Beauty

The Return of Makeup as Self- Expression

Celebrity skincare and makeup artist David Ross reveals the top beauty products for Fall 2026 Article by David Ross While skincare remains foundational, makeup is experiencing a creative renaissance. After years dominated by “clean girl” aesthetics, Fall 2026 introduces richer color stories, dramatic textures and renewed appreciation for artistry. Yet, unlike the more-is-more eras of the past, today’s statement makeup feels more intentional and refined. Blush is emerging as the season’s hero...

Professional Services

Suited for Success

Businesswoman Hershey Ann turns hardship into top-ranked brokering Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Provided By Hershey Ann When business broker Hershey Ann walks into a meeting, chances are she’s in a white power suit. It’s intentional — a reference to the medical world she works in and a way to stand out in what she describes as a man’s world, where many default to black suits. Her style is a part of her approach. She keeps bold-colored suits in her rotation, saving each one for...

Professional Services

His Style, His Way

How Ben Fisher went from grinding ledges to selling curb appeal Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Michael Farmer/F8 Studios, Jacob Messex, Aaron Smith Before becoming a Long Beach real estate agent in a blazer and leather sneakers, Ben Fisher was a professional skateboarder flying down 12-stair sets in San Pedro at 2 a.m. and skating schoolyards under generator lights in ripped jeans and a shoelace for a belt. He poured his energy into late-night skate sessions and filming tricks...

Life + Culture

Fulfilling a Call to Serve and Lead with Purpose

John Howard reflects on the 9/11 rescue mission that shaped him Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Provided by John Howard A liver became available for 6-month-old Kareena, who needed a transplant on Sept. 11, 2001. But as events from that morning unfolded, all flights across the country were grounded. The chances of getting the organ from Nashville to Houston seemed impossible — with only an eight-hour window before the liver would expire.  On a regular day, a chartered plane would...

Life + Culture

Who Is Dr. Kay Renee?

Meet the woman bringing TEDx to Long Beach Article by Atira Rodriguez | Photography by Nirav Solanki This September, Long Beach gets its own TEDx stage for the first time — and the woman behind it has a story that fits the theme she chose perfectly: perseverance. TEDxShoreline Drive's Mainstage Event arrives at McBride High School on September 26, the product of over a year of work by Dr. Kay Renee, a downtown Long Beach resident who fell for the city over 20 years ago. Who Is Dr. Kay...

Life + Culture

Long Beach to Boston

How family, community and music shaped my journey from Poly High to Berklee College of Music Article by Alexander M. Fearing | Photography by Provided This spring, I graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School and made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I chose to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston after receiving a full tuition scholarship. I was also accepted to UC Berkeley, and I feel incredibly grateful for both opportunities. In the end, music has always been my...

Life + Culture

Beyond the Classroom

How Westerly School of Long Beach Created a Community Unlike Any Other Article by Atira Rodriguez | Photography by Provided by Westerly School of Long Beach Walk onto the Westerly School of Long Beach campus during one of its community events — say, the annual Holi Celebration, where students arrive in white and leave in color — and something becomes immediately clear. This is not your typical school gathering. "It's like a big family reunion," says Amber Dickens, director of admission and...

Life + Culture

Q&A: Wendi McLendon-Covey

The actress and comedian sits down with us to talk about her rescue cats and why Long Beach remains home Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Provided Long Beach City Lifestyle: Where did your love for animals and pets begin? Did you have pets growing up, or did that come later in life? WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY : I’ve always been an animal lover —  I hated playing with dolls. It used to irritate me when people would give me dolls as a present because I preferred stuffed animals. A cat...

Local Services

Neighbors Helping Children Thrive

At Autism Spectrum Therapies, local longtime clinicians bring compassion and personalized care to children Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Nirav Solanki and provided by AST On the corner of Willow Street and California Avenue, Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) has turned an office space into an inviting learning center for autistic children. This past March, the center expanded to a newly remodeled second floor, adding more areas for children to play and learn. The space now...

Life + Culture

Can't Make a Fur-ever Commitment?

Fostering might work for you and an animal needing a shelter break Article by Kate Karp | Photography by Nirav Solanki Are you thinking about getting a dog but aren’t sure whether you can make any commitment other than unconditional, forever love? Fostering one might be a way to find out if you’re ready. Dogs stuck in a kennel for weeks or months often experience kennel stress, which manifests in barking at passersby, wall-to-wall pacing and jumping or spinning in the kennel. Long Beach...