Our firm helps busy homeowners develop a solid plan for remodeling their home without the stress of managing the construction and details. We manage the process from concept to installation. Visit our website to book a free consultation when you mention LBCLIFESTYLE in your inquiry.
THE LONG BEACH DENTIST
Our practice philosophy has been heavily influenced by Dr. Grella’s grandfather, who was a dentist for 40 years and always followed the Golden Rule: He never recommended dental treatments to patients that he would not believe in recommending for himself, and Dr. Grella upholds this same standard at his practice.
Dr. Grella has been practicing dentistry for over 15 years and he has extensive training from the Navy where he did his residency and active military duty.
Our office also has over 700 Google reviews... our patients LOVE our office and you will never find a dentist who is more passionate about Dentistry than Dr. Grella.
We promise if you come to our office you will love your experience and feel right at home.
Living Your Richest Life
When most people think about investment, money is the first thing that comes to mind. Financial investments are certainly an important consideration when planning for the future, but there are other ways we can invest in ourselves in order to create the lifestyle we desire.
In my opinion, investing in your wellness is the most important investment you can make. The popular phrase “your health is your wealth” perfectly illustrates this. Without your health, it’s virtually impossible to accomplish anything else! In this Investment issue, you’ll discover some alternative wellness practices to consider as well as foods to eat for optimal health.
As a community-focused magazine, we are excited to shine a spotlight on a local business and community leader who invests a considerable amount of her time, energy and resources to make our city a better place. And yes, we do talk a bit about money, including information on building wealth through multifamily investment properties and an important wealth protection strategy that many people overlook.
In order to free up money for worthwhile investments, it is sometimes necessary to divest from other things that aren’t serving us or our community well. In this issue I spoke with an East Village boutique owner who shared some compelling reasons to move away from fast fashion, and instead support local shops offering sustainability-focused brands that are conscious of their impact on people and our planet.
I also felt this issue would be the perfect opportunity to show my appreciation to my Founding Partners, the 20 local businesses listed opposite this page. Their investment in my vision helped bring this magazine to the community, and for that I am eternally grateful.
We hope this edition of Long Beach City Lifestyle inspires you to invest in the most valuable asset in your portfolio, and that is you. Here’s to you manifesting a wealthy life in every way imaginable!
Legacy & Unity: Black History Month Celebration | The free outdoor festival at Mosaic DTLB on The Promenade honored African American achievements and heritage with a day full of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, Black-owned businesses, wellness resources and cultural exhibits. The event was hosted during the DTLB Art + Design Walk on Saturday, Feb. 8, and it was organized by Eric Oba Totton, founder of Dreamz Into Goals, in partnership with Council District 1. 1: Ventage performs on Feb. 8 at the Legacy & Unity: Black History Month Celebration. 2: Legacy & Unity: Black History Month Celebration took place on Feb. 8 during the DTLB Art + Design Walk. 3: Destiny’s vendor station along the Art + Design Walk. 4: Shaarnelle “Shaar” Price sets up shop in the Mosaic Artist Village during the event. 5: The Legacy & Unity event on Feb. 8 was organized by Eric Oba Totton, pictured here. 6: Long Beachers play corn hole in front of District 1 Councilmember Mary Zendejas’ pop-up. 7: Urban Society spins a DJ set for two dancers.
CONSCIOUS FASHION
business monthly
A ROUNDUP
New Aerospace Company Lands in Space Beach
True Anomaly, a Colorado-based space defense company founded in 2022, has expanded into Long Beach with a 90,000 square foot factory located in Douglas Park. The facility includes 20,000 square feet of office space to accommodate the company’s growing employee base. “At a time when space is the most promising physical frontier for human exploration as well as an emerging battlefield, our new campus gives us an important edge,” said Even Rogers, CEO and co-founder.
Local Vegan Pizza Pop-Pop Rebrands, Opens Brick and Mortar
Long Beach Vegan Pizza, the city’s first plant-based pizzeria, has rebranded and opened a new space on Retro Row. Now known as Mangiafoglie, the restaurant boasts a full-fledged menu of vegan Southern Italian fare. Coffee hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, and they are open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Tuesday.
Urbane Cafe Opens New Location at Long Beach Exchange
Southern California-based sandwich chain Urbane Cafe continues its rapid growth trajectory with a new location at Long Beach Exchange. Known for its gourmet sandwiches hand-crafted with focaccia bread fire-baked on site, the eatery offers an upscale dining experience at affordable prices. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Catering services are available on weekdays during business hours.
Photography by Urbane Cafe
Photography by Mangiafoglie
Photography by True Anomaly
PUBLISHER’S PICKS
Invest in your well-being at four local holistic wellness centers
ARTICLE BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ
1 - K WELLNESS :
A health spa offering a highly effective combination of hyperbaric oxygen treatments and IV nutritional therapy to combat fatigue, chronic stress, anxiety, insomnia and more.
2 - IV BUNGALOW :
A wellness center offering IV therapy, vitamin injections for increased hydration and energy levels. They also offer mobile service!
3 - SIMPLE HEALTH WELLNESS :
A healthcare clinic offering an array of holistic treatments including acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, massage therapy, nutritional advice and assisted stretching.
4 - HUMAN AEON :
A beautiful, private indoor/outdoor sanctuary that promotes well-being through ancestral techniques backed by modern science.
(310) 691-8161
ULTRACARESERVICES.NET
At UltraCare Home Care Services, we are dedicated to providing exceptional non-medical home care services in LA County and parts of Orange County. Our professional team offers personalized home care solutions tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring comfort and peace of mind for both clients and their families. Get started today by booking a no charge home assessment and experience the UltraCare difference in in-home senior care.
SUMER TEMPLE FOLLOWS HER FATHER’S PATH WHILE BLAZING HER OWN TRAIL
A Daughter of Long Beach
ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIRAV SOLANKI
Sumer Temple seated proudly in front of the Don Temple Storage sign on the corner of Spring St. and Kilroy Airport Way.
An aerial view of Don Temple Storage facility in Long Beach. Photo courtesy of Sumer Temple.
Don Temple (center) with his daughters (from left to right) Natasha Khrushova, Sumer Temple, Becky Temple and Penny Temple. Photo courtesy of Sumer Temple.
“It’s just the Long Beach way to lead with our hearts above all else.
Sumer Temple grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, integrity and community service.
At a young age, she was immersed in the family business her father, Don Temple, built — learning the ins and outs simply by tagging along with him to work. From her early days decorating filing cabinets with puffy stickers to years later turning the business into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, Temple has preserved her father’s legacy while forging her own path as a business leader and philanthropist.
“I can remember the facility out in Los Alamitos, probably when I was about six years old, and he took me out there with him and had me walk around and listen and just watch what was going on,” Temple recalled.
When Don Temple passed away in 2013, Sumer was just 35 years old and 6 months pregnant with her son.
“I think some of the largest challenges… one was probably my age,” she said. “Obviously, I’m female. So those two factors, I think, played a big role in how I approached things.”
Additionally, stepping into her father’s shoes meant she would have to transition from being a private person to a public figure.
“The hard part for me was learning how to put myself out there and to become more a part of the community like my father was, but to do it in a way that was authentic to me.”
UPHOLDING A BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY ROOTED IN FAIRNESS
Under Temple’s leadership, her father’s business has continued to thrive, with a strong emphasis on fairness and integrity.
“My father always said, ‘We’re not in the business of selling people’s things. That is not our business. Our business is to store them,’” she said.
Temple has always honored her father’s dedication to the community and his clients. That’s why she continues to take an empathy-based approach when it comes to customers falling behind on payments.
“We try hard to work with our customers and offer payment plans instead of auctioning their unit off.”
Temple says she takes no pleasure in auction days, which she describes as heartbreaking.
“There’s nothing sadder to me than when I go to swap meets and see booths set up, and I realize that [the items are] from storage units being auctioned off.”
A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE
Temple is deeply committed to the Long Beach community, a value instilled in her by her father.
“My father always said, ‘Everything we have, we owe to the Long Beach community.
If we didn’t have their patronage, our family would have nothing,” she said. “As a business owner in the city, it’s your duty to give back.”
That’s why Temple serves in various organizations, including the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the LBCC Foundation.
“My whole life, I watched my father give back to the community, not just in monetary ways, but with his time, his energy and his love,” she said.
Her father was equally dedicated to public service, having played a pivotal role in reopening Community Hospital in the 1990s and serving on the Long Beach Airport Commission.
“I think sometimes he was ahead of his time because when you think about today’s generations — millennials and Gen Z — giving back is part of their lifestyle,” Temple said.
During recent wildfires, she saw the Long Beach community’s generosity on full display.
“I can’t remember a time I’ve been more proud of my city and the business community for their amazing support of victims and first responders during this tragedy,” she said. “While other hotels were increasing prices to make a profit off those victims, hotels in LB were offering discounted rates and waiving fees. It’s just the Long Beach way to lead with our hearts above all else.”
A FUTURE ROOTED IN GROWTH AND GIVING BACK
Temple envisions continued growth for Don Temple Storage while maintaining a strong commitment to philanthropy.
“For Temple Family Enterprises, I hope to continue to grow the business, maybe find some new avenues to invest in, and find ways to invest in our community as well,” she said.
That mission extends to Don Temple Storage, which sponsors local events and offers discounted storage rates to nonprofits. Her father also established a family foundation dedicated exclusively to supporting Long Beach organizations such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Long Beach Playhouse.
She also helped transition the company to online banking and mobile-friendly services.
“One thing I am proud of is that back in 2022, we made a million dollars for the first time in a year ever.”
Reaching that milestone was especially meaningful, knowing how close her father had come to achieving it before he passed away.
“I feel a great pride that I was able to carry the company to that milestone,” she said. “Even through COVID, through everything.”
Sumer Temple.
Local delivery service to anywhere in Long Beach, plus airport shuttles.
20% of our sales go back into the community to help our neighbors in need of food, clothing and housing. 310.529.4839 | V @alley_cat_deliveries
LESLEE DEANES
CEO, UltraCare Home Services | @gencarepodcast ultracareservices.net
Q&A with Leslee Deanes
Long-Term Care: What You Need to Know About Protecting Your Future
ARTICLE BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ
LONG BEACH CITY LIFESTYLE: WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES DOES LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE COVER?
LESLEE DEANES: Long-term care insurance covers non-medical home care, assisted living, nursing home care, adult day care and respite care. It helps pay for services like personal care assistance, meal preparation, mobility support, medication reminders and companionship to support individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
LBCL: WHAT FINANCIAL FACTORS MAKE LONGTERM CARE INSURANCE WORTH CONSIDERING?
LESLEE: Home care services in California can cost between $35 to $44 per hour, assisted living averages $6,250 per month and nursing home care can exceed $11,750 per month. Without insurance, these expenses add up quickly, depleting savings and placing a financial burden on families. Long-term care insurance provides essential coverage, helping to protect assets and ensure quality care.
LBCL: AS LIFE EXPECTANCY INCREASES FOR AMERICANS, HOW DOES THIS IMPACT THE NEED FOR LONG-TERM CARE?
LESLEE: Longer life expectancy means more people will require extended care due to age-related conditions like dementia, mobility loss or chronic illnesses. With rising healthcare costs and a growing senior population, long-term care insurance becomes a crucial safeguard to ensure individuals receive necessary care without overwhelming financial strain.
LBCL: AT WHAT AGE SHOULD SOMEONE CONSIDER INVESTING IN LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE?
LESLEE: It’s best to consider long-term care insurance between ages 50 and 65. Waiting too long can lead to higher costs or denial due to pre-existing conditions, making early planning key to securing comprehensive protection.
INVESTING in people
JORDAN OPRE’S PATH TO FINANCE.
ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIRAV SOLANKI
Jordan Opre shares his journey to becoming a financial professional.
For many, the world of finance can seem daunting, reserved for those with deep pockets or careers in economics or business. But for Jordan Opre, a financial professional at New York Life Insurance Company, the journey to this career was anything but conventional. With a degree in religion and a diverse background in customer success and operations, Opre’s transition into financial services is a testament to his belief that learning about investments is not just about money — it’s about people.
“I actually studied religion in college,” Opre shared. “It’s always fun to tell people that because they wonder how I ended up in finance… But being able to think critically and understand systems, being able to explain that in a straightforward way is really kind of the through line I see with my academic experience.”
specific group of people. But what I really care about is just making it accessible and taking an approach centered around education.”
Beyond his work with clients, Opre is passionate about financial literacy, particularly for young people. “One thing that I’m wanting to get started is a financial literacy workshop for a youth organization in Long Beach. There’s a lot of stuff they don’t teach kids in school, whether it’s how to file taxes or the importance of the time value of money. A little bit of starting early can really set you up with compound interest in the future.”
“Everybody needs financial planning at any stage. I just try to make it as approachable as possible.”
— Jordan Opre
Opre’s initial career trajectory took him across industries, from tech startups in Seattle and New York to remote operations roles. But he never found a role that truly resonated with him until he took a leap of faith and applied for a position at New York Life.
“I’d always been curious about finance but didn’t know how to break into it,” he said.
One of Opre’s biggest priorities is making financial strategies accessible.
“Finance has this reputation of being very complex and, you know, out there or only for a
Opre also invests his own time in getting to know the Long Beach community through volunteer work.
“A few colleagues and I, we have a partnership set up with the Long Beach Symphony, where we volunteer at their events and give them support.”
For Opre, financial strategizing is ultimately about relationships.
“I really do my best to make meetings with clients conversational. Keeping open dialogue is really important to me,” he said. “At the simplest level, I’m really just talking to people, and I really like that.”
Opre remains committed to his belief that providing a financial strategy is a service that should be available to everyone.
“Everybody needs a financial strategy at any stage. I just try to make it as approachable as possible.”
how to break into Multifamily Real Estate
Juan Huizar, founder of Sage Real Estate in Long Beach, debunks myths and shares insights on multifamily investing.
ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAGE REAL ESTATE GROUP
It’s not uncommon for people to feel that multifamily investing is something that’s just out of reach, but for those willing to take the first step, the rewards can be life-changing. Juan Huizar knows this better than most.
From his early days hustling through the industry to becoming one of the most trusted voices in multifamily investing, Huizar has built a career on the belief that real estate is not just an investment — it’s a pathway to financial freedom.
For aspiring investors, navigating the complexities of the market can be daunting. But as a seasoned real estate broker, president of the Apartment Association of California Southern Cities and founder of Sage Real Estate Group in Long Beach, Huizar is determined to demystify the process.
Through Sage Real Estate’s YouTube channel, and Huizar’s podcast, “Own More Doors,” he routinely shares insights designed to help anyone get started in multifamily investing.
In a recent interview, Huizar shared how to break into the industry and dispelled common misconceptions that often deter potential investors.
FIRST STEPS FOR NEW INVESTORS
If you’re considering investing in multifamily real estate, Huizar says the first and most crucial step is to work with the right broker.
“They need to align themselves with a real estate broker that specializes in multifamily,” he emphasized. “A lot of times buyers make a mistake of just working with a regular residential agent.”
Different types of real estate require different expertise and multifamily investments come with unique financial and regulatory considerations.
The next step? Getting pre-approved for financing.
“We need the lender to be telling us, ‘Hey, based on your down payment and what you’ve shared with us, you qualify for so much.’ With that, they will know what their payment is going to be on a building,” Huizar said. “That way, we can focus on the right properties based on what they can actually afford.”
Huizar also recommends potential investors educate themselves through various sources such as podcasts, books and his own YouTube channel.
“The more someone knows, the better,” he said.
Debunking Common Misconceptions
1. “It’s a bad time to buy.” Huizar argues that timing is always relative. “The best time to invest was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”
2. “California is too expensive.” While the cost of entry may be higher, long-term appreciation rates tend to outperform many lower-cost markets.
3. “Interest rates are too high.” Higher rates benefit buyers by reducing competition.
4. “Rent control makes it impossible to make money.” While it does limit annual rent increases, it doesn’t mean properties won’t appreciate.
Photo courtesy of Sage Real Estate Group
HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU NEED TO START?
Many assume that investing in real estate requires massive amounts of capital, but Huizar points out that there are ways to get started with less money than one might think.
“There are different programs. If you’re a veteran it’s 0% down,” he said.
For most other investors, a 5% down payment is often sufficient, provided they live on the property for at least a year.
“To buy the average fourplex in Long Beach, which went for $1.3 million in 2024, someone would probably need a $65,000 down payment,” he explained. However, if the property is strictly for investment and not owner-occupied, the down payment requirement jumps to 25%.
SCALING UP: HOW TO GROW YOUR PORTFOLIO
Once an investor purchases their first multifamily property, the next challenge is scaling up. Huizar notes that the best way to expand is through refinancing or a 1031 exchange — a process that allows investors to roll profits from one property into another without paying capital gains taxes.
“If you buy a fourplex, the rents will increase over time, and the property will appreciate,” Huizar explained. “At that point, you can pull money out or sell it and reinvest in a larger property.”
For those who gain experience and credibility, another option is pooling funds from multiple investors through syndication, allowing them to acquire even larger buildings.
FINAL ADVICE: GET STARTED NOW
For those hesitant to take the plunge, Huizar offers one key piece of advice: start now.
“There’s no such thing as the perfect time to invest,” he said. “A lot of people talk about it, but they never do anything. Then 10 years go by, and they see that someone else bought and doubled their investment.”
His mentor, Mark Malan, put it best: “It’s not get rich quick. It’s get rich guaranteed.”
For more insights, you can follow Huizar’s Sage Real Estate YouTube channel or tune into his podcast, Own More Doors, where he breaks down real estate investing strategies in greater detail.
Learn more about investing at Sageregroup.com . Better yet, contact Juan Huizar directly about how you can break into the business at 562-307-0838.
Photo courtesy of Sage Real Estate Group
FASHIONABLY SLOW
How Maggie
is fighting fast fashion while investing in community
ARTICLE BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIRAV SOLANKI
The fast fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to pollution worldwide. One local entrepreneur has made it her business to offset its negative impact by providing a sustainable alternative in her own community.
Stoll
Maggie Stoll, owner of Burke Mercantile, wearing Orla top and Tany pant by Rachel Comey.
“While many things in this country feel scary and unknown, doubling down on support in my community feels more right than ever.”
Maggie Stoll began her career in fashion working for one of the largest clothing retailers in the world. During those eight years, she gained valuable experience but eventually became disillusioned with the company’s wasteful practices and inefficient operations. In 2016, she made the bold decision to leave with a dream of starting her own business, where she planned to “support brands and businesses that are more aligned with her values,” Stoll said.
Before diving headfirst into entrepreneurship, Stoll approached Melissa Carpenter, owner of the now-defunct children’s boutique Family Store, whom she persuaded to offer her a full-time apprenticeship. She ran the store for a year while Carpenter opened The Hangout (which has also since closed).
In 2017, Stoll was finally able to open the doors to her own shop, Burke Mercantile, in the close-knit East Village Arts District. Today, the one-woman-ownedand-operated boutique offers an elevated yet accessible collection of new fashion, vintage/second-hand clothing, sustainable beauty products, home decor and art. As described on their website, the shop is a “modern lifestyle shop that brings together conscious fashion and contemporary design.”
The importance of such mindful retail practices became even more evident following the fires that devastated Los Angeles in January. While the spirit of human kindness and community was inspiring to witness locally, it was also somewhat disheartening for Stoll to see excessive consumption on display in the form of heaps of donated used clothing collected at local shops and community centers.
Noto, a genderless skin care and beauty line based in LA, on display at Burke Mercantile.
Bottom: Natural light streams through Long Beach boutique Burke
For Stoll, such huge piles of clothes, the vast majority of which were unfit for reuse, exposed the wastefulness of fast fashion. The industry’s high volume, low-cost output comes at a great cost to our environment, with 85% of discarded textiles going to landfills and incinerators.
And that’s just one of the problems.
Along with the millions of tons of waste it produces annually, the fashion industry’s excessive water usage, high carbon emissions from long-distance shipping and chemical pollution from microplastics and toxic dyes cause more harm to our environment than nearly every other industry on the planet.
And it’s not just the environment that is being harmed, Stoll says.
“I think what people don’t realize is all the steps of production it takes to create clothing,” she said. “These large companies are doing it in a way that is as cheap and as fast as possible, and that often translates to poor working conditions for their workers.”
As a California Green Business, Burke Mercantile complies with an extensive list of requirements for certification. Certified green businesses adhere to both general and industry-specific standards for energy and water conservation, pollution prevention, waste reduction, employee transportation and community environmental education. Here in Long Beach, less than 50 businesses hold that certification.
Burke Mercantile exists to provide Long Beach shoppers an opportunity to explore high-quality clothing that is made to last. With a premium selection of ethical brands — all personally vetted by Stoll — each quality piece she sells tells a story of conscious creation, one that honors human dignity, environmental stewardship and innovative design.
In addition to new fashion, Burke now also hosts Cool & Casual Studios, a shop-within-a-shop concept featuring vintage and second-hand clothing
Top: Nova dress by Kowtow, made entirely from 100% certified Fairtrade cotton.
Photo courtesy of Kowtow.
Mercantile, illuminating a mindfully curated collection of sustainable fashion.
“By supporting local artists, we’re encouraging creativity, joy and inspiration.”
curated by local fashion guru Alden Jackson. By extending the life of existing garments, shopping vintage helps reduce textile waste in landfills and minimizes environmental impact, Stoll said.
Burke is more than just a boutique – it’s a place where changemakers, emerging artists and designers are supported and celebrated.
Stoll has always been inspired by art museum gift shops and galleries, and as a community-invested business owner, it was a natural progression for her to leverage her retail space to promote local creatives. She created the Burke Residency Program to allow smaller brands and emerging artists an opportunity to showcase their work.
“It’s hard for artists to support themselves in their creative endeavors,” Stoll said. “By
supporting local artists, we’re encouraging creativity, joy and inspiration.”
As the proprietor of a sustainability-focused business, Stoll doesn’t just talk the talk — she walks it.
In a recent Substack post, she reflects on the many ways she has personally divested from global corporations and practices that have negative environmental, social and economic impacts while shifting her support to all things hyperlocal.
“While many things in this country feel scary and unknown, doubling down on support in my community feels more right than ever,” she said. “Shop small, eat seasonal, support local art, volunteer your time, join buy-nothing groups, attend repair cafes, search secondhand, ship less, show up [in real life].”
Quarantine Flowers, a painting by Burke artist-in-residence Nick Zegel. Photo courtesy of Nick Zegel.
INVEST IN YOUR GREENS
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANIE JONES
Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
DANDELION GREENS:
Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.
BROCCOLI:
Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation.
KALE:
Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.
ARTICHOKES:
Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.
SPINACH:
Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.
APRIL 11TH – 13TH
50th Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
300 E Ocean Blvd
As one of the most prestigious street circuit races in North American motorsports, this annual event transforms the streets of downtown Long Beach, California into a temporary 1.97-mile racing circuit. The three-day event includes action-packed Thunder Thursday at The Pike Outlets, free to attend on April 10th. For full event details, visit gplb.com.
APRIL 12TH
Musica Angelica: St. Matthew Passion
First Congregational Church of Long Beach | 6:00 PM
Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of classical Baroque music, weaving voices and orchestra through magnificent oratorios and arias. Two Baroque orchestras will perform with a double choir and an award-winning cast of American and European vocal soloists.
APRIL 18TH
YMCA 57th Annual Good Friday Breakfast
Long Beach Convention Center Grand Ballroom | 7:15 AM
The YMCA of Greater Long Beach hosts an annual Good Friday Breakfast, bringing together community members to reflect on the significance of Good Friday. The event features keynote speaker Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna, and presentations by respected community figures. Attendees will also enjoy musical performances by Saints of Anointing.
APRIL 24TH
Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California: Zanny Minton-Beddoes
Long Beach Terrace Theater | 7:30 PM
The first female editor-in-chief in The Economist’s 180-year history, Zanny Minton Beddoes enlightens audiences on financial and economic trends with prescient analysis that is detailed yet comprehensive in scope. With charming wit and remarkable precision, her unique depth of perspective on the future of the global economy provides an unparalleled outlook that always engages and informs.
Cheers to our friends celebrating 50 years of racing the streets in Long Beach!
Bigger Dot is a global production studio that specializes in print, fulfillment, and project management. We cater to a multitude of industries providing custom and strategic solutions serving as an extension of your team and bringing your vision to reality.
APRIL 26TH
Free Brunch & Learn for Property Owners
El Dorado Library Community Room | 10:30 AM
Make smart moves and maximize your real estate potential! Join INTI Realty for an exclusive and complimentary Homeowner Brunch & Learn, designed for property owners, investors and those looking to maximize their financial strategies. Gain valuable insights into tax benefits, 1031 exchanges and smart investment approaches — all in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
APRIL 26TH
Carpenter Center 30th Anniversary Concert
Carpenter Performing Arts Center | 8:00 PM
Celebrate the Carpenter Center’s 30th anniversary with Renée Elise Goldsberry, the Tony Award-winning star of Hamilton, and Richard Carpenter. Performing soulful renditions of American Songbook hits and beloved Broadway classics, Goldsberry takes us on a journey reminiscent of an old-fashioned revival. This milestone event will be an evening to remember. Want
Restoring Commercial Real Estate Value
Rolling Suds, the nation’s leading power washing franchise, dedicates its services to revitalizing and enhancing the value of commercial real estate properties. Scan for more!
eat kind
EMBRACING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR BODY
Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive. The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way. Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon
• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos
• Zest and juice from one lemon
• 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard
• 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened
• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced
• 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours.
2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature.
4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!
simple roasted salmon with dill coconut cream
Please help people affected by the 2025 California Wildfires by scanning the QR code, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.