovery Cube LA hosted its annual Teachers Night Out. Offerings included complimentary food and drink, STEM activities, science demonstrations, and raffle prizes.

This event gives us a chance to celebrate formal and informal educators and showcase all the Cube’s educational programs from Field Trips to Outreach, Assemblies, and Camp. With nearly 300 educators in attendance, a record crowd for this event, and a number of our educational partners participating, the night was a great success.

02.23.24

 

 

BABY SHARKS DOO DOO DOO DOO, BABY SHARKS DOO DOO DOO DOO

(Sorry, I couldn’t help myself! Now you’ll all be singing that song for the rest of the weekend, my apologies.)

However, we have exciting news at Discovery Cube OC!

Our senior aquarist, Martika, has been working hard on build relationships around the country with other aquariums and like entities since opening Sea Lab. As a result, the Oklahoma Aquarium choose to donate five juvenile white spotted bamboo sharks to the Cube. We were selected over four other institutions who applied for the animals. The sharks are all females, and were just hatched this past October.

Until now, we have had an all male shark tank but females are an important add to our tank as they will help keep our males be less irritable and will provide breeding opportunities in the future once they’re grown. This is very important as they’re a frequently sought after animal in the aquarium industry and breeding them in captivity will not only help us when trading with other aquariums but, also works to safeguard wild populations from the aquarium trade.

We just received these little gals last week and they are currently in observation and quarantine before being introduced to the population. They’ll join the others once they are desensitized to the noise, commotion, and are eating off a feeding pole.

02.23.24

 

OCWR AWARDS DISCOVERY CUBE MULTIMILLION DOLLAR GRANT!

On Tuesday morning the Orange County Supervisors approved this grant, by a 4-0 vote, awarding the Orange County Cube over $2.87 Million from OC Waste & Recycling.

This grant is the continuation of a long and healthy relationship with OC Waste & Recycling and the grant will provide multi-year funding for:

• Eco Challenge exhibit upgrade and refresh
• Pumpkin Palooza festival enhancement
• Continued educational programming with OCWR
• Healthy Kitchen reactivation
• Marketing support
• Creation of new content with Cube Studios
• The future at Discovery Cube is looking GREEN!

01.26.24

 

 

DISCOVERY CUBE LOS ANGELES ANNOUNCES ITS 2024 GALA HONOREES

We are pleased to announce that this year’s gala honorees include one of your fellow Board Members, Tim Gaspar. We are thrilled to honor Christina and Tim Gaspar at this year’s event. Tim, THANK YOU for your service on the Board and your dedication to the Cube!

Additionally we’ll be honoring The City of Los Angeles with LADWP | Martin Adams and LASAN | Barbara Romero. The support from the City of Los Angeles and these agencies has been instrumental in our current success and will be pivotal for our future growth!

All these devoted Cube partners have made a tremendous impact on the lives of Southern California residents throughout the years, and we could not be more excited to honor them and celebrate our collective work towards educational equity at our upcoming Gala on Saturday, May 4th.

For additional information on the upcoming Gala, to purchase tickets, tables or support, click on the graphic below.

 

01.26.24

 

 

 

TOUR AND VISIT WITH ARTHUR AFFLECK

In support of the Lilly Endowment grant Executive Director of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), Arthur Affleck, came for a site visit at Discovery Cube Orange County. This was Arthur’s first visit to either of the Cube’s and he was monumentally impressed!

Arthur has traveled to over 100 science centers and children’s museums and he complemented us as an industry leader when it came to gamification, adventures, community impact, and our festival overlays which enhance the fun and educational factors of our exhibitions.  In fact, Arthur was so impressed and inspired by the work we do that that he is planning to have the Association feature a summer story on the innovations that are taking place here at our Cube’s in their national publication.

So, there you have it, direct from the CEO of  the Association of Children’s Museums, our Cube’s are leading the way and being noticed at a national level!

01.26.24

SECOND ANNUAL PARTNER BREAKFAST

On Thursday, January 18th Discovery Cube OC hosted it’s second annual Partnership Appreciation Breakfast to kick-off the New Year!

This event gives us a chance to celebrate and say thank you to all the people behind the scenes that bring the magic to the Cube. Designers, Contractors, Architects, Exhibit Fabricators, Suppliers, School Districts, Marketing Partners and even some Sponsors were in attendance.

It was wonderful to have all these people, beyond the staff, who share in our excitement to help carry out our mission and who are inspired by our work to keep advancing what we do in an effort to make an impact in our community. ​

01.26.24

A SNEEK PEEK AT THE NEW LED WALLS

Earlier this week the team loaded in 300 new LED modular panels, what you see here is only 170 panels spanning the Showcase Theater.  This incredible technology was made possible through a $600K grant from the Samueli Foundation.

Our first feature use of these walls will be through this year’s Winter Lights musical spectacular this Holiday season. Then, in January we will use them to showcase new images from the James Webb telescope in partnership with UCI as part of our Solar System Encounter exhibit.

Exciting times! To watch a time-lapse of the LED wall build, CLICK HERE

11.17.23

 

 

DISCOVERY CUBE IMPACT EVENT

Another successful Impact Event in the books! On Sunday, November 5th the Cube hosted over 230 participants at Huntington State Beach. Our Educators were also onsite to engage with guests and help connect the dots from our exhibits at the Cube to the real world application and impact.

Together, we were able to collect over 163 pounds of trash from the beach and surrounding areas in only two hours. Most notably we gathered 834 pieces of plastic, 547 pieces of Styrofoam and 320 bottle caps, all tracked on our data whiteboard by participants themselves.

Understanding the importance of activating our mission through these events is key to making a difference beyond our walls!

11.17.23

 

 

 

LILLY ENDOWMENT GRANT “FOSTERING CHARACTER THROUGH CHILDRENS’ MUSEUMS”

Discovery Cube is pleased to have been selected and awarded $100,000 from the Lilly Endowment. This grant is focused on the topic of character development and will be used to explore and prepare a phase two implementation grant. Phase two funding considerations range from $1millon to $2.5 million and will be awarded next Fall.

The Endowment believes positive character traits can be learned and developed in many different contexts and that children’s museums may be uniquely positioned to help promote and enhance character development in their communities.

We will look to engage you, our Board Members, on this grant as we work to identify and explore character traits that the Cube hopes to develop in our young visitors. We will also be exploring innovative ways to engage our guests and create unique exhibits and programs that foster these same traits.

More to come!

11.17.23

 

 

 

WITH DEEPEST SORROW

This past Sunday, the Cube lost a very special family member, Lysanne Sebastian, daughter to Janet and Walkie Ray, wife to Rick, mother to Bradley and Sage, and so much to so many others.

We are proud to honor her life and joyful spirit through the work we do every day. Lysanne spent many of her younger years growing up alongside the Cube as her parents dedicated much of their lives to nurturing and fostering the Cube’s growth like one of their own. Lysanne herself also dedicated more than 10 years serving on the Innovators Leadership Council empowering others through her love and passion for science education.

We will continue to honor her loving memory and profound legacy every day and cherish the many memories she created with us.

While our hearts are broken, our spirits cannot be, because she carries us.

11.03.23

 

 

 

NEW CUBE TRADITION | DIA DE LOS MUERTOS OFRENDAS

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican celebration honoring loved ones who have passed away. The two-day celebration, which takes place annually on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, is not a somber holiday but a day that celebrates and honors the dead with festivities filled with color, music and food.
An Ofrenda, or alter, includes photos of the deceased, sugar skulls, traditional sweet breads and marigold flowers. The marigold is included in the ofrendas not only because they are seen everywhere during this time of year, but also because according to Mexican folklore, its strong smell is believed to attract spirits.
Both Discovery Cube sites have chosen to start a new annual tradition this year by erecting an Ofrenda at each site and have filled it with photos of those who’ve made a significant impact on the Cube.
Our hope is to continue this new tradition each October as a way to remember those who came before us and helped to lay the groundwork for our current and future success.
If you know someone that you feel should be included on the Ofrenda at either site, please don’t hesitate to contact me. The Cube history is long, and we would like to include all who have made an impact over the years.

11.03.23

 

 

 

ORANGE COUNTY INNOVATORS GET INTO THE HALLOWEEN SPIRITS

Innovators enjoyed an unforgettable night of immersion where the worlds of distillation and culinary science met in spectacular fashion right in their own backyards.

Surf City Still Works is an independent craft distillery founded in 2017 established with a clear purpose in mind; to bring craft distilling to Huntington Beach, celebrate the art of mixology, and support local artists.

Gaston, Surf City’s head mixologist, took guests on an informative journey through the high-tech distillation facility unveiling the secrets and science behind all their favorite spirits…the boozy kind that is.

He then dove into the science and art of mixology, pairings and culinary fusion with the help of Surf City’s Two Michelin-starred celebrity chef, James Beard Award winner and restaurateur Alex Stratta. Guests taste buds and minds alike were delighted!

11.03.23

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES ENCHANTED HALLOWEEN SCARES UP SOME IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS

On Saturday, October 28th Los Angeles hosted its first ticketed spooktacular event, Enchanted Halloween, to wild success!

With nearly 1,100 guests in attendance the event brought in over $6,000 through event ticket sales, plus $7,500 in GA sales from non-Members. The night time festivities included face painters, magicians, food trucks, a DJ, costume contests and, of course, Trick-Or-Treating!

A frightfully delightful night!

11.03.23

 

 

 

 

LAUSD DAY AT THE CUBE

On Saturday, October 21st, Discovery Cube Los Angeles welcomed LAUSD Board District 6 visitors for the second annual “Family Day at Discovery Cube.”  Families from across the district joined for an afternoon of science exploration and activities provided by Bank of America and LA Sanitation.

Photographed above is LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez with Luis for a brief chat as the day rolled out.

11.03.23

 

 

 

WELCOME TO THE BOARD JOHN!

This past week, we officially welcomed John Wilmarth to the Los Angeles Board of Directors at his first Board Meeting.

John is a Principal in KPMG’s Advisory Services practice with more than 20 years of experience helping clients assess, manage and enhance their technology, business operations, risk management and governance capabilities. His primary focus is industrial manufacturing with a specific emphasis on automotive, while also spending time in the consumer markets and real estate sectors. He specializes in IT governance, risk management, information security, IT compliance, internal controls, SOX and internal audits.

John has significant experience managing and coordinating advisory engagements across multiple industries including industrial manufacturing/automotive, consumer markets/retail and healthcare sectors. He has served as engagement Principal with responsibility for planning, coordinating, budgeting, execution, and delivery of extensive IT and business process internal audit plans; broad SOX 404 assistance projects; application security design engagements; and business process efficiency and risk assessments.

Please join us in welcoming John to the Cube family.

11.03.23

 

 

LOS ANGELES CHAIRMAN’S CUP INAGURAL EVENT

The very first Los Angeles Chairman’s Cup hosted 12 golfers and 23 participants up in Pebble Beach at the beautiful Inn at Spanish Bay this past weekend. The event was a huge success and everyone has already shared their excitement for next year and all that is to come! Attendees included current Board Members, prospective donors, and a few of our ‘next generation’ supporters!

The celebratory nature of the event was only fueled by the many Birthdays that marked the occasion. Those guests of honor included Michael Stephenson, Joe Adams, and Georgina Mueller. Cheers to each of you and thank you for celebrating with us!

Special thanks to our Board and Committee Members Melanie Coto and Michael Stephenson, Wendy Greuel and Dean Schramm, Tim Gaspar, Tony Mueller, and Pedram Salimpour who spearheaded the effort; turning the idea into reality. This year’s success will only ensure next years growth!

10.20.23

 

 

 

ORANGE COUNTY’S PUMPKIN PALOOZA DOUBLES UP ON NEW SUCCESS

On Friday, October 6th Orange County kicked off the run of this year’s second annual Pumpkin Palooza by hosting its first ticketed Member event which promptly sold out bringing in 750 guests and yielding $6,000 in incremental income!

Another first for OC was a sensory friendly Pumpkin Palooza show which nearly sold out; boasting a crowd of almost 300 guests. The sensory friendly show was held on Sunday, October 15th at 10:30am. Jack-O-Lynn still led the crowd through the dance adventure, but  ‘take it down a notch’ for those who might feel overwhelmed by all the excitement. Show audio and performer audio were reduced significantly, lighting affects were also dampened and slowed down, the floor projections, haze and strobe lights were turned off for this show and certain pieces of the performance was toned down. The show was well received by audiences and feedback has been very positive.

 

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES SPOOKY SCIENCE HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER

Spooky Science elevated the fun on Saturday, October 7th for our annual Member Event which saw over 500 members!

Visitors meet some extra spooky guest provided by the Reptile Zoo, enjoyed the haunting sounds of the “scarolers,” got gooey with some hands-on fun at the Spooky Demo Stage and did it all in style dressed in their Halloween costumes of choice. Not to mention taking part in some family friendly trick-or-treating along the way.

AFRAID that you missed out on all the fun!? Not to worry, LA is hosting its first ticketed spooktacular event, Enchanted Halloween, on Saturday, October 28th to delight guests of all ages with face painters, magicians, food trucks, a DJ and so much much more!

10.20.23

 

 

 

YOU WILL BE MISSED PAUL

It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of a beloved friend and longtime supporter, Paul Folino.

Paul was a champion for the Cube in every sense of the word and a true believer in the power of STEM education.

His legacy will live on through our annual Folino Hall of Fame, an honor established in 2021, which is bestowed upon those who share the same values, passion, and fortitude for impacting the children of Southern California.

He has left an indelible mark on our entire community through his philanthropy, dedication, leadership, and generosity of spirit. He will continue to inspire us all as he was the embodiment of unwavering support for us and so many others.

10.20.23