Community

ZAFERIA IS A VIBE

By Brittany Hart Scholten Photos by Monique Kuhlman Tucked along Anaheim Street between Loma and Temple, Zaferia (pronounced: Za-FAIR-ee-uh) is one of Long Beach’s most eclectic, community-driven neighborhoods. Originally settled by Mexican farm workers from nearby Rancho Los Alamitos in the early 1900s, the area grew tremendously with the arrival of the Pacific Electric Railway before officially becoming part of Long Beach in 1920. The name Zaferia is a mystery—some say it’

REMEMBERING CANELO: MILLIKAN’S UNOFFICIAL MASCOT

By Rose Varley, Millikan High School student and Copy Editor, Millikan Corydon (school publication) Photo by: Eva Gonzalez Canelo wasn’t just a cat, he was a part of the Millikan High School community. Our beloved, fluffy tabby cat sadly passed away on March 22, 2026, in a car accident in the neighborhoods surrounding the school. Canelo has been a part of Millikan since 2023, his presence always natural and unquestioned. Owned by a nearby neighbor, Canelo would walk over to

NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK: LEAH’S LONG BEACH ADVENTURES

A big congratulations to Brittany Hart Scholten, a regular LB908 contributor for releasing her debut children’s book, “Leah’s Long Beach Adventures.” “Leah’s Long Beach Adventures” is a vibrant children’s picture book celebrating the neighborhoods, cultures, diversity, and community that make Long Beach so unique. Brittany is passionate about writing for the community as she does for LB908. For her book, she worked with local illustrator Michelle Dinh, born and raised i

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE: VOLUNTEER CLEANUP GROUPS AROUND LONG BEACH

By Monique Garcia Photos by Craig Van Sickle “This is our neighborhood. This is your neighborhood… join us,” invites Cascia Lutz, volunteer lead with Clean Streets United, a volunteer-led community group. We love to think of Long Beach as a big city with small-town vibes, and in many ways, that’s true. But with all its charm and energy, Long Beach is still a big city and sometimes needs a helping hand keeping it clean. That’s where our amazing volunteer neighborhood and beach

ROSEBAY STREET’S 100 YEAR-OLD RESIDENT, MIA LIPSKI

Story and Photos by Brittany Hart Scholten Not every street in Long Beach can brag of a centenarian, but Rosebay Street sure can! This September, Mia Lipski, who moved onto the street in 1958 with her late husband, Alexander, celebrated her 100th birthday at her home of nearly seven decades, surrounded by friends, family, and neighbors. “The neighborhood party meant a lot to her because she has made so many friends there over the years, and she believes that, ‘You shall love