This July, the rhythmic pulse of drums and paddles will echo across Brandenburg, Germany as more than 4,000 elite athletes from more than 30 countries compete in the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships — the most prestigious event in the sport’s international calendar.

Among them? 14-year-old Ysabella Cajanding from Bellflower — making waves on the Junior U.S. National Team.

“These kids have made sacrifices for two years preparing for Germany, and I couldn’t be more proud,” said Nathan Salazar, Team USA coach.

Dragon boat racing, a sport with roots dating back over 2,000 years in China, is now one of the fastest-growing water sports worldwide. It combines fierce physical endurance, flawless timing, and team unity — teams of 20 paddlers race in sync to the beat of a drum aboard 40-foot-long boats adorned with traditional dragon heads and tails. It’s a spectacle of culture, community and competition.

“I want to bond with my team, make memories, and hopefully win gold,” Ysabella said about the upcoming trip to Germany. ”I like the community it creates with my teammates. We’re working together, paddling together and winning together.”

For Ysabella, this journey started when she was just seven years old, paddling alongside her dad Rex who has competed for over two decades. By age 12, she was making history, competing internationally in Thailand, where she brought home three gold medals and two silvers, becoming the youngest competitor at the 16th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Competition.

“I started because I saw my dad doing this sport. He’s been a part of it since before I was born, and he saw my interest growing and put me in the boat with him. Now, I’ve been paddling for half my life,” Ysabella said.

Now, Ysabella and Rex are not just father and daughter, but also teammates representing Team USA on the global stage. Their shared passion for dragon boat racing has built more than strength, it’s deepened their bond and created a legacy of teamwork and resilience.

When she’s not on the water, she prioritizes her wellness and conditioning for the sport. According to a nationwide survey conducted by Planet Fitness, teens believe physical activity helps deal with emotional ups and downs of being a teenager, and 93 percent agree that regular exercise is beneficial when handling challenges. 

“Watching my daughter grow through sports and at the gym, I’ve seen how it strengthens more than just her body—it gives her confidence, clears her mind, and helps her face the daily challenges teens deal with today. She also has our full support. Her mother, Liz, provides her with good nutrition and mental stability, always reminding her that she’s a student before an athlete,” said Ysabella’s father, Rex. 

Ysabella is a regular at her neighborhood Planet Fitness, where she utilizes Team USA coach-approved machines that target the back, shoulders and core muscle groups she needs to excel as an athlete. She works out at Planet Fitness three times a week, noting that the gym has lots of space for her to complete her fitness routine. 

“I have an athlete mentality, and I’m thankful that my local Planet Fitness has the space for what I need to accomplish. It’s hard to find a good gym that’s not overcrowded,” said Ysabella. 

She especially enjoys the resistance bands for assisted pull-ups, something that not every nearby gym provides. Both Ysabella and Rex use the massage chairs and hydromassage beds at Planet Fitness to cool down and recover their sore muscles. What’s more uplifting, 90 percent of teens say exercise helps them feel happy, with 88 percent noting improved mood after exercise noted by the survey.

Whether they are training for a sport or just want to get in some healthy exercise, Planet Fitness is dedicated to investing in teen wellness. The franchise is offering free memberships to high school students and athletes nationwide ages 14-19 from now until Aug. 31 as part of Planet Fitness’s annual High School Summer Pass Program. For more information on how to sign up, head to planetfitness.com/summerpass. 

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This summer, local teens get to hit the gym for free.  Planet Fitness has announced the return of its annual High School Summer Pass program. Celebrating its fifth year, the initiative invites high school teens ages 14-19 to work out for free at any of its 2,700+ Planet Fitness locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Teens can visit PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass to register for the program with club access beginning June 1-Aug. 31. Find the club nearest you here. 

Since launching the program in 2019, Planet Fitness has invested more than $300 million in waived membership dues to promote youth health and wellness and improve the physical and mental health of millions of teens. Planet Fitness’ High School Summer Pass program has helped millions of teens establish healthy fitness habits during the summer months, a critical time when many young people lack access to organized physical activities.

To better understand what today’s teens are experiencing — and how to support them — Planet Fitness conducted a nationwide study, revealing the following key insights:

• Mental health is a major concern: 66 percent of parents are concerned about their teen’s well-being and stress levels and 72 percent of parents believe that consistent exercise can improve their teen’s mental wellness. Unfortunately, around three in five teens report their stress and anxiety are not improving and getting worse as they get older. 
• Working out is a solution: Encouragingly, 90 percent of teens say exercise helps them feel happy, with 88 percent noting improved mood after exercise.
• Exercise is more than physical health: Teens believe physical activity helps deal with emotional ups and downs of being a teenager; 93 percent agree that regular exercise is beneficial when handling challenges.
• Screen time is consuming: 81 percent of teens acknowledge that social media and video games take up a significant portion of their day. In fact, nearly four in five teens report that avoiding social media is helpful. 
• Summer brings a fitness slump: 50 percent of teens report that their fitness levels tend to decline when school is out for summer break.

“At Planet Fitness, we offer a high value experience to both our members and High School Summer Pass participants in a welcoming, judgment-free environment where everyone can get a great workout,” says Planet Fitness’ Chief Executive Officer Colleen Keating. “With free access to our clubs throughout the summer, we’re providing teens with the tools they need to develop healthy fitness habits that can last a lifetime.”

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Kids and teens across the country can now play golf for just $5 or less per round, thanks to a new partnership between Bank of America and Youth on Course. Through the Golf with Us initiative, youth ages 6-18 are eligible for a free one-year Youth on Course membership.

What is the Golf with Us program?

The Golf with Us program, launched in partnership aims to break down financial barriers to golf by providing free annual memberships for young players. The membership offers access to thousands of courses in 97 markets nationwide and a host of learning opportunities. The deadline to enroll is May 24, and program membership includes a registered handicap index in the United States Golf Association’s Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) system, along with continued development and learning opportunities.

“Through Golf with Us, BofA is showing young people what is possible in golf, and in life, when they work hard to achieve their goals,” said Raul Anaya, president of Bank of America Los Angeles. “By offering opportunities for Los Angeles kids to play golf here in our backyard, we are empowering youth and young adults through the transformational power of sports.”

David Tyrie, president of Marketing, Digital & Specialized Consumer Client Solutions at Bank of America, said: “By working with Youth on Course to help make golf more accessible, we’re helping grow the sport while also making a positive impact in our communities.”

Golf clinics and learning opportunities

Through Golf with Us, Bank of America will also bring unique instructional opportunities to youth in select markets throughout the spring, summer and fall by hosting a series of free clinics featuring professional golfers, athletes and celebrities with a passion for golf.

“Golf has the power to shape young lives in incredible ways — not just through the sport itself, but through the friendships, confidence and opportunities it creates,” said Youth on Course CEO Adam Heieck. “Through this partnership with Bank of America, we’re making it possible for more kids across the country to step onto the course and discover what’s possible. This partnership is about more than just golf; it’s about opening doors and changing futures.”

Strength in partnership

Youth on Course and BofA recently announced a multiyear, strategic partnership to expand golf access across the country for young players who are challenged to find an affordable place to play. As part of the agreement, Bank of America is helping fund widespread expansion of municipal course locations participating in the program. To date, more than 2,000 courses are Youth on Course partners nationwide.

The bank will promote Golf with Us through a series of commercials beginning during the Masters Tournament. Bank of America serves as Champion Partner of the Masters Tournament and has partnered with the Augusta National Women’s Amateur since 2019, hosting annual golf clinics for youth in the Augusta, Ga. area. In 2025, Bank of America became the presenting partner of the More Than Golf Invitational for female amateur golfers in partnership with the ANNIKA Foundation founded by golfing legend Annika Sorenstam. In addition, the bank has partnered since 2002 with the Latin America Amateur Championship and Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships.

Beyond its growing golf partnership portfolio, Bank of America also partners with iconic brands in sports that share a vision for excellence and achievement to deepen client relationships, inspire and showcase teammates, create lasting economic impact in communities and drive growth, globally and locally, through the power of sport. To learn more, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/sports.

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Food Allergy Institute is a cutting-edge clinical care and research center that is revolutionizing food allergy treatment. They are the largest food allergy treatment center of its kind and are based in Signal Hill, with additional locations in Long Beach and Signal Hill. They take a unique approach to food allergy treatment through their Tolerance Induction Program (TIP), which helps drive FAI’s mission for all children who suffer from food allergies to safely eat whatever they want.

FAI was founded by Dr. Inderpal Randhawa and recently launched “Resilience & Hope: A Food Allergy Podcast” in partnership with Lesley-Anne Stone. The podcast tells the story of Lesley-Anne’s journey with her son, Sam, through the Tolerance Induction Program at the Food Allergy Institute. Sam was diagnosed with multiple, severe life-threatening food allergies at age 1. According to Lesley, Sam started the program when he was 3 and graduated the program at 5. His food allergies are now all in remission and he lives a life of food freedom, eating whatever he wants, whenever he wants. The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.

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In response to community needs, L.A. County Parks is transforming Loma Alta Park into a vital support center for Altadena residents affected by the Eaton fire.

Opening on May 10, the park will offer essential services for children, seniors and families, becoming a symbol of resilience and recovery. This revitalized space will not only serve those who have returned to Altadena, but also provide a connection point for residents seeking to maintain ties with their cherished community

First Altadena park to reopen

Loma Alta, the first Altadena park to reopen after the Eaton fire, will provide the following community services:  

• Space for a satellite Altadena Senior Center, which was burned in the Eaton fire. 
• Space for after-school (child-care center) serving 100 youth ages 5 to 12 years old after 34 childhood education licensed facilities were destroyed in the Eaton fire.  
• Create 25 teen jobs (for ages 14 to 25).
• Re-open Our SPOT Teen Center.
• Space for a satellite Altadena Library branch.
• A new Altadena Chats neighborhood meet-up and conversation site with Adirondack chairs to serve as a mini “town square.”
• Provide trauma recovery programming for children, seniors and families.
• Provide space for displaced community programming (Altadena Rotary summer concerts).

L.A. County Parks officials will meet with various community-based organizations in Altadena to expand programs at Loma Alta Park needed by residents. County officials envision the park serving as a hopeful sign of Altadena rising — to bring neighborhood residents together, to assist the community with critical services needed to help it heal and rebuild its future.

The goal for April volunteer Saturdays (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is to galvanize volunteers from across Los Angeles County to help green, re-plant trees and create beautiful murals with local artists at Loma Alta Park. Rather than one Earth Day, April will be “Earth Month” for Altadena and Loma Alta Park. Registration is required at bit.ly/3QIsyxK.

The Eaton fire damaged only a small portion of Loma Alta Park. Prior to the volunteer days, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will remove debris (playground equipment, damaged plants/trees, a maintenance shed, and the Altadena Community Garden), followed by a certified contractor who will thoroughly clean the park.

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The L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the county’s probation department, has announced the grand opening of three new Our SPOT Teen Centers, expanding the program to 16 locations countywide.

These free after-school centers provide a safe and engaging environment for teens aged 12-18. It will be open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Feb. 12 at Eugene A. Obregon Park; another groundbreaking will be held March 6 at Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park.

Funded by $620,000 from the probation department, the new centers feature extensive renovations, including snack bars, updated lighting, flooring, furniture and equipment, including gaming stations and TVs. Programming focuses on creative expression, leadership development and personal growth through activities such as podcasting, yoga, music production and mindfulness exercises.

Officials emphasized the centers’ role in addressing challenges such as teen isolation and mental health struggles. The initiative prioritizes high-need areas identified through assessments of community needs and violence prevention scores. For more information on the program, visit parks.lacounty.gov/ourspot.

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Our March/April issue of L.A. Parent is dedicated to telling the stories of Angelenos who were impacted by the catastrophic January wildfires in L.A. County.

Throughout this magazine — and through our website, newsletters, social media and events — we aim to uphold the wishes of our fellow residents: “Don’t Forget About Us.”  

We will not forget.

In these pages, you will find their recollections as well as discussions about how to parent in times of crisis, how to make sure your family is prepared for any emergency and how to take care of not only your family but your own physical and mental health as well.

We also highlight our brave firefighters, particularly those who lost everything they owned in the wildfires.

In addition, we explore organizations offering long-term help and examine ways to reflect, renew and reconnect this spring. 

Bonus: Since now is the time to start making your kids’ summer plans, we’ve included a lively roundup of summer camp opportunities for kids who need a healthy and creative reprieve. Gracing the cover of our March/April magazine are actress Sarah Drew (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Mistletoe Murders,” “Amber Brown”) and her daughter, Hannah. 

As always, we’re deeply grateful to all of our contributors and community.

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It’s all around us — the smoke blanketing our city from the wildfires burning in various regions of the Southland. According to Robin Foroutan, M.S., R.D.N., founder of Nutrition by Robin and faculty member of the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy, the toxins in this type of smoke can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular events, headaches, migraines, nausea and dizziness. It can also cause excessive inflammation in the body.

Foroutan, who specializes in integrative medicine, functional medicine and holistic healing, says “eating regular healthy meals that include fruits and vegetables will help combat excessive inflammation and aid in detoxification of toxic exposures.”

Here are some nutrition tips to minimize the effects of the wildfire fumes:

• Eat regular meals as best you can to keep your blood sugar steady so you can think clearly and manage stress better.
• Green, black and white tea have antioxidants that can also be helpful to balance inflammation, help with detox and support the cardiovascular system.
• Prioritize rest and sleep, as best you can
• Soothe your nervous system by getting and giving lots of long hugs and/or snuggle with pets
• Emphasize fruits and vegetables, protein and high fiber foods.

Vegetables:
Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collard greens, turnips, turnip greens, cabbage, watercress, bok choy, beets, artichokes, asparagus, carrots, celery, cucumber, leeks, onions, red onion, zucchini, okra, radishes, dandelion greens, broccoli sprouts, arugula, endive, mustard greens, spinach, bell peppers, winter squashes

Fruit:
Blueberries, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, watermelon, apples (with skin), papaya, kiwi, avocado, pineapple, elderberry, figs

Herbs & Spices:
Turmeric, green tea, garlic, onion, red onion, scallions, chives, milk thistle tea, shiitake mushrooms, parsley, cilantro, oregano, citrus zest

Protein:
Eggs, fish, seafood, organic poultry, grass-fed pasture raised beef and lamb. Skipjack tuna is lower in mercury than other tuna.

Nuts & Seeds
Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, almonds

Legumes & Grains:
Lentils, mung beans, black beans, white beans, pinto beans, adzuki beans, navy beans, split peas, brown rice, buckwheat, quinoa

Other:
Spirulina, wheatgrass shots, green juice, beet juice, chlorophyll water, matcha, manuka honey, agar agar, sea moss, dark chocolate

For more tips on protecting your health from the chemicals released during the wildfires, visit nutritionbyrobin.com/blog/protect-your-health-from-wildfires

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As our city continues to battle wildfires in various neighborhoods, we continue to gather local resources to help with the essentials your family might need.

Free grocery deliveries

Gelson’s has partnered with Instacart to provide free grocery delivery citywide. Visit shop.gelsons.com and use code GELSONSDELIVERS at checkout. The code can be used up to three times per customer and is valid exclusively for online grocery shopping at shop.gelsons.com. Offer expires on Jan. 31.

Free baby cribs

Babyletto, the LA-based nursery furniture brand, is extending support to families impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. To assist those who have lost a crib in the fires, Babyletto is offering free replacement cribs. Reach out directly by emailing info@babyletto.com.

Donated strollers and car seats

Global child safety brand CYBEX is donating strollers and car seats to families and caregivers in need. As long as supplies last, families can claim available products — including full-size strollers (with compatible carry cots for newborns) and convertible car seats — through an online form.

The program is designed to provide essential baby gear quickly, with shipments scheduled weekly to meet the needs of impacted families. To participate, families can complete the form via this link with their information and product needs. CYBEX encourages those in the L.A. area to help spread the word, including via social media and local networks, to ensure the donations reach as many families as possible. For updates and additional information, follow CYBEX on social media at @cybex_usa. 

Support for Youth and Teens

For families under mandatory evacuation or significantly impacted by the fires, the L.A. County Parks Care Camps will provide youth and teens with supportive space for fun and recreation including music, arts and crafts, sports activities and field trips. Breakfast, snacks and lunch will be provided daily. Monday to Friday, January 13-January 31. Dinner will also be provided for teens.

Youth camps ages 5-12: 8 am – 5 pm
Teen Camps ages 13-17: 8 am – 7 pm

For more information visit the LA County Parks Care Camps.

Library resources

L.A. County libraries offer many free resources:

• Free Wi-Fi, public-use computers, and laptops.
• Educational supplies for kids and teens.
• Books and online tools to assist with work, school assignments, or research.
• Charge phones and devices.
• Find a welcoming space to rest, reflect, and plan your next steps, or simply take a much-needed mental health break.

Visit the LA County Library website for locations that are open. The Digital Library is also available 24/7, offering access to eBooks, audiobooks, and other virtual resources. For resources offered through the L.A. Public Library, visit lapl.org.

Support from gyms

Local Planet Fitness gyms are opening their doors to anyone impacted by the LA County fires (residents, first responders, etc.) to use Planet Fitness facilities free of charge (no membership needed).

Where: Participating and open local Planet Fitness locations. 

When: Effective through Jan. 15. 

Why: To support well-being, Planet Fitness is providing the community:

·  Free access to locker rooms, showers, and HydroMassage loungers.

·  Space to recharge with electrical outlets and WiFi.

·  A place to rest and refuel in a comfortable environment.

Call your local club or visit planetfitness.com/gyms for more.

Local YMCAs are opening their doors, offering shelter, showers and basic amenities, in addition to childcare services. Visit their website for more information.

Hotels and other accommodations

The Hotel Association of Los Angeles has put together a list of hotels with special rates to help displaced families. Click HERE for more information.

There are also several hotels in surrounding areas offering a place to escape the smoke and fires. Read more HERE.

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In a playful blitz of fitness and fun, the Los Angeles Rams teamed up with Dr. Bill Releford, owner of Bloom Ranch in Acton to tackle childhood wellness head-on at Tarzana Elementary School. The early December NFL PLAY 60 event wasn’t just about burning calories; it was a full-field press on the importance of nutrition and exercise in young lives.

As students ran, jumped and laughed their way through various activities, they were also planting the seeds for lifelong healthy habits. The event’s secret play? PLAY 60’s powerful mantra that echoed across the schoolyard: “If you can see it, you can achieve it!” This rallying cry aimed to inspire kids to envision and pursue their health goals with the same determination as their gridiron heroes. And in a clever twist, the introduction of “Bloom Dollars” gave students a taste of financial literacy while steering them towards nutritious food choices, proving that in the game of health, everyone can be a winner.

This collaboration between the Rams and Releford, who is also CEO and founder of The Wound Pros, is part of a larger initiative to reverse the trend of childhood obesity and promote overall well-being. By bringing the excitement of professional football to the playground, the event not only encouraged physical activity but also fostered a sense of community and teamwork.

As the children engaged with Rams ambassadors and participated in football drills, they were learning valuable lessons about perseverance, goal-setting, and the importance of mental health alongside physical fitness.

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