Arts + Culture

Modern Picasso Finds His Tribe in Long Beach

Prolific visual artist TAVi brings his colorful vision and community spirit to the heart of Belmont Shore Article by Atira Rodriguez | Photography by Nirav Solanki When Gustavo Arellano, known professionally as TAVi, relocated his art gallery to Second Street in Belmont Shore last September, the move wasn't just about changing addresses. After five years in Huntington Beach, TAVi was searching for more than a retail location — he needed a community that aligned with his artistic mission. "It...

Real Estate

'Nieto Corner' Is Poised for Its Next Chapter

Beloved neighborhood café Ubuntu plans on sticking around, with LA28 making this corner one to watch. Article by Brandon Richardson | Photography by Jonathan Gonzalez, Flux Media Long Beach isn’t driven by short-term opportunity, but by long-term vision. Its rich diversity, strong neighborhood identity and a deeply rooted sense of place make it a city best served by thoughtful, lasting investment — a perspective real estate broker Gia Silva hopes to instill in prospective buyers. Silva...

Finance + Legal Services

From Packed Childhood Bedrooms to Boardrooms and Racecars

How Rob Casares balances clients, community, and life in the fast lane Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Photography provided by Rob Casares Staring at colored blocks across calendars can seem daunting, but for Rob Casares, who calls himself “a little OCD organized,” it’s the best way to keep his career and personal life in order.  Outlook and phone alerts fuel his days — packed with client meetings, HOA board duties, nonprofit calls, walks with his dog Kevin, race weekends and the...

Finance + Legal Services

The Smart Investor's Exit Strategy for Real Estate

Local expert shares insights on turning your investment property into a passive income stream — without the tax hit. Article by Rich Gibson | Photography by Provided Owning real estate is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio. But owning investment property isn’t without its headaches — managing tenants, navigating rent control and handling repairs can wear even the most seasoned investor down. If you’re looking for retirement income without the burden of active management — and...

Home + Design

The House Ford Built

Mid-century vision meets waterfront prestige at The Colonnade Article by Atira Rodriguez | Photography by Joel Danto / The Luxury Level Among the distinguished waterfront estates that define Naples Island, few properties carry the historical weight and architectural significance of 15 The Colonnade. Listed at $10.25 million, this 6,182-square-foot residence isn't just a home — it's a piece of Long Beach history, built in 1948 for Ford Motor Company executives visiting the city to establish...

Real Estate

‘Everything Happens At Home’

Gia Silva, President of INTI Realty, on what makes a home — and a community worth staying in. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Gia Silva For Gia Silva, real estate was never just a career path — it was something that unfolded naturally, rooted in place, memory and community. “I was born in Lima, Peru, and my family migrated straight to Long Beach,” Silva said. “So when we migrated, that’s all we knew. All we knew was Long Beach.” That sense of belonging has guided her through more...

Shopping

Editor’s Picks: Long Beach’s Best Vintage Furniture Shops

Whether you’re after a midcentury side table or an Art Deco lamp, start here. Article by Kat Schuster When I’m looking for vintage furniture or décor in Long Beach, these are the spots I return to again and again, places where I know I’ll find something unexpected, well-preserved and worth building a room around. Urban Americana Urban Americana is a go-to destination for vintage furniture and home décor in Long Beach, offering a sprawling 16,000-square-foot midcentury warehouse filled with...

Food + Beverage

Flourless Perfection: Indulgence Meets Mindful Entertaining

Welcome everyone to your table with this sophisticated yet simple dessert that makes home entertaining effortlessly elegant and delicious. Article by Chef Melissa Ramsay Miki's Flourless Chocolate Cake INGREDIENTS: Flourless Chocolate Cake 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams), cut into cubes 6 ounces dark chocolate, 45-70% (170 grams), finely chopped 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams) 3 large eggs, room temperature 1 large egg yolk, discard the egg white 1 teaspoon vanilla...

Home + Design

From The Sims To Interior Design

How Jennifer Morehouse designs homes to reflect the people inside it. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Atira Rodriguez Jennifer Morehouse has been designing homes since she was 10 years old — even if she didn’t realize it at the time. “I started by playing The Sims ,” Morehouse said of the early 2000s PC game, which allowed players to design virtual homes, create characters and shape entire neighborhoods through simulated everyday life. What began as a game became a foundation for a...

Home Services

From the Ground Up

Ricardo Caballero Builds With Purpose Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Atira Rodriguez Long before Ricardo Caballero held a contractor’s license or ran his own company, he learned the value of hard work the old-fashioned way — by showing up early and getting his hands dirty. Caballero grew up on job sites alongside his father, an independent flooring contractor who believed that work ethic was something you learned by doing. While other kids spent summers at the beach or amusement...