Health + Wellness

The Long Beach Dentist

Dr. Will Grella is reshaping dental care with heart, hustle and a Navy-forged work ethic. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Nirav Solanki Dr. Will Grella is reshaping what it means to be a neighborhood dentist.  His practice, known officially as Dr. Will Grella DDS General Dentistry, is not just a clinic — it’s a place where The Golden Rule reigns.  And that rule?  “I wouldn’t do anything in anybody else’s mouth that I won’t do in my own,” Grella says, quoting his grandfather, a...

Auto + Marine

Driven By Purpose

How Joel Lueb is fueling community through DSF Werks. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Nirav Solanki When Joel Lueb opened the doors to DSF Werks in 2019, he wasn’t just building a garage — he was building a bridge.  Rooted in a love for cars and a deep commitment to community, the Signal Hill-based nonprofit is part mentorship hub, part creative incubator and fully devoted to supporting Long Beach youth — especially those aging out of the foster care system. Lueb, who also helms the...

Life + Culture

Built on Trust

Dan Walker carries a century-long legacy at Farmers & Merchants Bank. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Farmers & Merchants Bank Long before Daniel Walker became Executive Chairman the Board of Farmers & Merchants Bank, his family’s legacy was stitched into the fabric of Long Beach. There are countless stories of F&M’s community support over the years. One story from the 1940s, passed down through generations, continues to shape how Dan leads today. “There was a Japanese American...

Arts + Culture

Publisher's Picks

Men of Influence: Five Locals to Follow on Social Media Article by Atira Rodriguez James Tir, @lbfoodcoma (Instagram) Follow James to stay up-to-date on the Long Beach food scene. His recommendations are always well-paired with mouth-watering visuals, and he often promotes giveaways for the cherry on top! Ben Fisher, @benfisherteam (Instagram) Ben transitioned from professional skateboarding to leading one of the top residential real estate teams in Long Beach. His well-produced content...

Food + Beverage

Breakfast Fit For A Queen

Blueberry & Lemon Curd Dutch Baby Article by Chef Melissa Ramsay Want to impress the special lady in your life this Mother's Day? Treat her to a gourmet breakfast at home with a Dutch baby – a fluffy, oven-baked pancake featuring crispy edges, bursting with sweet blueberries and topped with luscious lemon curd. The Blueberry & Lemon Curd Dutch Baby makes the perfect centerpiece for a Mother's Day breakfast spread. This recipe is simple enough to get the kids involved in preparation, yet so...

Life + Culture

The Heart Of Home

Gia Silva, president of INTI Realty, honors her mother. Article by Gia Silva | Photography by Nirav Solanki What comes to mind when you hear the word “home”? Is it a place, a feeling, or the people who make you feel safe and loved? For me, I didn’t fully grasp its meaning until I left. I moved through different places, different zip codes, building a life of my own. Yet, no matter how far I went, I always found myself drawn back to one familiar place — my mom’s table, with a warm plate of...

Health + Wellness

A Self-Care Revolution

‘Here I Am’ is redefining wellness for women. Article by Kat Schuster When Renee Trepagnier and Robert Dugan founded Here I Am, they weren’t just launching a business — they aimed to create a movement.  "We started with the intention of creating more of a community around self-care," Trepagnier said. "Most of our society and definitely our economic system is kind of geared against us taking care of ourselves." Trepagnier, who worked in leadership roles at major tech firms, said her...

Life + Culture

Publisher's Picks

LB's Queens of Instagram: 5 Women Worth Your Follow Article by Atira Rodriguez 1 – Andrea Cruz (@hungrydreacreations) Drea serves her culinary creations with a healthy side of humor. 2 – Beatrix Whipple (@thewhipplegroup) The real estate maven sprinkles expert tips for both buyers and sellers in between posts of eye-catching listings. 3 – Angela Keen (@saludjuice) Her juices are pure goodness and her reels are pure comedy! 4 – Lisa Pfeiffer (@peaches_skincare) Lisa's inspiring posts...

Arts + Culture

An Afternoon At Compound

Fay Ray’s “Puerperal” channels the maternal experience at Compound — alongside a nourishing new lunch menu. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Kat Schuster and Atira Rodriguez Compound Long Beach is continuing to morph into one of the city’s most thoughtful and stimulating third spaces — a place to break bread, get work done and explore art that urges reflection. Its newest exhibition, “Puerperal” by Los Angeles-based artist Fay Ray, offers a meditative journey through themes of...

Arts + Culture

From Film To Fairy Tales

How Thea Mercouffer built The Wicked Wolf into a space for women Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Nirav Solanki Thea Mercouffer never planned on owning a bar. In fact, she resisted the idea at first.  After years as a documentary filmmaker, the Long Beach creative found herself at a crossroads, disillusioned by the administrative grind of fundraising that left little room for actual storytelling. But when she stumbled upon a vacant space in 2022, a different kind of vision took shape...