Summer is here and picklers are coming out in droves! We have had a few days where 8 nets are up and 16 or more people can be waiting, so we've come up with some processes to help streamline game rotations and keep courts clear for players. 

Going forward, you are now asked to place your chairs and gear on the grass area and to socialize and wait for games here. Shade structures are needed, so bring one when you can! Each court now will have an assigned number. Those working the paddle rack will call out the next player, based on the name on the paddle, along with the number of the court needing players. Names will only be called twice, before re-docking your paddle and moving on to the next waiting player. So, in order to quickly move players on to the court, please make sure to 

1. Put your name on your paddle

2. Listen for your name and respond quickly when called

3. Head to the court you've been called up for without interfering in other games

4. And, bring an EZ-UP or other shade structure to help stay out of the sun

UPDATE: 

Thanks to those who came out to ref and coach the very energetic Keller Kids. It looks like there will be some youthful competition joining the LB pickleball scene. Get ready picklers!

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Keller Middle School in LB is having a pickleball tournament for their 8th graders on Monday, June 12. They are seeking six referees to monitor games. Two shifts are available: 9:00 to 10:40  and 11:10 to 1:00. If you would like to volunteer, please shoot an email off to lbpc908 @ gmail.com and state your preferred court time.

#paddlesup

The day has finally arrived when we no longer have to spend an hour taping courts before we can play. Somerset courts have been resurfaced and striped for both pickleball and tennis with a gain of 8 pickleball courts overlaid on 2 tennis courts. 

Our thanks to former Councilmember Stacy Mungo for designating funds for the improvements and to current Councilmember Kerr for moving the process forward. A big shout out to the director of Parks, Recreation and Marine Brent Dennis and his staff, Omar Barboza and Hurley Owens, for making it all happen. Pick up your paddles and come on by for some great pickleball!

So much rain resulting in wet courts has turned into a Somerset Park WhatsApp group. If you're on WhatsApp be sure to connect with Somerset Pickleball to join the conversation! 

It looks like LBC wants your opinion on how best to improve Scherer Park located in the 90807. The park, at the corner of Del Amo and Atlantic, has 4 lighted tennis courts, 2 lighted basketball courts, and a volleyball court, in addition to a water feature and dog park. 

The tennis courts are rarely used during the mornings and could offer additional play areas for pickleball in north Long Beach. The survey link is shown in the flyer to the left. It takes a few minutes to go through and you can respond anonymously (and take it over and over, if you want!). Let's get more pickleball courts in the 90807! 

Tickets are still available for our first ever wine tasting event!  Scott, a member of the Long Beach pickleball community who often plays at Somerset, will lead us through the tasting of 6 of his favorite wines.  Scott is a popular instructor at the local Total Wine and More store and is donating his time, and his wine, to this event. 

All funds raised through ticket sales and the event raffle, will be used to reimburse LBPC members who buy tape, chalk, balls, etc. and who incur costs to host our social activities. 

Email lbpc908 at gmail.com if you would like to buy tickets! Next day to buy tickets on court will be 12/8, if any are available.

Get those costumes out and get ready for a crazy good time on the courts! You'll have a chance to compete in a Dink Off, Pickleball Meets the Great Pumpkin, Carter's Quest, Costume Contest, and The Guess!  

Bring $$$ for the 50/50 raffle and snacks to share!

Saturday, Oct. 29, on the Somerset courts beginning at 9:00 am!

The city has finally unlocked the double gate on the side of our pickleball play area. When we have an overflow crowd we will be hanging the paddle rack on the grassy side of the gate, so please set up your chairs and bags there. This will give players more room to get those "stray" balls headed towards the fence!

LBPC is only as strong as its members and their contributions. We NEED you to help on court, and with events, city officials, and administrative tasks.  Who likes the political arena and wants to advocate for our group and pickleball in the LBC? Do you want to plan a pickleball ladder or round robin event? Will you help with events, social media, or? Maybe you'd like to help with court set-up and break-down or manage the paddle rack. If you have the time and interest, we'll find a place for you to get involved. Email lbpc908 @ gmail to express your interests.