Arts + Culture

Painting Without Barriers

From Redondo Beach to Washington D.C., Portraits of Hope Turns Imagination into Monumental Reality. Article by Lesley A. Rollo | Photography by Provided Inside the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach, a remarkable nonprofit is redefining how art, community, and civic engagement come together. Founded by brothers Bernie and Ed Massey, Portraits of Hope isn’t just about painting public spaces—it’s about transforming lives, amplifying youth voices, and giving style a social conscience. The...

Home + Design

Finding Style—and Home—in Redondo

Interior Designer Sara Barney on Hot Trends, Design Psychology, and Why Redondo Feels Just Right. Article by Lesley A. Rollo | Photography by Molly Culver Photography Sara Barney didn’t set out to become an interior designer. “Back in 2016, I was looking to make a change, but I didn't know what that looked like,” she recalled. “It sounds cutesy, but it was a light bulb moment—what if I went back to school for design?” She enrolled in a one-year program while working full time and raising two...

Home Services

Styled to Last: Painting Meets Art and Science

Inside Manhattan Paint Company’s Approach to Prep, Color, and Style. Article by Lesley A. Rollo | Photography by Provided Peter Kelley, owner of Manhattan Paint Company, knows his stuff—not just because he's studied the science behind sheen and color tones, but because he’s lived it. His journey began at 18, after he crashed his dad’s car. To pay for the car repairs, his father told him he would be painting a neighbor’s house trim. That’s where Peter learned to paint or so he thought.  A few...

Fitness

Be Your Own Hero

Jessie Graff’s Superhero Style and Determined Mindset Inspires at Any Age. Article by Lesley A. Rollo | Photography by Trae Patton To millions, stuntwoman Jessie Graff is the high-flying powerhouse in her signature Wonder Woman athletic apparel, conquering obstacles on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior (ANW) . Her ANW resume includes participating in 11 seasons of competition, a 7x national finalist, six career buzzers in main competition, and the distinction of being the first woman to finish...

Beauty

Step Into J's Art Nail Lounge

A Salon Experience You'll Love Coming Back To. Article by Lesley A. Rollo | Photography by Provided Opened in April 2025, J’s Art Nail Lounge isn’t your typical nail salon. Founder Vince Phan envisioned a space where artistry, self-care, and connection could coexist—and he delivered. Tucked in the heart of Riviera Village, the salon offers more than just polish: it’s a calm environment where every detail is designed to pamper. Vince and his team pride themselves on client care—not just nail...

Local Services

Hawthorne Quality Pet Care: Where Compassion Meets Care

A Local Veterinary Clinic with a Big Heart. Article and Photography by Lesley A. Rollo In a veterinary landscape increasingly dominated by corporate chains and soaring costs, family-owned Hawthorne Quality Pet Care (HQPC) in the South Bay stands out as a beacon of personalized, compassionate, and affordable care. Opened in July 2024, the clinic is a draw for pet parents seeking top-tier veterinary treatment, trust, and education. “We want to treat your family pets like our family pets,” says...

Wellness

Canines Changing Lives

How South Bay Animal Connection is Transforming Mental Health with Therapy Dogs. Article by Lesley A. Rollo | Photography by David Kartsonis, John D. Russell, and Charleen Meyer When marriage and family therapist Charleen Meyer met professional dog trainer Shawn Harkins over four years ago, neither imagined their shared love of animals would lead to founding a nonprofit together. But today, through South Bay Animal Connection, they’re doing just that—combining canine companionship with mental...

Life + Culture

Teacher's Pet

Five Local Teachers Share What They Love About Their Pets. Article by Lesley A. Rollo | Photography by Provided KARIN ELDER & FINLEY , Riviera Elementary "Finley has shown me that happiness is contagious. His energy is so genuine and infectious that it’s impossible not to smile. He’s taught me that I too, can spread enthusiasm to everyone around me."    CHRISTINE BENOFF, KONA & ROCKET , RUHS " Being a mother, teacher, and dog mom has taught me patience, unconditional love, and the...

Sports + Recreation

The Champions League

Creating a Field of Dreams in Redondo Beach. Article by Lesley A. Rollo | Photography by Randy Schwartz Photography When teenager Matthew McCauley noticed a gap in adaptive sports, he stepped up to the plate and launched the Champions League , celebrating the spirit of inclusive sportsmanship. The program has brought joy to dozens of families and recently earned national attention. REDONDO BEACH CITY LIFESTYLE: WHAT SPARKED YOUR IDEA FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE? MATTHEW McCAULEY:  The idea...

Beauty

Summer-to-Fall Skincare Expert Tips

Keep glowing with every season. Article by Lesley A. Rollo | Photography by Provided With the seasons changing, your skincare routine should too. Glow Haus founder and esthetician, Cindy Morales, offers expert guidance on how to keep your skin healthy and radiant from summer into fall. REDONDO BEACH CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW SHOULD WE ADAPT OUR SKINCARE ROUTINES TO SUMMER? CINDY MORALES: Summer brings increased sun exposure, humidity, and heat, which can affect our skin differently than other...