Home + Design

More Than Just a Plant

An excerpt from Krystal Duran’s new book explores how houseplants can bring joy and healing Article by Krystal Duran | Photography by Kat Schleicher There's a quiet kind of gratitude that doesn't come from big, obvious gestures — it comes from a new leaf unfurling on a windowsill, a plant leaning toward the morning light, or the steady presence of something green that's stuck with you through hard seasons. Krystal Duran knows this well. As the creative force behind Plants with Krystal, she's...

Food + Beverage

Poured by Community

Our Spot Coffee and Goods brings a neighborhood-focused coffee experience to Long Beach Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Marissa Vickers The first thing Chris McColl, co-founder of Our Spot Coffee and Goods, remembers about the crowdfunding campaign was how it felt. For days, he and his wife, Ali, were glued to every new email notification as contributions came in. “I think within the first maybe 48 hours, we were almost like halfway through our goal, which was just incredible,” he...

Professional Services

Solving Problems, One Project at a Time

Through The Difference Engine, Ehsan Zaffar helps turn local challenges into practical solutions Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Provided by The Difference Engine Before he founded The Difference Engine or taught civil rights law, Ehsan Zaffar was a child refugee in Los Angeles who helped change city policy. His family had fled the Persian Gulf War, and his parents were forced to start over in low-wage jobs because their graduate degrees were not recognized in the United States...

Sports + Recreation

Born to Ride

Long Beach-based track cyclist Josh Hartman overcame early setbacks and is now chasing a spot at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Kenji Edmonds and Kori James Cycling isn’t just a sport for track cyclist Josh Hartman — it’s the core of who he is. He fell in love with riding at 12, watching races like the Tour de France and hearing stories from his cousin, an Olympian who represented Guyana. Inspired by his cousin, Josh set out to build on his...

Local Services

A Life's Work

Jeff Levine once needed saving himself. As president and CEO of Long Beach Rescue Mission, he's grateful for the chance to do the same for others. Article by Atira Rodriguez | Photography by Provided by Long Beach Rescue Mission Some evenings, Jeff Levine sits in the den of the home his family purchased in 2021 and looks out the sliding glass window at the palm trees in his backyard. His wife, Lauren, and their daughters, Scarlet and Goldie, are nearby. "I'm so richly blessed," he said of...

Local Services

Food as Freedom

Long Beach Community Table helps residents facing food insecurity find community and move forward together Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Nirav Solanki and provided by Long Beach Community Table Food is essential to daily life, but sometimes unexpected challenges can make it hard to keep enough on the table. After years working with people in crisis, Kristen Cox, founder and executive director of Long Beach Community Table, set out to ensure food was one less thing they would...

Food + Beverage

Fall's Favorite Harvest Salad

Delicata squash, pomegranate and goat cheese unite in this maple-kissed autumn classic from Hungry Drea Creations Article by Andrea Cruz | Photography by Atira Rodriguez and Nirav Solanki Looking for a salad with main-character energy? Fall Harvest Salad doesn't just make an entrance — it steals the show. Created by Andrea Cruz of Hungry Drea Creations, it layers caramelized roasted delicata squash, ruby pomegranate arils and crunchy candied walnuts over a bed of peppery arugula, finished...

Food + Beverage

A Taste of Fuego

The refreshed waterfront lounge brings together handcrafted cocktails, flavorful dishes and coastal views Article and Photography by Stephanie Perez Cocktails, shareable plates and time with loved ones are great ways to unwind after a long day at work or sightseeing in downtown. At Fuego, the waterfront lounge at The Maya, hotel guests and locals can enjoy all three while taking in views of the cityscape and Queen Mary. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation and rebrand, The Maya has a...

Life + Culture

Creating Experiences with Impact

Family-run Axiom Productions turns Long Beach events into spaces that bring people together and strengthen community Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Provided by Axiom Productions The recipe for a successful event is simple: food, music and great company.  At Axiom Productions events, music fills the air, people move from booth to booth and small vendors meet new customers. Together, these elements create experiences that connect the community and support local businesses. ...

Food + Beverage

From Treats for Tots to Buttercream Blooms

Long Beach cupcake artist Britney Stone is centering her business on cupcake decorating workshops and one-on-one lessons Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Nirav Solanki and provided by Sweet Indulgence At a Sweet Indulgence cupcake decorating workshop, practice sheets are filled with buttercream petals as cupcake artist and teacher Britney Stone guides participants through floral designs.  “They work on a practice sheet first,” she said. “They do the design there, then apply it to...