Daily Forty-Niner; November 15, 2021

Digital Print Special Edition

DAILY FORTY-NINER EST p 1949

Vol. LXXVI, Issue 37

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Monday, November 15, 2021

ong each L B The Best of

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Social Media Editor Hikaru Tamashiro Podcast Editor Jeremy Taylor Podcast Host Aziza Gomez

Assistants

ong Beach is a lively city, teeming with energy and excitement. The essence of Long Beach is that of dynamism, diversity and vibrancy, and nothing encompasses that essence better than the beloved variety of establishments and small businesses throughout the city. These locations are cherished parts of the Long Beach community and have long been appreciated by the students of CSULB and the city at large.

Therefore, in this special issue of The Daily 49er, we seek to recognize them for their contributions to the spirit of Long Beach. From a mom-and-pop coffee shop on Broadway to a welcoming hub of eateries by the airport, the most beloved destination spots, voted by CSULB’s own students, are here.

- Lillian Li Special Projects Editor

News Assistant Hannah Shields Opinions Assistant Sofie Parker Sports Assistant Matthew Brown Copy Editor Assistant Steven Matthews Special Projects Assistant Johan Alfaro Photo Assistant Tin Huynh Video Assistant Erik Zamora Social Media Assistant Krystal Ordonez Podcast Assistant Cindy Aguilera Public Relations Assistant Jason Coronel Web Assistant Vidyadhari Raghunadha Naid

Business Advertising Manager Ramsha Shaiman Hasan advertising@daily49er.com Advertising Executives Angela Martin Purva Rao Graphic Designer Aaray Amano Webmaster Zenil Vaghasiya PR & Promotions Manager Kate Michel Distribution Manager Darlene Malolos Distribution Analyst Jacob Patrick Mitchell Creative Director Wendy Rangel

Advisers Design Adviser Gary Metzker Content Adviser Barbara Kinglsey-Wilson Advertising & Business Jennifer Newton Adviser Letters Policy: All letters and emails must bear the phone number of the writer and must be no more than 300 words. The Daily Forty-Niner reserves the right to edit letters for publication in regard to space.

Special thank you to the JOUR 490 Business of Student Media class for all their help planning and coordinating the CSULB Student Choice Awards voting.

Editorials: All opinions expressed in the columns, letters and cartoons in the issue are those of the writers or artists. The opinons of the Daily FortyNiner are expressed only in unsigned editorials and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the journalism department or the views of all staff members. All such editorials are written by the editorial board of the Daily Forty-Niner.

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BEST OF LB 3 Tierra Mia’s slogan translates to “the best coffee comes from my land.”

Isaiah Zuniga

Tierra Mia Coffee strives to be diverse

By Isaiah Zuniga Contributor

Best Place to Get Your Caffeine Fix

F

or an environment that serves unique coffee and fits the college demographic due to its location in the community, Tierra Mia Coffee at 425 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach is the place to visit.

Tierra Mia Coffee has 14 locations in California, all of which provide diverse coffee to suit their diverse cities. The Long Beach location is no exception.

The coffee shop opened its first location in South Gate, Calif. in 2008. As the company continued to grow throughout the years, they opened locations in Downtown Los Angeles, La Habra, Santa Ana, Long Beach, Anaheim and Pico Rivera.

In Dec. 2011, Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathon Gold considered the Tierra Mia Coffee in downtown Los Angeles one of the ten best coffee shops in the city.

Tierra Mia Coffee in Long Beach drives in a student demographic of customers because of the location’s convenience, being close to Long Beach City College and CSULB. “I would say about more than 90% of our customers are either LBCC or CSULB students,” Heriberto Maldonado Jr., manager of Tierra Mia Coffee in Long Beach, said.

Even former CSULB students visit the Long Beach location for their coffee needs. One of those former students is Curtis Clark, who attended CSULB from 1968 to 1972.

“They’re a refreshing change,” Clark said as his drink order was called. “They have different flavors that they don’t have at other places.”

Maldonado said Tierra Mia Coffee focuses on Latin-inspired coffee beans and other unique beans. “We have coffee beans from most parts of Latin America,” he said. “Right now, we have beans from Yemen and last month, we had some from Ethiopia.”

Tierra Mia Coffee’s slogan is “El mejor café viene de tierra mia,” which translates to “the best coffee comes

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from my land.” Tierra Mia Coffee utilizes the various coffee beans to provide the community with unique flavors they come back for.

The coffee shop is also a location that people go to for the various origin of their coffee beans. Les Peters is one such person who appreciates this about the coffee shop.

Peters, an alumnus from the 2001 CSULB graduate class—and recently hired in the American Indian Studies Program at his alma mater—said he loves coffee and the diversity that Tierra Mia Coffee provides.

“They have unique drinks, made with different beans from all over Central and Southern America,” Peters said. “Every time I went there, I’ve seen employees that were a direct reflection of the community that they were in.”

The CSULB alumni said that the shop’s mentality about coffee exemplifies why he visits the local coffee shop often. “They cater to the community,” he said.

“They follow the passion I have for coffee and I always support those kinds of small businesses.”

Peters added that he would visit Tierra Mia Coffee in Lynwood before the Long Beach location opened when he went to business meetings in Los Angeles. The CSULB alumnus said he enjoys Tierra Mia Coffee so much he would bring some of his coworkers to the coffee shop.

Peters said he doesn’t visit the Long Beach location often these days, but when the location first opened in 2015, he would visit them two to three times per week.

He added that he and his daughter wake up early on the weekends and go to coffee shops, like Tierra Mia Coffee, all across the area.

“I wake up at 7:30 a.m. on the weekends and tell my daughter ‘let’s go get coffee somewhere in Los Angeles,’” Peters said. “I usually order Americanos, but if I’m having a long day, I order a cold brew.”

Website tierramiacoffee.com Instagram @tierramiacoffeecompany

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Best Place to Eat Clean Fresh foods at Natura Bowls

By Johan Alfaro, Ignacio Cervantes, Christal Gaines-Emory Contributors

C

SULB students in search of a healthy place to eat near campus have the opportunity to visit Natura Bowls, located at 5353 2nd St. Suite B, Long Beach.

Established only two miles from CSULB, Natura Bowls is the perfect place for CSULB students and the Long Beach community to stop by when craving one of the world’s healthiest breakfasts, acai and pitaya bowls.

“All of our bowls are 100 percent fruit,” Annika Wade, a three-year employee and local resident, said. “It’s blended frozen fruit with fresh ingredients on top so if you’re looking for something cold, kind of like ice cream but healthier, this is the spot.”

Natura Bowls currently has three locations in Southern California, with one in Long Beach, one in the Los Alamitos and one in Tustin. All three locations are surrounded by schools, which gives them the benefit of having students as their main customer base. As a result, there is a high demand for fresh acai bowls and smoothies during the school year.

“I’ve been working here for three years, and there is always CSULB students coming in as well as Long Beach City College students coming in to get something fresh,” Wade said.

Employees have also noticed a trend of customers coming in after their morning and afternoon workouts.

“People come in after their morning runs, then around noon we get busy,” Wade said.

“We have high protein options for a healthy snack after working out.”

Natura Bowls also offers a wide variety of bowl options, including the Super Purple Acai Bowl which integrates acai, strawberry, banana, chia pudding, and coconut milk.

Customers can also opt to build their owl bowl with different ingredients and toppings.

The toppings include granola, honey and fresh fruit.

“We have ones that are picked out with certain toppings so if you like one of those preconstructed, we have that. Otherwise you can build your own, where you can pick your own base, we’ll blend it up and have it made to order,” Wade said. “Then, we come and top it with whatever toppings you like.”

Best Place to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

ULYSSES VILLA | Daily Forty-Niner

Acai bowls are a popular choice for people that want something refreshing.

Website natura-bowls.business.site

Porto’s Bakery: the sweetest American dream

By Nadia Ramos Contributor

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orto’s Bakery, a Los Angeles treasure known for its delicious food and pastries, is the epitome of the American dream—a dream that began with Rosa Porto.

According to their website, Porto was born in Cuba and grew up on her mother’s sweet recipes. The sugary smells from the kitchen sparked a passion that would lead to a multimillion-dollar business.

Upon Cuba’s turn to communism, her family attempted to flee their home country, eventually leaving Porto stuck in Cuba without a job. Porto began using her sugar-laden childhood to her advantage, selling baked goods out of her house to support her family. What began as a means of survival became her claim to fame as her reputation grew.

When the family was granted permission to emigrate to the United States, they found themselves in California. Porto sold her cakes to people who had been aware of her baking exploits in Cuba. Her reputation soared to even greater heights in her new home.

Porto opened her first official bakery in 1976 on Sunset Boulevard at Echo Park. Since then, Porto’s Bakery has branched out to five different locations: Glendale, Buena Park, West Covina, Downey, Burbank and a Northridge branch opening soon.

Porto’s Bakery’s reputation for delicious pastries, food and cakes has spread past the L.A. area.

“We get customers that come from San Francisco, Texas, New York, that come here and order pastries,” Porto’s Bakery staff member, Carmen Romero, said. “We’re like a destination spot for some people when they come visit.”

Some of Porto’s Bakery’s signature items include their cheese roll, refugiados (guava and cheese strudels) and their famous potato ball. However, there are many other items that customers, such as CSULB students, stand in long lines or travel miles for.

“I have been going to Porto’s for as long as I can remember,” CSULB student, Rachel Gledhill, said. “I love getting their dulce de leche besito cookies, meat pies, their fruit tarts and the tres leche cake.”

The closest Porto’s Bakery to CSULB is the Downey location, 8233 Firestone Blvd Downey, CA 90241.

NADIA RAMOS | Daily Forty-Niner

There are plenty of options for pastries at Porto’s Bakery.

Website https://www.portosbakery.com/current-menu/

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Shop, eat, and spend at LBX

By Christina Merino Opinions Editor

T

he Long Beach Exchange—better known as “LBX” by patrons—is a retail and dining destination with the goal of creating a diverse and unique experience for guests.

It is located at the corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Carson Street, near the Long Beach Airport. With its modern rustic aesthetic, LBX is a great place to go with friends and explore the endless options of cuisine, storefronts, gyms and more.

According to their website, LBX opened in the spring of 2018, taking up more than 26 acres for people to walk around and enjoy. There are plenty of nooks and seating areas for CSULB students to eat their delicious food or admire the atmosphere. The murals and art around LBX also make for beautiful photo opportunities.

A treat for friends to experience together at LBX is Spavia, a resort-like spa where guests get to feel “relaxed, recentered and renewed.”

There is also Images Luxury Nail Lounge, a salon that provides therapeutic and refreshing nail care as well as facial treatments. People can additionally shop at popular retail stores like T.J. Maxx and Ulta Beauty.

LBX is the place to go when looking for an extensive list of restaurants. There is a lot to choose from and food

CHRISTINA MERINO | Daily Forty-Niner

The Long Beach Exchange is a popular destination for retail and dining.

from all over, such as Georgia’s Restaurant, which specializes in soul food.

According to the Long Beach Post, “Georgia’s fills a gap in the soul food scene that was once thriving in North and West Long Beach.”

Another restaurant is The 908, a classic American cookery that has an “upbeat yet elevated setting.”

The most popular place to get food at LBX is at The Hanger, where people can find a variety of food vendors to satisfy any craving.

CSULB students like to visit LBX and bring along their best friends for a good time.

Maliyah Cason, a freshman at CSULB, agrees that it is a good place to hang out and enjoys the selection of food options every time she visits.

“I really like that boba place right there, it’s called Tastea,” Cason said, as she pointed across the courtyard to the boba shop.

Address: 4069 N Lakewood Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90808.

Website thelongbeachexchange.com Instagram @longbeachexchange

Best Place to Chow Down

Explore unique food options at the LBX Hangar

By Kaitlyn Rowell Contributor

If

KAITLYN ROWELL | Daily Forty-Niner

Inside LBX Hangar, featuring Bite Mi and JayBird.

Best Place to Meet Up With Your Besties

you are indecisive and looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, the LBX Hangar is the spot for you.

Voted as the best place to “Chow Down” in the 2021 Student Choice Awards, The Hangar, located at 4150 E McGowen St. in Long Beach, is a 17,000 squarefoot structure and home to 12 small food vendors that offer food from Turkish inspired kabobs to Korean barbeque.

Opened in March 2019, the establishment is reminiscent of an old school aviation hangar, a nod to Long Beach’s aviation history, and was even built on old Boeing Co. Land.

When you walk in, you’re greeted by Portola Coffee Roasters front and center, then to the right, there is Blue Bowl, a customizable smoothie bowl café. To the left of Portola is The Kroft, which specializes in comfort food and is known for its signature poutines. Poutine is a Canadian staple, which traditionally consists of french fries, cheese curds and gravy.

Inside the structure, there are a couple of design elements that help enhance that aviation theme, including a giant American flag hanging inside the building, just as one would find in an airport. They also included a clock wall with 12 clocks, each set to times of different cities across the country such as Indiana and New Jersey.

People don’t just come here for the cool decorations though; it’s the food court style set up that draws people in.

“We come here at least once a week,” Giovanni Lora, 28, said. “It’s like two minutes away from

us, so it’s nice.”

Lora was with a group of friends on a Friday morning, enjoying lunch from Bite Mi, a Vietnamese cuisine spot.

The group said it’s one of their favorite spots, but they are regulars and have managed to make their way around the food court.

They said that sometimes they go at night, sit at the outdoor seating area, and enjoy the live performances that take place on occasion. They all expressed the sentiment that The Hangar is a great communal spot to hang out with friends and enjoy good vibes.

The Hangar offers a great number of options, so it isn’t uncommon to find regulars who come back just to try new spots.

“So many solid choices there, it’s insane,” Jameric Bernal, 19, said.

Bernal, a regular, has tried four food spots at the location, including Jay Birds, which serves Nashville Hot Chicken; Plaid Sheep, a grilled cheese bar; Popbar, a gelato shop and Portola.

He described The Hangar as an excellent date destination for people looking for good food, with another group of regulars echoing this statement.

52-year-old Brian Morello was grabbing a drink with two of his co-workers, saying he hasn’t had a bad meal at The Hangar yet and you really can’t go wrong with whichever place you choose to try first.

With a unique atmosphere and so much food to choose from, it’s no wonder that the LBX Hangar won the award for the best place to “Chow Down” during this year’s Student Choice Awards.

Website thelongbeachexchange.com/the-hangar

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Bixby Knolls shop makes its mark with specialty tattoos

Best Place to Get Inked

By Scarled Murillo Contributor

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ith the Red Hot Chili Peppers discography playing in the background and the smell of ink in the air, the owner of Bixby Knolls Tattoo, Sergio Parga, shared his journey of bringing two of his passions together.

He brought art and the tattoo world to his hometown of Long Beach, making sure it was a place to serve his community. With passion and determination, Bixby Knolls Tattoo was established in 2018.

Bixby Knolls Tattoo is located at 4332 Atlantic Ave., in the heart of historical Bixby Knolls. This small neighborhood is a hotspot for the art scene of Long Beach and Parga knew this was the place he wanted to start his journey of tattooing.

At 29-years-old, Parga became a self-taught tattoo artist. During this time, Parga also took fine art seminars from atelier professors that worked at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and prestigious art schools. He explained he prioritized his journey of tattooing because it was the only form of art available to him due to his geographical and economical circumstances.

“People don’t paint in the hood, they usually tattoo,” Parga said.

He also said that he had to make a choice between continuing school or making money tattooing. He chose to tattoo and dropped out of college to pursue his passion.

“It’s a double-edged sword, I do think an education is really important, but sometimes there is no better education than being hands-on,” he said.

Every artist has their own style and in tattooing, Parga specializes in black and grey photorealism and pre-hispanic tattoo styles. His culture plays a big role in his art.

SCARLED MURILLO | Daily Forty-Niner

Bixby Knolls Tattoo shop owner, Sergio Parga (he/him) standing by mural outside of his business.

As a first-generation Mexican American, he wants to strive for a greater purpose, to help his community succeed and embrace their culture with pride.

Parga shared his love for Long Beach and “how it’s still the last real L.A.” He mentioned how everyone in Long Beach is really charismatic and talented at their niches– they are proud to be born and raised at the Beach.

Working at a business that involves interactions with many different people, Parga said his store demographic allows him to meet people from all walks of life. He sees many customers asking for eccentric tattoo ideas, specifically young college students.

“Young people are going to tell you what’s cool,” Parga said.

He then explained how excited he was to receive an award from the CSULB students for “Best Place to Get Inked.” He mentioned he didn’t even know there was such a thing, but he really appreciated all the votes and love he

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received.

Bixby Knolls Tattoo has a motto of “quality over quantity,” and Parga explained how he tries to deliver real products for real people. He wants to treat everyone with respect and make a positive impact to his community.

When asked about his future endeavors, Parga said he sees his shop “growing with the industry, growing with the times and the community.”

In the future, he hopes to open an art gallery to showcase art for his community to see.

Call (562) 980-0119 Instagram @bixbyknollstattoo

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Drag queen shows offer nights of entertainment and laughter.

TYLER SAKATANI | Daily Forty-Niner

Hamburger Mary’s is serving much more than burgers

A

By Nadia Vazquez Contributor

trip to Hamburger Mary’s in Long Beach is more than a trip to any old restaurant–it’s an experience.

“Open-air bar and grille for open-minded people” is the motto of the eclectic restaurant and bar. Hamburger Mary’s is located at 330 Pine Ave. Hamburger Mary’s offers an abundance of enjoyable elements to get the perfect night going, from its full-service bar to its unique menu items. Every aspect is tailored for a perfect, fun-filled night.

The most notable aspect is the variety of events the restaurant hosts throughout the year, including drag brunches, trans nights and “Dining with Divas.”

Every night keeps with the motto of open-mindedness and acceptance, making it the perfect place for newcomers like fourth-year CSULB student Rachil Cavanaugh.

Cavanaugh was drawn in by the ambiance of the place as she embraced her very first drag show.

“It was a new experience,” Cavanaugh said. “But it did not have that feeling of, ‘I’m too embarrassed to be here.’”

Across the LGBTQ+ community, drag shows serve as a space where self-expression

“

Open-air bar and grille for open-minded people Hamburger Mary’s motto

”

meets creativity. At these shows, audiences have been known to match the welcoming atmosphere Hamburger Mary’s creates.

“I felt like the audience, from what I remember, was really into the shows and really into the whole atmosphere of the place,” Cavanaugh said. “It had a lot to do with the performance of it, giving a great show.”

Whether it’s creating their own persona or embodying a fictional character, drag queens spend countless hours preparing unique routines made to lift the spirits of their audience. And with the extravagant, high-energy performances put on at Hamburger Mary’s, audiences can’t help but be in a “Mary” mood.

Cavanaugh’s favorite thing about her first night at Hamburger Mary’s was experiencing a Halloween-themed drag show, an event the restaurant only hosts twice in October.

“The most memorable moment of the night was the first performance,” Cavanaugh said. “The drag queen dressed up as Morticia Addams and performed to the song from the Addams Family musical. It was really good.”

From delicious food and drinks to charismatic performers, every aspect of Hamburger Mary’s is essential to creating the fun, energetic environment any girl, gay or they would enjoy.

“It’s an experience. That’s just it, it’s an experience,” Cavanaugh said.

Website hamburgermarys.com/longbeach

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A rack of clothes inside of Far Outfit in Long Beach.

Sebastian Perez

Best Place to Thrift for Threads

By Sebastian Perez Contributor

T

ucked away on Fourth Street between Cherry and Junipero, there is a mecca for fashion enthusiasts with a love for vintage.

Known as Retro Row, the Fourth Street corridor is a time machine where shoppers can

get a glimpse of the past.

Meow Vintage has been in existence since 1986 and has become a one-stop shop for retro fashion connoisseurs as the longest-standing store on Retro Row. Although its neon signs can be hard to see in the Long Beach sun, the store’s retro décor is hard to miss.

Owner Kathleen Schaff’s expertise in vintage fashion is apparent through her curation, as she has decorated the store to resemble a vintage department store, complete with vintage mannequins and funky neon signs. She has been into vintage fashion since childhood and within her store shoppers can find garments from the 1940s to the 2000s.

Schaff believes the rising interest in vintage clothes within the younger generation comes from consumers becoming more conscious of the unsustainability of modern fashion.

“During the pandemic, a lot of people looked into their closets and saw how much crap they bought at the mall,” Schaff said. “Younger people are leading the way to educate people that they don’t want to live the way we have.”

Meow Vintage specializes in vintage deadstock clothing that is handpicked and curated by Schaff.

Deadstock refers to a garment that has never been worn. To find clothes from decades ago that have never been worn, shop owners attend warehouse sales and estate sales. As time passes, these garments are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Sneaky Tiki Boutique, located a couple of doors down, also specializes in vintage deadstock fashion. As soon as shoppers walk in, the aura of rock and roll can be felt as vintage band tees hang from racks alongside wide-legged sturdy denim jeans. Vintage motorcycle boots

Retro Row: a vintage shoppers dream sit on the shelves, and the walls are covered with vintage Hawaiian shirts.

Sneaky Tiki Boutique specializes in 1950s and 1960s clothes. The owner, Nick Barnes, looks for clothes from the era that have been well preserved. He buys many of his products at warehouse sales, where clothing produced decades ago has sat untouched.

Further down the street is Old Gold Boutique, a quaint, woman-owned boutique specializing in women’s vintage clothing and personal styling. Always wanting to own a store, Bridgette

“

is cool, and older people who actually wore the clothes I collect.”

Her favorite era of fashion is the 1960s to the 1970s, and she tirelessly searches for clothes from these decades on the internet, in thrift stores and at estate sales. She likes the variety of vintage, which allows wearers to figure out their personal style.

Far Outfit, owned by Johanna Moynahan, opened in 2015 on Retro Row where Moynahan had worked as a teen. She was inspired by her former boss who used to own a store on Retro

Vintage is a big part of our shop now because it’s really sustainable, more than buying an organic fabric because it had to be made, whereas vintage is already there.

the vibe of her store: far out, as the store is full of oddities and campy décor.

While Moynahan opened an online store during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said she does not like to sell online. Stepping into her store is an experience and the clothes she gives a second life to are the centerpiece.

Finally, as shoppers reach the end of Retro Row, they can make their final stop at Native Sol, owned by May Salem and Tyrone Ward. Native Sol was initially founded as a lifestyle brand meant to reflect Salem and Ward’s natural lifestyle.

Salem and Ward opened their first store in Long Beach’s East Village. Although they have lived near Retro Row, it was hard to get a location there due to high property demand. However, they were able to move their storefront to Retro Row in 2016.

As Native Sol began to grow, vintage clothing became a bigger part of the brand because of its sustainability, which Salem believes ties in closely with the ethos of Native Sol. “Vintage is a big part of our shop now because it’s really sustainable, more than buying an organic fabric because it had to be made, whereas Vintage is already there,” Salem said.

“It’s recycling, upcycling, giving it a new life span, and most vintage pieces last longer than fast fashion pieces. So you see vintage pieces still circulating.”

The store also features products from local artisans and indigenous artists. To Salem and Ward, community is important and part of the reason they opened their store in Long Beach.

May Salem Owner of Native Sol

Thompson opened the story around 2018 after living in Long Beach for 9 years. She chose Retro Row as a location because of the wide array of customers she sees shopping on the street.

“All kinds of people,” Thompson said regarding her demographic of customers. “Younger kids starting their shopping journey, which

Row. “I really wanted to recycle clothes, I wanted to do something more important than just working for a company,” Moynahan said.

Moynahan took the name of the store from her husband’s band and it perfectly describes

Website 4thstreetlongbeach.com/longbeach-shopping

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BEST OF LB 11

Buying tickets to go to Disneyland with your friends is essential to forgetting about that ex-significant other.

Mariana Lopez

The ultimate Disney guide to getting over a breakup

By Mariana Lopez Contributor

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hen your happily ever after doesn’t go as planned, it’s easy to lose yourself in sorrow. That’s why it’s important to keep your heart busy with things that bring you joy; like reading a book, going out with friends, or simply staying at home watching your favorite movies. But for the students of CSULB, the best thing you can do to forget your ex is to visit the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

When visiting Disneyland, all your issues disappear for the day. All the stress from school and work becomes less and less important as you are walking through the colorful lights of Main Street. Disneyland turns into the perfect distraction when dealing with a break-up, and the perfect excuse to treat yourself in the process.

“You can have a Disney trip and enjoy it without the need of having a significant other,” said Disney cast member Evelyn Valdez. “You get to disconnect for a couple hours, and you are most likely thinking about the next ride you want to go on, or what snack you want to get, not your ex.”

With hundreds of couples and families walking around the park and long attraction wait lines, all while dealing with a broken heart can be overwhelming.

Lucky for you, here is the ultimate guide on how to avoid that: All you need is a little faith, trust, and great company!

That’s the ultimate key to turning a very unfortunate situation into an awesome experience is having great company. Go with your besties, take your mom or invite that one friend you’ve been wanting to hang out with for a while.

Nobody has time to think about their ex when they’re sharing the magic of Disneyland with the people who matter most to them.

“I was actually going through a breakup the first time I went to Disneyland,” senior CSULB student Riley Ohman said. “I had no motivation in going, but my sister and I already had tickets and I needed an escape from my problems. We ended up having a great time.”

Follow your heart and let it lead you to the nearest... corn dog stand?

One of the many things that makes Disneyland so special is its variety of good food and sweet treats. From enjoying a delicious Pym-ini Sandwich at the Pym Test Kitchen in California Adventures to ending the night with snickerdoodle cookies at the Candy Palace in Disneyland, there is no sadness that cannot be cured by the taste of good food.

“One of my favorite Disney snacks is the Spicy Dill

Best Place to Forget Your Ex

Pickle,” said Ohman. “My ex hated pickles, and out of spite they became my favorite.”

Other Disney restaurants and quick snacks you should try out: Alien Pizza Planet, Bengal Barbecue, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, and the Little Red Wagon.

Restaurants to try at California Adventures: Award Wieners (DCAP), Cozy Cone Motel (DCAP), and the Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill (DCAP).

Play smarter, not harder: Make good use of the Disneyland App to avoid long wait lines!

We all know a lot can happen while waiting to get onto the next ride. You might get hungry, you might need to use the restroom, or you might even start overthinking the last conversation you had with your partner before the breakup.

By using the Disneyland App, you can do mobile food and beverage orders in advance, check wait times for rides and join virtual queues for the most popular attractions.

When nothing else seems to work... Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Booze!

For those of you who need some liquid courage to get a little goofy, you can enjoy a variety of alcoholic beverages throughout California Adventures and selected areas inside the Disneyland park.

Some of the favorites include handcrafted beers from Karl Strauss Biergarten at Pacific Wharf and refreshing margaritas from Rita’s Baja Blenders.

You can also find delicious cocktails inside Disneyland’s first bar, Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and a variety of wine and beer in the Blue Bayou Restaurant at New Orleans Square.

“I recommend the Espresso Cocktail sold at the Cozy Cone Motel,” said Valdez. “I am a coffee lover and this drink has the perfect combination of coffee and vodka.”

Other DCAP booze locations you should try out: Hollywood Lounge, Pym Tasting Lab, Bayside Brew, and Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream.

Never look back, darling... It distracts you from the now.

Last but not least, the biggest tip you can get from this guide is to just be present! Stay away from your phone, and stop checking your notifications to see if your ex texted you.

“Too many times people go places or vacations after a breakup just to post on social media to make a point,” said Valdez. “You have to make your Disney experience yours and not about posting on social media.”

Connect with the people around you, and feel the magic that the Disneyland Parks have to offer. You’ll have such a great time, you’ll want to break up with your ex all over again...

Disneyland is located at 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802. When visiting a theme park, guests must have a valid ticket and park reservation.

Website https://disneyland.disney.go.com/

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Best Place to Sweat it Out

No pain, no gain at the SRWC

By Alec Horne Contributor

I

f you are tired of expensive gym memberships, broken equipment, and poor hygiene conditions while working out, consider checking out CSULB’s Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC).

Voted as the “Best place to sweat it out” for the 2021 Student Choice Awards, the SRWC is located on the east side of campus at 1401 Palo Verde Ave, Long Beach. The facility has been constantly updating and adding new equipment since it first opened in 2010.

The facility is now 126,500 square feet and contains 20,000 square feet of weight and cardio equipment, an indoor jogging track, a custom-made rock-climbing wall, a three-court basketball gym, a swimming pool, a multi-activity court gym and many other services.

Members can rent out basketball, volleyball and badminton courts as long as they are recreation-related. Mem-

Earl Burns Japanese Garden offers yoga classes and koi feedings

Spin classes are one of the many available classes in the SRWC. bers can also sign up for over 50 free group exercise classes each semester such as spin, yoga and Pilates.

The SRWC now offers personal training, outdoor adventure trips, outdoor equipment rentals and free fitness assessments for all members.

Maureen MacRae, the Associate Director of the SRWC, has a lot of pride in the current state of the SRWC. “We pride ourselves in the cleanliness of the facility, as well as continuously updating our equipment,” MacRae said. “We offer more than any other workout facility in Long Beach.”

MacRae and those who are working at the SRWC are still constantly trying to improve the facility in the coming years. She has been working at the SWRC since it opened and said she is happy with the progress.

The SRWC also has a Robek’s in the lobby of the building, which is open Monday to Friday. Students can purchase different toasts, smoothies, fresh juices, wellness shots and bowls after or before a workout.

The SRWC’s app, called “SRWC GO,” is necessary to obtain membership and is a convenient resource available

to members as well. The app provides contactless entrance, equipment rental, locker rental and personal training enrollment, among other features.

Henry Kim, a fourth-year student a CSULB, appreciated the convenience and accommodation the SRWC provides to members.

“I come here to play badminton and they actually have courts set up for me to play,” Kim said. “My tuition pays for my access to the gym here or else I’d have to pay for LA Fitness or somewhere else.”

Membership at the SRWC is free for students at CSULB, as it has been paid through University Student Union Fees.

Students who are taking a semester off can purchase a membership for $124 per semester or $94 for the summer.

Website asirecreation.org

Best Place to Open Your Third Eye to them, ready to be pet.

“You can always go by a pond or a lake and see ducks,” Viss said. “But the atmosphere is so different here, especially for him.”

Viss said her son has autism and is grateful they can visit the garden to get away from the noisy city. Viss said she plans to have more family visits to the garden with her son and girlfriend.

The secluded location of the garden provides a calming, quiet atmosphere. Araceli Velasco, who had just finished one of the garden’s yoga classes, said she appreciated the surrounding nature and water. Most of all, Velasco said she loved to pet the fish.

“I’m happy that they come up to you,” Velasco said. “I love animals. Every time I see I see an animal, I want to pet them.”

The garden recently held a “Flexibility, Mindfulness, and Gratitude” session led by LifeFit director Ayla Donlin.

Though this program was only temporary, potential yoga advocates can still sign up for Zen Yoga at the garden, with sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m.

Classes are $10 for CSULB students and staff/faculty, as well as Japanese Garden members, and $15 for the general public.

The Japanese Garden also hosts a monthly Sustainability Speaker Series where different experts lead discussions on different topics of sustainability. Algalita’s education director, Anika Ballent, will visit the garden on Tuesday, Nov. 16 to discuss ways to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean.

Students are welcome to visit during the Review and Revive Student Study Hour, where they will be given a tatami mat, a tray and a back support as they sit and study in the garden. The WiFi in the garden has a poor connection, but Sramek said that she and her team are working on providing a stronger connection for the next academic year.

Address: Earl Warren Dr, Long Beach, CA 90840.

By Hannah Shields News Assistant

V

isitors of all ages fed the koi, gazed across the pond and walked along the paths at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on Friday, Oct. 29, a couple of weeks after the garden’s re-opening.

Mary Sramek, who was recently hired in May, is the director of the Earl Burns Japanese Garden. where she and her team spent the summer working to develop an electronic admissions system that would allow the garden to fully reopen.

“We’ve been ready to open to the public this whole time,” Sramek said. “We could’ve been open even before students and staff were able to come back to campus.”

Sramek said her biggest restriction to re-opening was developing software that allowed guests to make reservations to visit the garden. She said she decided to model the electronic system implemented by the Student Recreation and Wellness Center for the garden’s own reservation process.

“We use the same program that they use. We have a mobile app and now a website that allows people to make reservations,” Sramek said.

The Japanese Garden is free to the public and only requires a booked reservation prior to visiting, which is good for a group of up to six people. Guests can even reserve a spot to feed the koi.

Eva Viss, an AV technician for a local church, sat on the edge of the pond with her four-year-old son, William Burton. Together, they enjoyed watching the koi swim up

ALEC HORNE | Daily Forty-Niner

HANNAH SHIELDS | Daily Forty-Niner

Two visitors cross the Moon Bridge near Turtle Island at the Earl Burns Japanese Garden on Friday, Oct. 29.

Website japanesegarden.innosoftfusion.com

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2nd & PCH has everything in one place

Best Place to Treat Yourself

By Christina Merino Opinions Editor

A

s the end of the semester draws near, CSULB students like to reward themselves for all the hard work they have put into their classes, work, and internships. The best place to find everything necessary to indulge in is at 2nd & PCH, Long Beach.

2nd & PCH is the perfect place to shop, dine and relax while enjoying the coastal front. The open-air shopping center is located on the corner of Second Street and Pacific Coast Highway, the center’s namesake. With a streetscape setting, people like to visit at any time of day.

There is plenty of parking and sitting areas for an enjoyable experience.

Opening in the Fall of 2019, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2nd & PCH has expanded to house over 50 nationally and locally known brands and storefronts.

For those who enjoy retail therapy, there are department stores which include Urban Outfitters, Johnny Was, Nike, Brixton and more. There is also Amazon 4-star store, where items that have been rated on Amazon with four or more stars are sold.

CHRISTINA MERINO | Daily Forty-Niner

2nd and PCH is a fun experience during the day and at night.

Another shop visitors can enjoy is Penelope Pots, a local plant shop that sells houseplants, fresh and dried florals and other unique curated gifts.

There are a variety of restaurants at 2nd & PCH that can satisfy any craving.

For a classic burger and milkshake, try Shake Shack. When craving delicious Italian cuisine, try The Italian Homemade Co. which provides a great selection of pasta, sauces and more.

Another restaurant CSULB students can try is The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina. The restaurant provides a chic and bohemian dining experience with a California cuisine menu. It is a great place to go with friends, as they

offer cocktails and bottle service during their new late-night hours from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“In addition to being a premier retail and dining destination, at its core, the center aims to be a community gathering place,” Samantha Lopez said, the general manager of 2nd & PCH. They offer several special programs and events including community partnerships, live music and outdoor film screenings.

“Our ties to the community are an important component of the center’s values,” Lopez said.

For example, 2nd & PCH partnered

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with the American Red Cross to host monthly blood drives at the start of the pandemic.

2nd & PCH is also home to the Able ARTS Work Gallery, a creative space dedicated to promoting the work of artists with disabilities who attend Able ARTS Work programs in the L.A. County. The gallery gives the opportunity to bring art, awareness and advocacy to the Long Beach community.

The open-air center also has a popup roller skate venue, Pigeon’s Roller Rink, that will be there until the end of the year. They offer open skate sessions, classes, private parties and even themed skate nights, such as disco night.

These themed nights at the roller rink are a popular way that CSULB students treat themselves to a little fun on a Thursday night.

Headed into the venue was Avery Love, a second-year at CSULB, who enjoys visiting 2nd & PCH for Urban Outfitters and Whole Foods.

Love recommends that students visit the center at night.

“It’s so pretty and all the restaurants,” Love said. “So fun to come with friends and just unwind at the end of the week and have something fun to do.”

Address: 6400 East Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803 Website 2ndandpch.com

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Best Dispensary to Hit Before the Wee(d)kend

The Circle breaks down the stigma of weed

By Taylor Aldape Contributor

T TAYLOR ALDAPE | Daily Forty-Niner

Inside “the grow” The Circle’s in-store cultivation facility.

he Circle, named after Traffic Circle, strives to produce the freshest flower at an affordable price.

While shopping for a wide range of high-quality recreational cannabis, cannabis extracts or cannabis-infused products, customers get a sneak peek at their cultivation facility.

Co-owners Cliff Harrison and Justin Suitor opened the doors to The Circle on March 1, 2019. Being in business for five years and having a storefront for two years, The Circle is best known for its unique growing site and its strategic customer service experience to serve any level of cannabis user.

Whether you are a person who indulges in smoking weed or someone who’d rather consume it, The Circle carries products for all types of consumption. In-store

and online, topicals, vaporizers, edibles, pre-rolls, concentrates and, of course, flowers are available for purchase.

Non-smoking products are perfect for anyone who suffers from pain and anxiety. This helps people relieve their stress without the feeling of a high. The shop also sells pet tinctures for animals who suffer from separation anxiety or any other disability.

Averaging about 500 customers per day, The Circle runs on “the fulfillment system”. Customers start off at the counter of the product they wish to look at with the store’s easy-to-follow signage, have a one-on-one experience with the budtender and lastly go to the register to purchase.

By the time it’s their turn at the cashier, their product will be sealed and ready to take home.

The creates a smooth flow for the staff while fulfilling the customer’s needs, whether they are in a rush or have a few questions.

“What we try to achieve by allowing the staff on the floor is that

The Library Coffee House is a home away from home

By Kelsey Brown Contributor

“Z

ombies” by The Cranberries harmonizes with the subtle hum of coffee machines as people sit in The Library Coffee House getting their work done.

Here with headphones on, eyes on a computer or a book—there is quiet

sanctuary.

On the corner of East Broadway and Redondo Avenue, The Library Coffee House has stood for decades under different owners. In 2018, Jon Cavus, 55, who has been in the industry since he was 18, became the new owner. In Turkey, where Cavus is from, he opened a restaurant that evolved into a small chain that he ran for twenty years.

When Cavus took over The Library, the shop was blocked with heavy, antique furniture. It was dimly lit and hard for people to see. But Cavus saw potential.

“The shop was very old, not well-repaired,” Cavus said.

“If I take [it] over, I think I can arrange and make it look beautiful, and put my personality and my knowledge into it.”

Because the windowed walls of the shop face north, Cavus explained the rooms don’t get much light. To help brighten the space, Cavus painted the floors and walls lighter. Now, the coffee shop seems to glow with a sunny haze.

The coffeeshop is put together like patchwork, with different tables and chairs coming together to make a living room and individual chandeliers dangling—like snowflakes, each one unique—in every room. The walls are dressed in splattered artwork and photography for sale.

Outside the shop, there are tables and chairs, often

every guest has their questions answered and doesn’t feel uncomfortable walking into a place they might not be familiar with,” Harrison said.

The Circle handcrafts its own brand of flower, Hex cannabis, in-store. Visiting customers get a firsthand look at the stages of cultivation with their massive and unique growing rooms. This gives The Circle the freedom to have competitive prices and provide Long Beach residents with a 30% discount. In addition, CSULB students receive a 10% discount on their entire purchase.

Shoppers must be 21 and over.

If customers are under 21, they must have a valid doctor’s recommendation medical marijuana card. The Circle provides a link to receive a free recommendation card on their website.

The store is located at 1755 Ximeno Avenue.

Website thecirclelbc.com

Best Place for Introverts to Chill

accompanied by musicians who scratch at their guitars or sing or both. The baristas describe the inside as “cozy” and “homey.” Exposed brick is met with walls, each painted a different hue: earthy greens and gold, rich rust, topped with a plum ceiling.

“The colors that are painted on the walls have that kind of warm feeling,” Amelia Roesner, a barista at The Library, said. “The books all around make it feel like we’re in an actual library. It’s really comfy.”

True to the name, the coffee shop’s walls are lined with books that range from fiction to textbooks to photo books. All the books in the shop are available for sale for around $2. Roesner mentioned the shop holds open-mic nights and stand-up comedy, which can be heard from word of mouth or by following the shop on social media.

The chai latte is Roesner’s favorite drink, but beyond coffee, the shop offers a variety of “munchies” and “sweet treats”—croissant breakfast sandwiches, bagels, matcha-flavored ice cream, cheesecake, paninis, pie and more. Under Cavus’ ownership, the shop has expanded its vegan options.

Though coffee is an essential part of The Library, Roesner says it’s more than just a coffee shop. With art, music, and community, the Library serves as a gathering spot for not just students, but for anyone who needs a cozy space to call home for the day.

“We have a huge variety,” Roesner said. “[People] come here just to hang out— we just happen to have snacks and coffee.”

KELSEY BROWN | Daily Forty-Niner

Website thelibrarycoffee.com

People sit and study in The Library Coffee House.

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Aquarium of the Pacific offers a sea of photo opportunities

By Jonathan Bigall Contributor

JONATHAN BIGALL | Daily Forty-Niner

Guests gaze at the numerous species of fish in the Tropical Reef exhibit.

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California State University Long Beach Research Foundation • Brotman Hall, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Room 320 Long Beach, CA 90840 • Research Foundation Building, 6300 E. State University Drive, Suite 332, Long Beach, CA 90815, Reception Desk • California State University Long Beach Research Foundation website: FY 2020-2021 Audited Financial Statements https://www.csulb.edu/sites/default/files/groups/research-foundation/ transparency/document_fnd_finstate_21.pdf FY 2020-2021 Uniform Guidance-Single Audit https://www.csulb.edu/sites/default/files/groups/researchfoundation/transparency/document_fnd_uni_guidance_20_0.pdf

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T

he Aquarium of the Pacific first opened in downtown Long Beach in 1998 and now has over 100 exhibits containing more than 12 thousand animals.

Their galleries consist of sea and freshwater life, including fish, sharks, birds, amphibians and mammals such as seals and sea otters. Some of these exhibits also allow guests to interact with the animals, like the ray touch pools and the lorikeet forest, which provides the option to buy a cup of nectar to feed the birds.

The variety of animal life and its exhibits present many photo opportunities for those looking to compose social media galleries.

Madeline Walden, the assistant social media manager of the Aquarium of the Pacific, said she constantly receives notifications when the aquarium is tagged in peoples’ social media posts.

“You can come here with the most minimal photography knowledge and take the most beautiful picture ever,” Walden said.

Walden, who manages all of the aquarium’s social media accounts, notes some of the most popular animals she sees online include sea otters, rays, seals and sea lions, which have been the subjects of many of the posts on the aquarium’s social media.

“Harpo the sea lion is our most famous animal here,” Walden said. “He’s the star of our most viral TikToks.”

Myles Mineer, a fourth-year at Long Beach State, is an employee at the Aquarium of the Pacific. He believes the aquarium is a great place to visit for CSULB students enjoying downtown Long Beach.

“I would say the tunnel in the tropical gallery is the most iconic,” Mineer said. “It’s amazing to be surrounded by all the aquatic life.”

Walden said that the aquarium is still serving a limited capacity of guests compared to their numbers prior to the pandemic.

“A normal day is probably around a thousand people, maybe less depending on different capacity restrictions,” Walden said. “Pre-pandemic, a general weekend we’d see over ten thousand people in a day. So definitely a lot more paired down right now, which I think makes for a really nice experience, especially as we get back into normal life.”

Since its opening, the aquarium has made a handful of expansions such as the Shark Lagoon and the Pacific Visions art exhibit and theatre.

The aquarium also offers opportunities to interact with some animals as well as whale and dolphin-watching cruises.

There are occasionally special events organized by the aquarium as well, such as the Night Dive events, which the aquarium organizes six times a year. Night Dives are meant for people 18 years old or over and feature live music. The next will be held in celebration of New Year’s Eve. The Aquarium of the Pacific is open every day of the week and tickets must be purchased ahead of time. CSULB ASI has discounted tickets for students at $28 for adults and $21.95 for children on 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802.

Best Spot for Your Instagram

Website aquariumofpacific.org

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Find a new companion at Long Beach Animal Care Services

By Natalie Rojas Contributor

I

t’s clear people and animals have a special bond. Instantly through their twinkled eyes or inviting belly rubs, they fill our homes and hearts with an immense amount of love.

No matter if they are pets or the neighborhood stray, Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS), located at 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, wants the city to become California’s safest place for people and animals to share.

Through community engagement and enforcement activities, LBACS provides animal care services to Cerritos, Seal Beach, Signal Hill and Los Alamitos.

Divided into eight program areas, LBACS does field operations, investigations, customer services and support, veterinary medical services, kennel care, emergency management, training and administration.

While each service is an important pillar to the community, customer services and the Support Adoption Center are the most important to Emily Venegas, a CSULB student who adopted her furry best friend from LBACS. “We adopted Ashya, my cat, two years ago at LBACS and I’m so thankful to have her in my life,” Venegas said. “I was never a

cat lover until I met her.”

Ashya is an orange Tabby who enjoys car rides, ear scratches and treats.

“One of her favorite things to do is hop on a car ride with me to Starbucks and order a cataccino,” Venegas said.

Stories like these warm the heart of LBACS Bureau Manager Staycee Dains, who has been with LBACS for two and a half years.

“When a person sees an animal for exactly who they are and makes the commitment to love them forever, I am filled with joy and a sense of purpose,” Dains said.

Dains said the shelter has managed to get almost 800 pets adopted so far this year and encourages CSULB students to volunteer.

“A lot of students can’t adopt because of time and living situation but they miss their connection with animals,” Dains said. “Volunteering is a great way for students to give back, as well as meet their need to connect with pets.”

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to participate and must submit an application in-person, online or through mail.

Once approved, volunteers must apply for a no-cost volunteer badge and shadow a designated LBACS volunteer.

Weekly adoptions occur Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, eager pet owners must schedule an appointment ahead of time to meet and adopt available pets.

TIN HUYNH | Daily Forty-Niner

Cinderella at Long Beach Animal Care Services is ready for a forever home.

Website longbeach.gov/acs

Best Place to Adopt a New Best Friend

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Email petadopt@longbeach.gov

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