




Tuesday, September 2nd






Tuesday, September 2nd
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.
Long Beach has always been a city that embraces both families and their four-legged friends. This month’s Kids & Pets theme celebrates the beautiful intersections where young lives and animal companions create lasting bonds and unforgettable experiences.
Our cover story takes you inside the Aquarium of the Pacific’s hands-on “Stars of the Sea” experience, where children don’t just observe marine life — they touch, explore, and connect with creatures of all shapes and sizes. It’s education that goes far deeper than textbooks, creating memories and curiosity that last a lifetime. I’m especially excited about this feature because my own kiddo, Elijah, made his modeling debut for the story. Witnessing the wonder in his beautiful eyes as we roamed through the exhibits reminded me of the profound impact animals can have on children and their development. Mama is so proud!
Throughout this issue, you’ll meet local families who’ve woven pets seamlessly into their lives and businesses, turning everyday moments into adventures filled with muddy paws, loyal companionship and unconditional love. From plumbing crews that include cocker spaniels to retirement years enriched by charity work with service dogs, these stories remind us that the best parts of life often come with wagging tails.
In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, kids and pets have a unique ability to ground us in the present moment — whether that’s marveling at a sea anemone’s sticky tentacles or watching a Havanese walk on his hind legs. These simple joys are what make Long Beach such a special place to call home.
With Love & Light,
ATIRA RODRIGUEZ, PUBLISHER @LONGBEACHCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Atira Rodriguez | atira.rodriguez@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kat Schuster | kat.schuster@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Nirav Solanki | mail@niravsolanki.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Elijah Wong
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Stephen Russo
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
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.
Grand Opening Ceremony of the Wrigley Youth Center YMCA, June 4 | 1: Professional golfer Peter Tomasulo reflects on the positive impact the YMCA had on his childhood. 2: YMCA of Greater Long Beach President and CEO Alfredo Velasco cuts the ribbon, officially opening the center. 3: ABC7 reporter Amanda Palacios interviews a young YMCA member. 4: YMCA youth from the Wrigley neighborhood dance for guests during the ceremony. 5: Bayo Collins addresses the crowd just weeks after graduating from UC Berkeley. 6: Peter Tomasulo and Mike Brascia, YMCA of Greater Long Beach board member. 7: Alfredo Velasco and Rev. Dr. Phyllis Hayes-Reams, Past Chair of YMCA of Greater of Long Beach.
CSULB alumna and former dance program director Maggie Ochoa opened Coastal Kids Playspace on Memorial Day weekend, celebrating with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 3. The boutique indoor facility serves children ages 0-6, featuring Montessori-inspired play with curated fine motor toys designed to spark imagination. Services include open play sessions, monthly memberships, enrichment classes and private birthday parties — offering Long Beach a clean, modern play space where learning and play unite.
Mark and Mia Norwood opened Radiance Infrared Sauna & Salt Lounge on Father’s Day in Bixby Knolls, creating a wellness sanctuary focused on natural healing. The facility offers infrared sauna therapy that heats the body from within to relieve pain, improve circulation and promote detoxification, plus salt therapy (halotherapy) to cleanse lungs and improve breathing. Services include individual sessions, memberships and access to their relaxing Serenity Lounge.
Five fantastic children’s books written by Long Beach-based authors
ARTICLE BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ
5
1 – YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL! BY BRIDGET GENGLER
2 – BE BOLD! BE BRAVE! 11 LATINAS WHO MADE U.S. HISTORY BY NAIBE REYNOSO
3 – REGGIE AND DELILAH’S YEAR OF FALLING BY ELISE BRYANT
4 – SUB JOURNEY, THE ADVENTURES OF MADDIE AND ALBERT™ BY ALEXANDRA ADLAWAN
5 – A BOY CALLED BAT BY ELANA K. ARNOLD
ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ
Running a household with two young boys and two energetic cocker spaniels is a full-time job in itself. But for Ashley and Trevor Mullen, that’s just the start of their daily balancing act.
As the co-owners of Mullen Plumbing, a thriving Long Beach business that has more than tripled in revenue over the past five years, the couple is doing more than just making it work.
Their journey began not as business partners, but first as a couple, then as parents navigating life’s curveballs. Before Mullen Plumbing ever existed, Ashley was designing retail spaces and traveling often, while Trevor was nearing the end of a four-year plumbing apprenticeship. When their first son, Mason, was born, Ashley stepped away from her career to become a full-time mom.
“I realized I couldn’t be a mom and a career woman at the same time — at least not in the way I wanted to be,” she recalled.
Trevor passed his contractor’s exam when Mason was just three months old. With a new license, a new truck and a newborn at home, he launched Mullen Plumbing on his own. For the next several years, Ashley ran payroll from home while raising their two sons, Mason and Cole.
“I’ll be honest, it was hard,” she said. “Trevor worked seven days a week, usually until 9 p.m. and our first kid didn’t really know him until he was about five.”
That all changed when their youngest son, Cole, started preschool. Ashley decided it was time to join the business full time — an evolution that wasn’t necessarily met with open arms.
“Trevor was burned out. He told me, ‘If you’re coming on board, you’re managing everything — employees, systems, all of it.’ I said, “Yeah, I’m up for the challenge. I love a good challenge, you know?”
“I realized I couldn’t be a mom and a career woman at the same time — at least not in the way I wanted to be”
9, and Cole, 6, with Penny and Betty.
Since then, Ashley has helped turn a $500,000 plumbing business into a $1.5 million operation with six employees and a fleet that’s expanded every year. Today, Trevor handles the technical side — he’s the plumbing wizard bringing cred to the brand — while Ashley runs the day-to-day management of the shop.
Even as the business thrives, parenting remains their highest-stakes role.
“Being a wife, being a mother, being a business owner, I think you kind of have to just be really flexible with your day-to-day,” she said.
The Mullens are a notably active crew. Mason, 9, and Cole, nearly 7, are both sports lovers. The family spends evenings and weekends at baseball fields and skate parks, and often heads to the beach or backyard pool to unwind. “The boys love dirt biking too — we’re that kind of family,” Ashley said, laughing. Their two dogs, Penny and Betty, are also part of the team. Both cocker spaniels, Penny is just over a year old and Betty is five months. “Penny used to come everywhere with us,” Ashley said. “And Betty will too, once she’s finished all her shots. They go to the skate park, the job sites — they’re part of the crew.”
As for raising children in the context of a family-run business, Ashley takes an open, honest approach. “I teach them more about what it takes to be successful,” she said. “They ask how money works, what stocks are. Mason’s not interested in plumbing at all — he’s creative, like me. But Cole? He’s obsessed. He wears his work boots, digs with Trevor on job sites, and asks him every night what he worked on that day.”
Ashley and Trevor both lead by example. Fitness is a cornerstone of their routine, something they believe instills discipline and mental resilience in their kids.
She says she lifts weights four days a week and takes cardio classes called ‘Wunder Ball.’
“It’s the only cardio I enjoy,” she said. “Trevor lifts too, and we work out together on Sundays with the boys.”
Of course, some days the balance tips too far in one direction.
“It’s impossible to give 100% in every role, every day.”
Looking ahead, the Mullens are currently in escrow on a commercial property — one of Ashley and Trevor’s long-term goals. “We didn’t want to rent anymore. We wanted another asset,” she said. But her big-picture vision goes beyond real estate.
“I want to scale to a $5 million business — and not be the person running it every day. Right now, if we step away, we don’t have a business. That’s not sustainable. I want to build something that can exist without Trevor and I.”
Still, when asked what success looks like in five years, Ashley circles back to the basics: “I just want my kids to be happy and healthy.”
Randy Gordon continues to builds a legacy rooted in service.
Randy Gordon may have retired five years ago, but his life has hardly slowed down. Just this year, he managed to raise more than $24,000 for a nonprofit supporting service dogs.
In May, Randy and his wife Nancy received the Top Dog Award from Dogs for Better Lives for developing a treat and raising the most money for the nonprofit, which trains and places assistance dogs with people who have disabilities.
But when the Gordons aren’t hard at work for various charities, they dedicate themselves to their six grandchildren and of course, their beloved Havanese dog named Buddy, which they, bought at a charity event in which Randy was the auctioneer.
“I didn’t even want a dog,” Gordon admitted. “But Buddy won us over. He walks on his back legs when he’s excited. He’s part of the family.”
The 10-year-old Havanese even served as the ring bearer at Randy and Nancy’s wedding, dressed in a tuxedo with their wedding bands on his collar.
Their involvement with Dogs for Better Lives came through a friend who encouraged Randy to participate in the nonprofit’s national fundraising competition. He initially declined, but when he learned the organization trains dogs not only for the
ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN RUSSO
deaf and hard of hearing but also for autistic children, he was moved to join. A close friend of his has a son with autism.
Gordon’s passion for raising charitable funds came later in his decades-long career in civic leadership. He served as president and CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for 26 years, and before that, led the Covina Chamber for 12 years. Though he retired in 2020, he still consults for nonprofits like the Long Beach Rescue Mission, Long Beach BLAST and the Long Beach Boys and Girls Club.
In total, he has performed more than 500 charity auctions, raising over $10 million.
“I kind of became the go-to auctioneer in Long Beach,” he said. He even pursued professional training after retirement, earning a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist certification to set himself apart from livestock or car auctioneers. “Our chant is a lot slower,” he added with a laugh.
The Dogs for Better Lives campaign pushed Gordon out of his comfort zone. He raised funds almost entirely from friends — over 100 donors — and hosted a watch party at Boathouse on the Bay, where he sold $2,500 worth of raffle tickets.
A humorous video of the couple making their signature treat, including a moment where Buddy refused to eat it on camera, sealed the win.
“I worked really hard on it,” he said, adding that it granted him new focus, like the action he missed running the chamber.
That drive to stay active is also what keeps Gordon close to his grandchildren, all based in Southern California.
“We’ve got five athletes and one actress,” he said proudly.
One is off to play college baseball at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota; another is a top baseball player at Wilson High School; a third is a freshman football player; one granddaughter is a working actress attending Mira Costa High School; another is an eighth grade wrestler; and his youngest granddaughter just started as a freshman on the Los Alamitos softball team.
With sports seasons and school plays calling, the Gordons split their time between homes in Huntington Beach and St. George, Utah.
“Even though I’m 76, I want to try to keep the old man out and try to keep my brain active,” he said. “I’m not a couch potato.”
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIA TERRY
THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND
Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.
Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.
A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!
Aquarium of the Pacific’s interactive experience makes ocean learning hands-on for kids
ARTICLE BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIRAV SOLANKI
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s “Stars of the Sea” experience continues to make waves with families in Long Beach and across Southern California this summer.
This popular experience puts over 20 species of sea stars front and center, showcasing the beauty and diversity of these often-overlooked marine animals from across the Pacific Ocean — creating unforgettable hands-on adventures for young ocean explorers of all ages.
The centerpiece of this experience is the Our Living Coastline exhibit, where kids can get up close and personal with fascinating sea creatures. Education Coordinator Ty Frantz explains that the touch pools feature local favorites like bat stars and ochre stars, alongside other species from the colder waters of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
But sea stars aren’t the only attractions. Young visitors can explore the sticky tentacles of sea anemones, discover the unique texture of sea cucumbers and learn about sea urchins — the spiky cousins of sea stars that share the same tube feet adaptation for navigating tide pools.
One standout is the gumboot chiton, the world’s largest chiton species that resembles a snail but sports distinctive protective plates instead of a traditional shell.
The hands-on experience doesn’t stop there. Kids can also touch sharks and moon jellyfish in other exhibits throughout the aquarium, making it a truly interactive adventure for curious minds of all ages.
Families looking for deeper engagement can choose from specially designed programs for different age groups. “Big Fish Little Fish” caters to ages 3-6 with accompanying adults, featuring collaborative play activities during a 90-minute session, with aquarium admission included. For older kids aged 7-12, “Ocean Investigators” offers behind-the-scenes access, special animal interactions, crafts and take-home journals.
The Stars of the Sea theme extends throughout the aquarium with a movie in the Great Hall showcasing sea star diversity. Families can
also take advantage of combo tickets for whale watching and harbor tours, offering chances to spot whales, dolphins, sea lions and seals in their natural habitat.
For those who want to stay connected from home, the aquarium’s 24/7 webcams — available through their website in partnership with Explore.org — let families check in on their favorite animals anytime.
What makes the Aquarium of the Pacific truly special is its commitment to ocean conservation. They are actively working to save the sunflower sea star, the world’s largest sea star species and guardian of kelp forests. This “superstar” plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems by controlling sea urchin populations, which helps prevent overgrazing of vital kelp forests.
Once abundant along the California coast, these remarkable creatures have become functionally extinct in the region. As a founding partner of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE sunflower sea star program and the Pacific Coast Ocean Restoration Initiative, the aquarium is leading groundbreaking research and breeding efforts to bring this keystone species back from the brink of extinction.
Since opening in June 1998, the Aquarium of the Pacific has established itself as Southern California’s largest aquarium, housing approximately 12,000 animals focused on Pacific Ocean biodiversity. As a nonprofit organization, every ticket and membership purchased supports both on-site education and conservation programs that extend far beyond the aquarium walls. Visit aquariumofpacific.org to learn more.
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ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PROMENADE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
From the age of three, Dr. Tiffany Meyers-Hayes knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life.
“It’s been a very long-time dream, long-time in the making,” she said. “There hadn’t ever really been another option. That’s what I wanted to do, and I just went for it.”
Her early years, surrounded by animals on a farm in Kentucky, profoundly shaped her future. “We had cattle, goats, we boarded horses. We had rabbits and chickens and all kinds of different fish, donkeys. We had everything,” Dr. Meyers-Hayes recalled.
Dr. Meyers-Hayes treats a cat at her hospital.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Western Kentucky University in 2005, she completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University in 2011. Dr. Meyers-Hayes then relocated to California.
In February, Dr.Meyers-Hayes achieved a significant milestone by opening Promenade Veterinary Hospital in Downtown Long Beach.
“I always wanted to own my own hospital,” she explained. Seizing the opportunity was a natural step. “It’s been an exciting adventure so far.”
Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Meyers-Hayes has cared for a diverse range of animals.
“I’ve worked on snakes, Sulcata tortoises, hummingbirds, pigs, goats,” she noted. She previously specialized in exotics, treating birds, reptiles, and pocket pets, and hopes to resume this practice once her hospital is more established. “I’ve seen the whole gamut.”
Promenade Veterinary Hospital is a bright, clean, state-of-the-art facility.
Before opening her own practice, Dr. Meyers-Hayes spent seven years at a veterinary hospital in Rancho Palos Verdes. However, the desire to create something uniquely hers eventually led her to branch out independently.
“I always follow what every veterinarian does when they take their oath — first, do no harm,” she emphasized. Her philosophy extends to treating each animal with dignity and care akin to family.
“If you humanize them and treat them like your children, they’re going to get the best care.”
Her practice mirrors this nurturing ethos.
“There’s lots of natural light. It’s very comforting; it makes people feel at home.”
Strategically located on the bustling Promenade, the clinic enjoys a vibrant atmosphere.
“Everybody has a pet down here,” she said. “We see our clients walk by and we wave — there’s Nina, there’s Mia, there’s Roscoe.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Meyers-Hayes anticipates rapid growth.
“We have the space and capacity for a five-doctor practice,” she shared. Collaborations with local rescues and shelters for spay and neuter initiatives are also planned.
Above all, Dr. Meyers-Hayes is dedicated to creating a comforting environment.
“If you have an issue, don’t be afraid to just walk in. Bring your baby. We want to see them. We want to help.”
Promenade Veterinary Hospital, at 201 Promenade North, Ste. 105 is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The hospital is closed on Sundays. For more information call or text 562-450-5893.
FROM POLY HIGH’S HALLS TO PICKLEBALL COURTS, HOW LONG BEACH SHAPED ME
GGrowing up in Long Beach was an eclectic experience. It’s a city where beachfront homes sit not far from industrial centers, where kids argue about everything from Jordan vs. Lebron to politics, and where every street seems to speak its own language.
I recently graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School, and what people say is true: it’s overcrowded, rowdy and, although a major renovation is underway, a bit run down. It’s also diverse, historic and fiercely proud — for good reason. Besides being the oldest high school in Long Beach, Poly High boasts arguably the most impressive academic profile in the city. Programs like PACE, CIC and PACRIM are filled to the brim with the brightest students in the city.
As a member of PACE, what surprised me most about the students wasn’t just the 4.0 GPAs or the exorbitantly high SAT scores, but how much they do in addition to academics. Sports, volunteering, music — you name it. Students here strive for excellence in everything they do (and they do a lot!). Sure, it’s intimidating, but it also inspired me to push myself in ways I wouldn’t otherwise. The impact of this culture of excellence at Poly cannot be overstated. More than any one class, it was the quiet competition and shared ambition that shaped who I am today. Any success I’ve found undoubtedly started there.
One of my favorite things about growing up in Long Beach has been exploring its many worlds.
From grabbing food at local spots around Poly, to riding the El Dorado Frontier, to wandering through Naples on Halloween, the city always had something new to offer a kid eager to see the world. But what makes the city shine are the communities within these areas.
One of my favorites is the pickleball community. Though relatively new, pickleball has exploded in popularity across the nation, and Long Beach is no different. On any given day of the week, at various parks around the city, you’ll find people of all ages playing. I’ve had the privilege of joining some of these groups, and I’ve learned that nowhere else can you get thoroughly “pickled” by someone’s 65-year-old grandma while also receiving some of the best life advice you’ve ever heard. Though I’m often a quarter of the average age, I’ve never felt out of place. Playing pickleball has introduced me to some of the kindest and funniest people I’ve ever met. It’s just one example, but it reminds me how many kinds of people and stories exist in this city.
I don’t think it’s possible to grow up in Long Beach and not take parts of it with you – a bit of pride, some complexity and a lot of heart. Between the expressive Cambodian New Year celebrations and the beautiful views of the city from Hilltop Park, I’ve always been proud to share where I come from. As I prepare to move on to my next chapter at UC Berkeley, I acknowledge that while I still have much to learn, Long Beach was the best place to start.
ARTICLE BY ELIJAH WONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA WONG
AUGUST 4TH
FRC Robotics Summer Camp @ Bach
Bach Neighborhood Library, 4055 N. Bellflower Blvd. 90808 | 12:30 PM
Discover the world of robotics and STEM through exciting hands-on activities and explore a variety of educational and career opportunities.
AUGUST 5TH
Paws on the Promenade
The Promenade North 235 | 5:00 PM
Bring your pup and join fellow dog lovers for a fun, dog-friendly meet-up in Downtown Long Beach! Held on the first Tuesday of each month, this community walk is a great way to socialize your furry companion and connect with neighbors who love dogs just as much as you do.
AUGUST 9TH
Long Beach Jazz Festival
Marina Green Park 386 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach
Experience the magic of the Long Beach Jazz Festival on Aug. 9 and 10 — where timeless R&B meets sizzling summer night jazz. Set on a scenic, grassy knoll, it’s the only jazz festival of its kind in Southern California. Enjoy performances by top-tier artists, VIP seating under the open sky, and a vibrant atmosphere filled with gourmet food, local art, and more.
AUGUST 12TH
Moonlight Movies on the Beach: “Lilo and Stitch”
Granada Beach | 8:00 PM
Bring your chairs, blankets and family for Long Beach’s beloved Moonlight Movies on the Beach series. Food vendors will also be on site to provide dinner and snacks for the show.
AUGUST 16TH
San Pedro Explorers Historic Waterfront Walking Tour
600 South Harbor Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90731 | 10:00 AM
Explore San Pedro’s historic waterfront on a captivating 75 to 90-minute guided walking tour as you uncover hidden stories and learn about maritime legends.
AUGUST 30TH
Alex Mendham & His Orchestra - Art Deco Evening
Queen Mary in the Queen’s Salon | 8:00 PM
Step aboard the Queen Mary for a glamorous evening in the Queen’s Salon as Alex Mendham and his 11-piece orchestra bring the golden age of Hollywood to life. Enjoy timeless hits from legends like Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and Glenn Miller. Black-tie, formal, or vintage glam attire is encouraged.
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