Local Services

All Hands On Deck

The Mullens work to scale a business while raising sons and spaniels Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Atira Rodriguez Running a household with two young boys and two energetic cocker spaniels is a full-time job in itself. But for Ashley and Trevor Mullen, that’s just the start of their daily balancing act. As the co-owners of Mullen Plumbing, a thriving Long Beach business that has more than tripled in revenue over the past five years, the couple is doing more than just making it...

Life + Culture

Coming of Age

From Poly High's halls to pickleball courts, how Long Beach shaped me Article by Elijah Wong | Photography by Monica Wong Growing up in Long Beach was an eclectic experience. It’s a city where beachfront homes sit not far from industrial centers, where kids argue about everything from Jordan vs. Lebron to politics, and where every street seems to speak its own language.  I recently graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School, and what people say is true: it’s overcrowded, rowdy and...

Life + Culture

From Chamber CEO to Top Dog

Randy Gordon continues to builds a legacy rooted in service. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Stephen Russo Randy Gordon may have retired five years ago, but his life has hardly slowed down. Just this year, he managed to raise more than $24,000 for a nonprofit supporting service dogs.  In May, Randy and his wife Nancy received the Top Dog Award from Dogs for Better Lives for developing a treat and raising the most money for the nonprofit, which trains and places assistance dogs with...

Professional Services

A Lifelong Dream Fulfilled

Inside Dr. Tiffany Meyers-Hayes' journey to opening Promenade Veterinary Hospital Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Promenade Veterinary Hospital From the age of three, Dr. Tiffany Meyers-Hayes knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life. “It’s been a very long-time dream, long-time in the making,” she said. “There hadn’t ever really been another option. That’s what I wanted to do, and I just went for it.” Her early years, surrounded by animals on a farm in Kentucky, profoundly...

Sports + Recreation

Stars of the Sea

Aquarium of the Pacific's interactive experience makes ocean learning hands-on for kids Article by Atira Rodriguez | Photography by Nirav Solanki The Aquarium of the Pacific's "Stars of the Sea" experience continues to make waves with families in Long Beach and across Southern California this summer. This popular experience puts over 20 species of sea stars front and center, showcasing the beauty and diversity of these often-overlooked marine animals from across the Pacific Ocean — creating...

Arts + Culture

Publisher's Picks

Five fantastic children's books written by Long Beach-based authors Article by Atira Rodriguez 1 – You Have a Story To Tell! by Bridget Gengler 2 – Be Bold! Be Brave! 11 Latinas who made U.S. History by Naibe Reynoso 3 – Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant 4 – Sub Journey, The Adventures of Maddie and Albert™ by Alexandra Adlawan 5 – A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold

Food + Beverage

Sosogu

The newest dining adventure at Long Beach Exchange. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Atira Rodriguez and Kat Schuster The Long Beach Exchange has been a hub for adventurous diners — home to The Hangar food hall, Silverlake Ramen, Chocolate Bash and more. But until now, it’s been missing a standout sushi bar. Enter Sosogu, the area’s newest Japanese BBQ and sushi restaurant. Sosogu, which means “to pour or serve” in Japanese, was founded by Wallflowers’ guitarist Tobias Miller and...

Life + Culture

Q&A: Jean-Pierre Rueda On Poetry, Memory

Jean-Pierre Rueda shows us how he returns home through memory and poetry. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Courtesy of Jean-Pierre Rueda Jean-Pierre Rueda has found a way to return to his childhood home in Costa Rica again and again — through memory and the written word. The poet released his bilingual poetry collection Love Between Downpours last year. The book explores how poetry can bridge distance — across oceans, memories and generations. Rueda, who emigrated from Costa Rica as...

Finance + Legal Services

Powerhouse CPA Firm Expands into Long Beach

Boos & Associates Establishes Local Roots Through Community Engagement and Rapid Growth Article by Atira Rodriguez | Photography by Nirav Solanki A new player in Long Beach's accounting scene is elevating the standard for financial expertise, bringing sophisticated solutions backed by Big 4 experience to local businesses. Established in 2004, Boos & Associates is a mid-size regional CPA firm headquartered in Fresno with offices in Reedley, Las Vegas and now, Long Beach. Led by Managing...

Life + Culture

Publisher's Picks

Local Adventures: Five Ways to (Re)discover Long Beach This Summer Article by Atira Rodriguez Adventure doesn't always require a passport or even a full tank of gas — sometimes the most extraordinary discoveries are waiting just around the corner.  Whale Watching with Harbor Breeze Cruises Witness migrating gray whales and playful dolphins just miles offshore. Summer brings optimal conditions for spotting marine life along the California coast. Tranquil Escape at Earl Burns Miller...