Netflix’s creative take on the Addams Family has been a runaway success. Wednesday, a coming-of-age tale directed by Tim Burton following the angsty teen, is one of the most-watched series ever to stream on Netflix. In January 2023, the streamer announced the show was getting a second season and has just released a new video in which members of the cast discuss (and confirm) top fan theories.
The video features Jenna Ortega, Emma Meyers (Enid), Joy Sunday (Bianca), and Hunter Doohan (Tyler) discussing potential plotline theories for season 2, like Crackstone’s ring and whether or not someone will inherit its power, what Eugene might have in store, and whether or not Professor Weems met her end in Episode 8. While the actors admit that most of season two is so top secret that even they don’t know for sure what’s coming, they did confirm one theory about the new season that revolves around the Addams family itself.
“We can’t wait to dive headfirst into another season and explore the kooky, spooky world of Nevermore,” said Wednesday Season 1 co-showrunners Miles Millar and Alfred Gough. “We just need to make sure Wednesday hasn’t emptied the pool first.”
Will Christina Ricci reprise her role in Season 2?
In March 2023, when asked whether her character, Marilyn Thornhill, would be returning for a second season, Ricci told Entertainment Tonight, “I don’t think I’m allowed to say… on my end, the door is open. She was so fun to play! It’s always so fun to play a villain.”
Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2 Release Date
While there’s no news on a release date, fans can still learn about the plot theories and maybe rewatch season one to get more ideas before the second season arrives.
In season one, as Wednesday attempted to master her budding psychic powers, the iconic character also aims to “thwart a monstrous killing spree that has terrorized the local town and solve the supernatural mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago—all while navigating her new and very tangled relationships of the strange and diverse student body,” per Netflix.
From Biddy Mason to environmental activist Aurora Castillo, these LA women will inspire you
In honor of March being Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look back at the bold and accomplished female trailblazers who have helped shape Los Angeles. From the 1890s to today, these formidable women have broken barriers and been integral in making LA, and beyond, what it is today. Read on for a mini history less, plus major inspiration.
Born into slavery in 1818, Biddy Mason eventually ended up in California, a non-slave state, where Mason was able to fight and win her freedom in 1856. After settling in Los Angeles, she worked as a nurse and midwife, and eventually purchased an acre of land in what is not Downtown LA. She went on to buy more land and properties throughout Los Angeles, accumulating wealth, which she donated to numerous charities, and used to feed and shelter the poor.
To learn more about Biddy Mason, visit the Biddy Mason Memorial Park, which features a memorial and timeline of her life at the site of her original homestead.
If you've ever received a jury summon in LA, then the name Clara Shortridge Foltz may sound familiar. The criminal courthouse located downtown is known as The Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, named for the first female lawyer on the West Coast, a crusader for public defenders (in a time before they even existed), and California’s first female deputy district attorney. According to a piece in the California Bar Journal, Foltz also "sued for entrance into California’s only law school, tried cases in court when women were not allowed to serve on juries and played a key role in winning women’s suffrage in California 100 years ago."
Amelia Earhart
Although Amelia Earhart grew up mostly in the midwest, she took her first flight (as a passenger) out of Long Beach in 1920. She went on to take flying lessons near Long Beach and in 1923 receive her pilot's license, making her the 16th woman in the U.S. to do so. She famously went on to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, and subsequently wrote books and articles on flying and lectured on the subject. During the years leading up to her fateful flight, Earhart lived her husband in Toluca Lake, and often flew out of Grand Central Air Terminal in Glendale and what is today's Bob Hope Airport in Burbank.
Anna May Wong
Born in 1905 in Los Angeles, Anna May Wong went on to become the first Chinese American movie star in Hollywood. While she appeared in more than 60 films, she was mostly relegated to playing smaller, supporting parts that were based on racial stereotypes. Even when Hollywood was making The Good Earth, producers passed Wong over, instead casting a white actress to play a Chinese character. As Wong said in a 1928 interview, “There seems little for me in Hollywood, because, rather than real Chinese, producers prefer Hungarians, Mexicans, American Indians for Chinese roles.”
After spending time in Europe, she eventually returned home to Los Angeles, and in 1951, starred in her own TV show, making her television's first Chinese American leading lady. Unfortunately the groundbreaking show, The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong, only lasted a year. But, today, Wong is still celebrated for paving the way for future Asian American actors.
Charlotta Spears Bass
Nearly 70 years before Kamala Harris would become our first female Vice President, Charlotta Spears Bass was the first Black woman to run for vice president of the United States in 1952, on the Progressive Party ticker. In addition to working in politics, Spears owned and ran LA-based African American newspaper The California Eagle, and a civil rights activist, according to the National Women's History Museum. Over the years, Bass's paper addressed racial injustices, including discrimination in schools, housing and employment.
Dorothy Chandler
We have Dorothy Chandler to thank for the Hollywood Bowl. In 1950, the iconic venue was in a financial crisis and near closing, when Chandler took action, organizing fundraising concerts that help saved the Bowl. After her experience with the Hollywood Bowl, she set out to raise money to build a performing arts center in Los Angeles. In 1964, thanks to Chandler's unrelenting fundraising and efforts, The Los Angeles Music Center opened. The full complex was completed in 1967, with three venues: the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum and Ahmanson Theatre. In her 1997 obituary, the Los Angeles Timesnoted that "many believe [the Music Center] saved a physically and culturally decaying downtown core area."
Dolores Huerta
In 1955 Huerta began her career as an activist when she co-founded the Stockton chapter of the Community Service Organization (CSO), which led voter registration drives and fought for economic improvements for Hispanics. She also founded the Agricultural Workers Association, a precursor to what would eventually become the United Farm Worker's Union in 1965. Over the next decade, Huerta organized and fought for farm workers rights. Her efforts contributed to groundbreaking California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, which allowed farm workers to form unions and bargain for better wages and conditions.
Today, Huerta continues to work advocating for the working poor, women, and children. As founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she travels across the country engaging in campaigns and influencing legislation that supports equality and defends civil rights.
Aurora Castillo
In 1984, Aurora Castillo, then in her seventies, learned that the state of California had plans to build an eighth prison in East Los Angeles. Together with other residents of her predominantly Latino community, she helped found The Mothers of East Los Angeles (MELA). In addition to eventually prevailing against the state in the battle over the prison project, MELA went on to fight for environmental justice for their neighborhood, stopping the construction of a toxic pipeline. According to The Los Angeles Times, Castillo vowed to “fight like a lioness for the children of East Los Angeles.”
You might recognize her name from the community facilities she's helped create over the years, including the Annenberg Community Beach House, Annenberg PetSpace, Annenberg Space for Photography and Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts. Wallis Annenberg's philanthropic work has certainly delivered some of our favorite destinations for art, culture and fun in LA. She's also responsible for the first universally accessible treehouse—the Wilson Park Annenberg Tree House in Torrance. Guided by principles of community, inclusion and compassion, Annenberg has said, "I’ve tried to focus not just on giving, but on innovating."
In honor of the big day, children’s hospitals all over the country are holding Valentine Drives where anyone can send a free digital valentine to a patient. Each hospital has its own designs––many of which are designed by patients––and are such an easy way to brighten up a patient’s day!
You can do a quick Google search for local hospitals in your area, or you can reference any of these hospitals listed below that are already participating with their own Valentine Drive.
Sending a valentine is easy: you need to use your desktop computer, phone or tablet to access the hospital’s page. Then just fill out the e-card with your info and a sweet message before pressing send. Some hospitals even have pre-written messages if you’re at a loss for words to make the process even more simple.
Find your little bibliophile a great new read they won’t be able to put down. Nothing compares to the magic of browsing rows of bookshelves and cracking open the spine of a book so the story inside can spring to life in a young reader’s imagination. San Diego is home to some very cool bookstores with equally inviting kid’s sections where you’ll find everything from comics and sci-fi to storytime with beloved children’s book authors and Where’s Waldo scavenger hunts. Read on for 8 local shops to dog-ear for your next adventure with your little bookworm!
The only bookstore in San Diego that’s dedicated entirely to children. It was founded by a mother of three who wanted kids to have the most magical experience with books. Kids can work on story-related craft projects while their parents read aloud or browse. Storytimes come to life here with related props, crafts and sing-a-longs. Check out their fun birthday party celebrations with fantastic literary experiences. They even have recommended award-winning book lists for different ages.
NEARBY: Walk a few shops over to the cute little coffee booth at Kini Koffee or grab breakfast or lunch on the patio at Pacifica Breeze Café; both have stunning ocean views. Plan ahead to drive a few minutes over to Powerhouse playground for a play session just steps away from the beach with stunning ocean views; and the train runs by every so often.
Sandcastle Tales 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 858-777-2086 Online: sandcastletales.com
Central Library Shop
This downtown shop is located on the ground floor of the San Diego Central Library and is a partner of the Public Library Foundation. That means proceeds from the well-curated Library Shop purchases benefit the San Diego Public Library system — an extra bonus in our "book." If that's not enough to love, the shop hosts awesome literacy-themed gatherings for kids like a Where's Waldo scavenger hunt, card-making workshops for Mother's Day and Father's Day, visits from famous authors of children's books and storytime events. A visit to this shop is sure to be an epic day for readers of all ages.
NEARBY: Across the street is Hob Coffee East Village or further down is the ultra-trendy Holy Matcha or walk-up coffee bar at Achilles Coffee.
Central Library Shop 300 Park Blvd., Downtown 619-236-5802 Online: libraryshopsd.org
Bay Books
Considered San Diego's largest general independent bookstore, Bay Books has been catering to local (and visiting) bookworms for more than 20 years. Boasting an extensive children's section, with books for those tackling their ABCs as well as good reads for more accomplished readers, the shop is roomy enough for families to sit together and read while still offering plenty of cozy nooks for those who prefer some quiet time. Be sure to check out their party supply section where you can pick out the perfect decor for your thoughtful reader's next birthday party.
NEARBY: Inside Bay Books is a coffee + pastry shop so you don’t have to go too far. Down the street, you have a choice from Moo Time Creamery for ice cream, Nado Gelato or across the street for an old-timey landmark at Clayton’s Coffee Shop for classic American meals, coffee, pie and jukebox tunes.
Replenish your supply of bedtime stories at Warwicks, the country’s oldest family-owned and operated bookstore, located in La Jolla. The well-stocked shop offers a kid's section filled with a wide selection of books, educational toys, colorful artwork and comfy beanbag chairs. The store used to have storytimes so check back in case they start those up again later on.
NEARBY: This is in the middle of the village so you can shop, eat and people watch all morning long. Walk across the street to trendy Parakeet Café or a few blocks further to Better Buzz.
Warwicks 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla 858-454-0347 Online: warwicks.com
Recently opened in 2017, and very welcome addition to the South Park neighborhood. They have a wonderful children’s room full of books, while also focusing on new literary fiction, short stories, narrative nonfiction, science and nature writing.
NEARBY: Buy a book and walk 2 blocks down to Communal Coffee for a quick outdoor reading session.
This long-time book store has been around since 1967 and is very well-known with the well-read crowd in town. There’s a great kid’s section with a variety of new books, including Level 1, 2 & 3 and summer beach reads. Donate to their ongoing Baby Book Drive where they collect books for tots 0-5 years old that are enrolled in the local UCSD high-risk infant follow-up program. These babies get a free book and parents get the encouragement to cuddle up and read; all from the donations of their customers.
NEARBY: Plan to grab breakfast, lunch or coffee at any one of the wonderful restaurants that are surrounded nearby; a favorite is Snooze A.M. Eatery 1 ½ blocks north.
A local’s favorite bookstore for used and rare books, but in a fun and hip art-filled space. They stock quality editions of classics, favorites and new discoveries, including over 200 local authors. You’ll find lots of cozy antique chairs for reading and discovering something new.
NEARBY: Walk to your choice of coffee shops from here, Dark Horse, Subterranean Coffee or Holsem Coffee; but the kids would love a stop at Flap Your Jacks (a make your own pancake grill restaurant!).
Verbatim Books 3793 30th St., North Park 619-501-7466 Online: verbatim-books.com
Mysterious Galaxy
Lea S. via Yelp
Books about martians, magic, mayhem and more? Yes, please! Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego specializes in science fiction and fantasy and even offers customers a kid's indie reading list. The recommended books are curated by age and hand-picked to inspire tiny bookworms to keep reading.
NEARBY: Walk across the parking lot to Crumbl Cookies and you’ll be planning a return trip before you know it.
Mysterious Galaxy 3555 Rosecrans St., Midway District 619-539-7137 Online: mystgalaxy.com
Comickaze
If your family is into comics and pop culture, then Comickaze is the bookshop for you. Comickaze stocks San Diego's largest and most diverse selection of comics, graphic novels and collector supplies. The store is chock full of merchandise so plan ahead for some extra browsing time here.
NEARBY: Two shops down is GuilTea Cravings for milk & boba teas, lattes, sweet macarons and Asian bites.
As our kids begin their second consecutive pandemic-impacted school year, the Delta Variant is threatening the chances of a “normal” school experience, parenting can feel more stressful than ever.
With all this uncertainty, it’s important that we continue to foster meaningful conversations with our kids to help them feel secure, grounded and connected, despite feelings of fear, anxiety and confusion. One topic families may be reluctant to discuss? Money. According to a recent survey by T. Rowe Price, 69% of parents are reluctant to talk with their kids about money, and only 23% of kids reported talking with their parents about money on a regular basis. It may seem like a strange time to talk about money with everything happening in the world, but this conversation can be an important part of daily interactions with your child to help build a strong foundation during times of uncertainty.
Demystifying money, by making it a regular topic of discussion, is crucial to helping your kids develop smart money habits later in life. And its not just talking about money, but giving kids exposure to money decisions: what to buy, what not to buy and how to make those tradeoffs is an important muscle for them to start flexing while still at home. Without a solid financial foundation, based on conversations and experience, kids will be unprepared to function as successful economic actors when they leave the nest.
The first step for empowering kids to be smarter spenders is collaboration. Encourage your kids to ask questions by including them in spending decisions. Shopping, whether for back to school supplies or for a hobby, is a great opportunity to give your kids a budget and allow them to buy items that will directly impact their daily experience.
The next step: Make a plan around spending. Sit down with your kids and break down their expenses into different buckets: wants vs. needs, fixed vs. variable expenses. This is a great way to help kids visualize money and gain a firmer understanding of their financial situations. After making a plan, the final steps are to set goals and prioritize. Ask your kids what short and long term purchases they want to make and use the plan from earlier to evaluate how close they are to achieving their spending and saving goals. For example, do your kids want to save up for a new gaming console? If so, they might want to take fewer trips to the ice cream shop.
While these steps are a great way to get kids thinking about smart money habits, tools like Till give kids hands-on spending experience by putting the power in their hands. Till is an app and debit card combo designed to encourage collaboration between parents and kids. Unlike other apps that focus on saving or investing, Till’s #1 priority is teaching kids to be smarter spenders. The reality is that we are living in a spending economy, and without developing the ability to spend effectively, kids will have a very difficult transition once they leave the nest.
On average, each kid in the US influences family purchases of $6,000 a year. That equates to a lot of opportunities to teach them about how to spend wisely. Imagine if instead of putting some of those expenses on a credit card auto-pay, you use the opportunity to talk with your kid on a monthly basis about if it’s a worthwhile expense, and better yet, give them the exposure and the opportunity to pay the bill themselves (even if you subsidize it). Paying bills is a very real part of life that kids should have exposure to before they’re out on their own and potentially caught off guard.
We all want our kids to grow up to be strong, educated financial actors. Taking the time to teach your kids smart money habits will benefit them for the rest of their lives. No one knows what this next year will bring, but one thing you can control is planting the seeds for your kids’ long-term financial success.
Taylor Burton is the co-founder of Till Financial, the first app and debit card that empowers the next generation of smarter spenders, helping families find teachable moments to learn financial literacy and demystify money management for kids. He is a proud father of two girls and lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife.
When children are diagnosed with cancer, their childhoods are put on hold. Navigating countless procedures, enduring lengthy treatments and meeting emotional needs takes incredible strength and resilience. To bring much-needed joy and smiles to families on this unfathomable journey, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, recently connected children and families affected by childhood cancer for a one-of-a-kind virtual “camp” experience: the Ultimate Mini-Camp.
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Ultimate Mini-Camp united families nationwide affected by childhood cancer who often lack crucial support networks that truly understand this battle. Hosted by Super Bowl champion and former NFL player Donald Driver, participants got to listen to stories, ask NFL pros questions and show off their favorite accessories—casting their worries aside as they enjoyed an afternoon of pure fun.
Aaron Jones, NFL Running Back for the Green Bay Packers, acted as the “director of activities,” talking to kids about everything from his ranking in Madden NFL to why he wears a sombrero on game day, and taking participants behind the scenes for an exclusive tour of Lambeau Field. The children were also encouraged to submit a customized design for a chance to be featured on Aaron’s cleats for this season’s “My Cause, My Cleats” game in December. “I look forward to wearing one of you guys’ cleats this upcoming December…having a special game in them and seeing what you come up with,” said Jones.
Kids and parents were able to ask Jones and Driver questions, which ranged from their other favorite sports to what advice they’d give to children battling cancer. Driver, who has experienced multiple friends and family members fight cancer, shared an emotional response. “You’re the most special person in the world,” said Driver. “Never give up, keep fighting. Believe that anything is possible.”
The Northwestern Mutual Foundation launched its Childhood Cancer Program in 2012 to accelerate the search for better treatments and cures, provide necessary family and patient support, and aid those who continue to struggle with the long-term effects of treatment. The program has contributed more than $35 million to the cause, funding more than 455,000 hours of life-saving research. It also provides two scholarships—one to childhood cancer survivors and another for siblings of those affected by childhood cancer—so they can pursue dreams of higher education and inspiring careers.
Since 2018, Northwestern Mutual has been hosting special camp events virtually and at renowned venues – Rose Bowl Stadium in 2018, Lambeau Field in Titletown in 2019, and virtually in 2020 and 2021. This year’s Ultimate Mini-Camp served as an uplifting (virtual) destination to help families rediscover hope, create unforgettable memories, and build meaningful connections among a loving community.
Did you know you can do your weekly grocery shopping and give back at the same time? Thanks to the return of the ALDI and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) partnership, it’s easy!
Like last year, the duo is pairing up to offer limited-time ALDI Finds that will go on sale Wed., Jul. 14. The lemon-themed products will go towards ALDI’s corporate donation to ALSF, an organization that helps fund cancer research, education and support to families with children fighting cancer.
Some of the tasty offerings this year include Moser Roth Lemon Chocolate Truffles ($2.99), MoonPie Lemon Pies ($2.18), Bake Shop Mini Lemon Bites ($3.89), Nature’s Nectar Watermelon Lemonade ($1.29) and Sundae Shoppe Frozen Lemonade Bars ($2.40).
With each purchase, shoppers will help ALSF’s mission of changing the lives of children with cancer. So far, the organization, which was founded by 8-year-old Alex while she was battling cancer, has raised more than $200 million to fight the disease.
Each product will be available for a limited time at your local ALDI store.
It’s easier than ever to support Asian-owned businesses online, thanks to a new initiative from Target. The retailer just announced a badge that identifies Asian-owned brands and they’re spotlighting these products online as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month continues.
Whether you’re looking for coconut chips or a new children’s book, you can find the badge in the “At A Glance” section of the product description. It accompanies two other badges that Target has released in the past year: a Black-owned business badge and a women-owned business badge. And it’s in line with the company’s mission to leverage change and shift power to communities, as noted in March on the Target Foundation page.
“We stand firmly against racism, racialized misogyny, and xenophobia in all forms. Through our existing approach in driving systems-level change, we are committed to centering equity and investing in Black, Indigenous, and Person of Color-led (BIPOC) organizations. As part of our commitment to action against hate, we are investing $250,000 in organizations led by Asian Americans, working to empower the Asian American community, addressing gender-based violence and xenophobia, and advancing justice.”
Happy National Park Week! The presidentially proclaimed week syncs up with the National Park Foundation to celebrate the many national parks across the United States.
National Park Week is the perfect time to find your own park, explore new places and learn about the amazing history and culture behind some of the world’s most amazing treasures. This year it runs from Apr. 17 through 25 and there are plenty of ways to celebrate.
Every day of this special time has it’s own unique theme, special programs, digital experiences and events to celebrate. While we are already mid-week into the festivities, you can still celebrate on the remaining themed days that include:
Head over to the National Park Foundation’s social media account to stay up to date on all the happenings such as each day’s theme, virtual events and news.
While this last year for many parents has meant taking kids “to work” pretty much every day thanks to school and work from home, you might find yourself laughing at the idea of celebrating this day. But hear us out!
This year, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is going virtual for 2021 and is adapting to current times by creating a virtual career day for parents and kids to experience together. They’re hosting an online event geared toward elementary and middle-school-aged kids. Each program will include keynote speeches, interactive polls, video programming that focuses on diversity and inclusion, and an up-close look into more than 15 workplaces from industries such as the Arts, STEM, Health Sciences, Marketing, and Business.
photo: iStock
Whether you currently work from home, are back in the office in a hybrid model, or are a full-time in-person employee, this special day is a way to celebrate your career with your child. Starting in 1993 daughters and sons have enjoyed learning more about what their parents do for a living. To carry on the excitement of this career-centric day, the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation is transforming the previously all in-person events to cyber fun.
Tune in to the virtual event on Thursday, Apr. 22, 2021 at DaughtersAndSonsToWork.org. All participants should register before the event begins. Visit the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation website here to register.
Catch the broadcast at one of two times—either 9:00 a.m. ET or 12:00 p.m. ET. Entrepreneur and author Ellen Langas will host the 9:00 a.m. event, along with her daughters Stephanie and Veronica Campbell. Activist and icon Gloria Steinem will also make a special appearance, answering questions gathered from children before the event day. Courtney Carson, beauty and lifestyle TV personality, will host the 12:00 program. Gitanjali Rao, TIME Magazine’s first Kid of the Year will also make a special appearance.