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...

Food + Beverage

Celebrating Cuisine, Culture and Community

Latino Restaurant Week returns, bringing Long Beach’s vibrant Latino culinary scene to the forefront Article by Atira Rodriguez | Photography by Provided by Branding is Social Long Beach’s dynamic culinary landscape is fueled by rich heritage, bold innovation and an unwavering spirit of community. Returning for its third edition from Oct. 5–11, Latino Restaurant Week Long Beach City is a premier celebration of the chefs, restaurateurs and culinary traditions shaping our local food culture. ...

Style + Beauty

More Than Just Clothes

How style strategist Alyssa Whitfield turns getting dressed into storytelling and confidence Article by Stephanie Perez | Photography by Provided by Alyssa Whitfield When people find The Look Better Brand, something in their life is shifting — a long‑awaited promotion, a wedding date on the calendar or a much‑needed confidence boost. Then steps in Alyssa Whitfield to help them decide not just what to wear, but what story they want their style to tell.  “I call myself a style strategist...

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...