By Gina Valencia Photos submitted by Long Beach Ballet Each December, Long Beach transforms into a world of snowflakes, soldiers, and sugar plum fairies when the Long Beach Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker . Now in its 43rd season, the show fills the Terrace Theater with dazzling sets, pyrotechnics, and a live orchestra that brings Tchaikovsky’s score to life. Artistic Director David Wilcox has created what many consider the most spectacular Nutcracker

By Brittany Hart Scholten | Photo by Monique Kuhlman Friendship, persistence, and community strength are all behind the story of Sugar Cove. Over 12 years ago, Kara Connell and Kelly Bockrath (best friends, roommates, and Long Beach locals) opened the shop together in Belmont Shore.  The idea for Sugar Cove was born out of their enthusiasm for spray tans. “We were obsessed with spray tans,” shares Kara. In the early 2010s, they were driving to Cerritos since there were no loc

Photos and Story submitted by the Eminent Giving Initiative This past July, the iconic community block party and fireworks show lit up the sky over Alamitos Bay. The summertime tradition of Big Bang on the Bay has made a lasting and charitable impact on the city of Long Beach. “This year’s Big Bang on the Bay was nothing short of extraordinary, considering the obstacles we had to endure to make it happen,” says event producer Shane Hardy, and founder of Eminent Giving Initiat

Early learning and childcare can’t be wrapped in a one-size-fits-all package.  So this holiday season, give yourself the gift of choice! The Long Beach Early Learning Hub, an online platform that connects daycares and preschools to local parents, was not only built to showcase the many options available in Long Beach, it was especially created to showcase the difference in parent’s choice, so that parents can find one that fits the parameters that matter most to them. Whether

This year, we’re throwing our first ever Holiday Fair in East Long Beach. The two-day fair, from 12pm-5pm on November 29th and 30th, will be located in the expansive 3rd story event space in Sports Basement on Bellflower Blvd. Inside a festive atmosphere, the fun will include a large small business gift market, live holiday music from local school choirs and musical groups, delicious food and drink, Santa Claus, lots of photo opps, and multi-cultural, holiday-themed crafts fo

By Brittany Hart Scholten Photos by Monique Kuhlman Before she ever picked up a pair of shears, Salon Medusa’s owner and stylist Jenny Martin worked in retail and fashion. She loved the creativity of it but felt she needed a career change. It was her late mother who helped her see the next step. “My mom told me, ‘You’ve always had a gift with hair and makeup—why don’t you study cosmetology?’” Jenny recalls with a smile.  After studying cosmetology, and simultaneously caring f

By Miranda von Lersner  Photos submitted by Long Beach Bombers Long Beach is home to a phenomenal hockey team, the Long Beach Bombers. Originally founded in 1993, the team has undergone quite the journey to become who they are today. The current owners are lifelong, passionate hockey fans who are determined to make Long Beach Bombers a household name. A True Family Business Josh & Bryana Fitzgerald, husband and wife, co-own the team with head coach, Curtis Fisher. The three h

By Brittany Hart Scholten  |  Photos submitted by MOLAA If you’ve seen Disney’s Coco , you’ve had a glimpse of the vibrant and colorful celebration of life after death: Día de los Muertos. Rooted in traditions that date back more than 3,000 years, it began with the Mesoamerican peoples of Mexico, who used the holiday to honor deceased loved ones and believed that each year the spirits of loved ones could return to visit the living during this time. In the past two decades, th

By John Grossi Photos submitted by Hygieia Home Health Welcoming a skilled nurse into your home, whether during a time of recovery or hospice, is an incredibly intimate experience that can positively or negatively define your entire healthcare experience, depending on who is caring for you. Unfortunately, in the modern healthcare model, patients are forced to make the decision on the fly, as they are rushed out of the hospital (usually prematurely) in an attempt by the insura

By Laila Freeman Photos submitted by the Journalism Arts Initiative (JAI)  Maybe it could be called a wedding made in Heaven.   The two...

September 8th is 908 DAY! A CITYWIDE CELEBRATION OF LONG BEACH! Join the annual celebration of hometown pride all over Long Beach!  You...

By John Grossi | Photos by Izzy Juarez Owner, Scott Beachley Not all massages are created equal. If you’re in significant pain or have...