














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.
There’s something magical about exploration, whether it’s discovering hidden gems in your own backyard or catching a flight across the globe to discover a new version of yourself.
Six years ago this month, I found myself aboard a harbor cruise, watching the sun cast golden ripples across the Pacific Ocean. I had just moved to Long Beach one year prior, after living on the East Coast for all my life. Everything still felt wonderfully new here. That impromptu adventure on the water reminded me that exploration doesn’t always require crossing oceans — sometimes it’s embracing a new city you’re just beginning to call home.
This July, we invite you to expand your horizons with us. Our cover story takes you on a journey of self-discovery through solo travel, showing how saying “yes” to yourself — whether in the mountains of Peru or the canyons of Mexico — often reveals strengths you never knew you had. As the writer discovers, the world is vast, beautiful and waiting for you to show up.
For those seeking a local getaway, our profile of a beloved Long Beach property celebrating its 50th anniversary shows that paradise can be just around the corner. Recently reclaiming its independence, this waterfront sanctuary offers a perfect staycation with Latin-infused cuisine, fire pits by the water and a front-row view of our city’s skyline.
The entrepreneurial spirit of exploration is alive in Long Beach as well. One of our Founding Partners, a powerhouse CPA firm, has established impressive roots here, transforming an entire floor of a downtown high-rise into a multimillion-dollar commitment to our community. Growing from two to twenty employees in just one year, they exemplify how exploration of new markets can lead to meaningful growth.
The journey continues with our profile of a Costa Rican poet based locally who shows how language and memory can bridge the distance between where we are and where we’ve been. Through bilingual verse, he explores how the scent of rain can instantly transport us across oceans and decades — proving that exploration happens within us as much as around us.
So this summer, I challenge you: Explore something. A new restaurant. A forgotten corner of your neighborhood. Or perhaps simply a new perspective. After all, the greatest discoveries often begin with a single step outside our comfort zones.
Until next month,
ATIRA RODRIGUEZ, PUBLISHER
@LONGBEACHCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Atira Rodriguez | atira.rodriguez@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kat Schuster | kat.schuster@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Nirav Solanki | mail@niravsolanki.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Gia Silva
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
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.
2025 City National Bank Entrepreneur of the Year, April 24th | 1: Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Jeremy Harris and Howard Hammond, CEO of City National Bank. 2: Entrepreneur of the Year Mike Brascia together with his wife and daughters. 3: Daireon Givens looks on with pride as his father accepts his award. 4: Honorees Mike Brascia and Duke Givens flash perfect smiles. 5: The Community Spirit Award, presented by Chick-Fil-A owner John Howard, was awarded to Duke Givens. 6: The Shaun Lumachi Rising Star Award recipients, Kym Estrada and Arvin Torres (San & Wolves Bakeshop), with LBCC Superintendant-President Dr. Mike Muñoz. 7: Sumer Temple presented Crystal Rogers (Lucy’s Boudoir) with the Don Temple Storage Philanthropic Pioneer Award.
The Whipple Group and The Shannon Jones Team have joined forces, uniting two of Long Beach’s premier woman-led real estate teams. The strategic partnership expands their reach across Long Beach, Lakewood and Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Both teams bring established reputations for personalized service and community focus, now offering enhanced resources and expertise to buyers and sellers throughout the region.
180 E. Ocean Blvd. Ste. 900 Long Beach, CA 90802 CONTINUED
At the YMCA, we believe every child deserves to feel confident and safe in the water. Through programs like Safety Around Water and structured swim lessons, the Y equips every Long Beach child—regardless of their background or financial circumstances—with critical water safety skills, teaches lifesaving techniques, and nurtures a lifelong love of water.
Restaurateur Christian Alvarez has opened LUNA Long Beach in Bixby Village Plaza, bringing his successful Mexican-fusion concept from Bakersfield to the area. The stunning interior features custom tiles and furniture from Tototlán, Jalisco, with cascading pothos plants and wicker pendant lights creating a lush, garden-inspired ceiling that celebrates Mexican cultural influences with contemporary flair. LUNA’s menu blends traditional Mexican cuisine with Asian and Italian influences, adding a welcome independent option to East Long Beach’s dining landscape.
What’s the last thing you were curious about? I’ve always been the type who couldn’t help but ask questions — the kind of kid who wandered off in grocery stores and needed to know what was at the end of every road.
That curiosity never really went away — it just got a passport.
And suddenly, my questions weren’t just about the world around me; they were about the places I hadn’t yet been — unfamiliar cities, deep canyons, hidden pueblos, and parts of myself I didn’t even know existed.
But I quickly learned that if I waited for other people to check their PTO, their points, or even their mood, I’d never go anywhere. So one day, I said yes to myself. No group chat. No shared Google doc. Just me, my curiosity, and the urge to explore.
If I hadn’t said yes to that first solo trip, I never would’ve wandered into the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico. Oaxaca didn’t just welcome me — it seduced me. The warmth of its people, the depth of its culture, the way the colors and spices and sounds tangled into something almost holy. I took a cooking class with a local woman who taught me that real flavor comes from grinding chilies on a metate with your whole soul. I wouldn’t have returned again. And again. And again.
And one year, I arrived just in time for Día de los Muertos — marigolds and candles lighting up the night, families honoring their ancestors in a way that made me tear up more than once. It was reverent, joyful, and unforgettable. And just like that, I was hooked — not only on the places I hadn’t yet seen, but on discovering pieces of myself along the way.
If I hadn’t said yes to reading Born to Run, I never would’ve found myself deep in Mexico’s Copper Canyon running a
marathon alongside the legendary Rarámuri tribe. That canyon? It stretches across more than 25,000 square miles — rugged, wild, humbling terrain.
Somewhere around mile 18, I saw a Rarámuri woman struggling. Her leather sandal had snapped. Without thinking, I took off my Lululemon long sleeve and wrapped her foot so she could finish. We didn’t speak the same language, but we understood each other perfectly at that moment. If I hadn’t said yes to chasing roots, I wouldn’t have taken a 16-hour road trip through the Peruvian mountains to the tiny village where my grandmother grew up — Ayacucho.
I celebrated my birthday with five strangers and felt more seen than I ever have in a room full of people. They helped me find a hidden beach in the mountains — one my grandmother used to describe like a fairytale. It wasn’t a myth. It was magic. People always ask me if it’s scary traveling alone. Sometimes, sure. But what’s scarier? Never saying yes. Never running that race. Never standing in an old town square, feeling like time had stopped. Never discovering a culture that felt like it was meant for me.
A Rarámuri woman, her foot wrapped, sitting on a rock — she found the strength to continue.
“Traveling solo doesn’t mean being alone — it means being open. The more I explore the world, the more I find pieces of myself I didn’t know were missing.”
Traveling solo doesn’t mean being alone — it means being open. The more I explore the world, the more I find pieces of myself I didn’t know were missing. Being an explorer means asking questions, tasting things I can’t pronounce, learning customs that aren’t mine, and respecting the stories behind them.
It’s not about checking off places — it’s about letting each one change you just a little. I don’t wait anymore. I book the ticket. I show up. I say yes. Because the world is vast, beautiful, chaotic, surprising, and deeply human — and it’s out there, waiting for you to show up.
Grinding chilies by hand
“PEOPLE ALWAYS ASK ME IF IT’S SCARY TRAVELING ALONE. SOMETIMES, SURE. BUT WHAT’S SCARIER? NEVER SAYING YES.”
ARTICLE BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIRAV SOLANKI
A new player in Long Beach’s accounting scene is elevating the standard for financial expertise, bringing sophisticated solutions backed by Big 4 experience to local businesses.
Established in 2004, Boos & Associates is a mid-size regional CPA firm headquartered in Fresno with offices in Reedley, Las Vegas and now, Long Beach. Led by Managing Director Wayne Boos, the firm handles complex financial engagements for small to medium size businesses and high net-worth individuals.
While offering the full spectrum of general accounting and business consulting services, Boos & Associates provides expert services in three key areas: Tax, Assurance and Advisory Services.
Boos & Associates delivers unparalleled tax expertise, ensuring meticulous financial record management and regulatory compliance while providing personalized strategies that maximize deductions and minimize liabilities. Through proactive year-round communication and cutting-edge technology, they keep clients informed and confident while streamlining tax preparation with secure document access.
The assurance team at Boos & Associates reviews financial statements from an outsider’s perspective, thoroughly testing the details so decision-makers can rely on the numbers without second-guessing. Assurance builds trust in the information shared with owners, investors, bankers and regulators. This credibility can open doors to financing, strengthen stakeholder relationships and enable confident decision-making.
For businesses seeking to thrive in today’s dynamic environment, partnering with an advisory practice is not just an option — it is a strategic imperative. Boos & Associates’ advisory services empower organizations to navigate complexity, optimize performance and achieve their vision of success by providing comprehensive financial frameworks, data-driven insights and advanced tools.
In addition to its central location, Long Beach’s robust small business ecosystem and strong sense of community attracted Boos & Associates as they expanded into Southern California. The timing and opportunity aligned perfectly with their ambitions. José Sanchez and Jorge Enciso, who now drive business development for the firm, were already living in the area.
Sanchez, previously employed at Boos & Associates, brought valuable insight to the expansion: “You can’t just replicate something that you have in Fresno. You need somebody who knows the culture, the people.”
Enciso, who began his career as a private client banker with JP Morgan, added his perspective as a Long Beach resident: “It’s a different vibe here. It’s a big city with a small-town feel.”
Sanchez and Enciso are deeply engaged with the local community. Both men are members of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, with Sanchez serving on the board of directors as well as the board for its Women’s Business Council. Enciso, a classical music enthusiast, sits on the board of directors for the Long Beach Symphony.
Boos & Associates has made a substantial investment in Long Beach, occupying the entire 9th floor of 180 East Ocean Blvd. Completed in April, the fully renovated space represents a “multimillion dollar commitment to Long Beach,” says Brian Olson, the firm’s Advisory Director.
In just one year, their Long Beach office has grown impressively from two to 20 employees, most of whom live locally. This expansion is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and it highlights the vibrant growth within the organization, which now boasts a total of 120 employees. The firm offers competitive salaries and a working environment that prioritizes wellness and balanced living. Their state-of-the-art office includes amenities such as a gym, wellness room and a dedicated mother’s room for nursing. Boos & Associates will host a grand opening celebration at their office this summer, featuring their fully stocked, built-in bar and entertainment area. For more information, email Jorge Enciso at
A stylish in-office bar combines mid-century modern aesthetics with ocean views, creating a relaxed setting for meetings, team celebrations, mixers and more.
JEAN-PIERRE RUEDA SHOWS US HOW HE RETURNS HOME THROUGH MEMORY AND POETRY.
Jean-Pierre Rueda has found a way to return to his childhood home in Costa Rica again and again — through memory and the written word.
The poet released his bilingual poetry collection Love Between Downpours last year. The book explores how poetry can bridge distance — across oceans, memories and generations. Rueda, who emigrated from Costa Rica as a teen, uses sensory memory, especially the scent of rain, to reflect on nostalgia, identity and belonging. We sat down with him to talk about how writing helps him stay connected to home, family and self.
WHAT INSPIRED LOVE BETWEEN DOWNPOURS?
It started with rain. I was driving home from Long Beach one summer, and it began raining just as I reached the 710. That smell — humid, earthy — instantly took me back to Costa Rica. I haven’t been back in over 20 years, but I felt like I was there. That moment of longing became the foundation for the book.
YOUR POEMS FEEL DEEPLY PERSONAL. HOW DOES FAMILY MEMORY SHAPE YOUR WORK?
When my brother and I emigrated, we didn’t see our mom for a year and a half. I was 15. We held onto old photo albums — trying to keep those memories alive. That desire to preserve moments became a kind of survival mechanism. Now, I try to bridge memory and sentiment to give others something hopeful through poetry.
WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES OF WRITING A BILINGUAL BOOK?
It was originally going to be all in Spanish. But when I started doing readings, I saw how diverse the audiences were.
Some poems ended up flowing better in English, so I rewrote them. Being bilingual means I often think in two languages at once. I wanted the book to reflect that experience, even when the words aren’t literal translations. Some things — like the word aguacero — just don’t carry the same weight in English.
DID YOU DISCOVER ANYTHING NEW DURING THE WRITING PROCESS?
Yes — how universal the search for identity is. Whether people are immigrants or just moving from one place to another, there’s often a longing to belong, to remember. Poetry helped me tap into that and connect with others through shared experience.
HOW HAVE HISTORICAL FIGURES INFLUENCED YOUR POETRY?
I’m drawn to people who break out of the boxes they’re put in. One example is Franklin Chang-Díaz, the first Latin American astronaut. He’s Costa Rican and Chinese, and he came to the U.S. just to pursue his dream. Even with huge accomplishments, he’s not widely known. I want to highlight figures like him — people who’ve quietly shaped history and deserve to be seen.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
I’m finishing a new bilingual collection focused on everyday heroes — teachers, artists, mentors. I’m also hosting a poetry segment on KTNQ 1020 AM, the Dodgers’ Spanish-language station.
ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?
Go to an open mic, read something out loud, write a single line. You never know what it might turn into.
“I will button up my chest with every decade I’ve lived far away from my birthplace.”
—Love Between Downpours
As long as Greg Guthrie has worked at Hotel Maya, the seaside getaway facing the Long Beach skyline has always given him a certain feeling.
“You feel like you’re on vacation, although you’re in a major city,” said the general manager. “You want to relax. You want to enjoy it.”
This year, the beloved Long Beach property stepped into a new era, officially parting ways with Hilton and reclaiming its independence. For Guthrie and his team, some of which have been with the hotel from the beginning in 1975, the shift wasn’t a dramatic departure — it was a natural evolution.
“We never really felt like we were defined by a brand,” Guthrie said. “We’ve always felt like we were Hotel Maya. That identity was always there. It just felt like the right time for everything to fall into place — for us to become more intimate with our community and our guests.”
Now, as Hotel Maya marks its 50th anniversary, Guthrie and his staff are leaning into everything that makes this waterfront enclave a destination for travelers and locals alike — bright, Bajamodern architecture, gently swaying palms, a manmade beach laced with seagrass and fire pits and a view of the
neighboring Queen Mary. Set on 14 lush acres at the edge of Queensway Bay, the hotel offers a front-row view of both the downtown skyline and the harbor.
Though it’s just across the water from the heart of the city, the resort feels a world away — tucked into its own palm-lined pocket of the coast. With artful landscaping, colorful design and pathways that invite wandering, Hotel Maya creates an atmosphere of both escape and ease.
The anniversary celebration this July will be a throwback through the decades.
“We’re doing themes from the ‘90s, ‘80s, and ‘70s as part of a countdown,” Guthrie explained. “We’re tying it all together through drinks, food and special events.”
And guests don’t need to go far to experience it all.
heart of it all is Fuego, the hotel’s open-air restaurant with sweeping views and a Latin-infused menu curated by Executive Chef Luis Torres.
“He’s really great at layering flavors and making every dish visually beautiful,” Guthrie said.
Inspired by coastal Latin American cuisine, Fuego offers fresh seafood, bold flavors and seasonal ingredients — served alongside panoramic views of the water. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are available both indoors and on the spacious outdoor patio, steps from the water.
“We just want to keep creating memories. Not just for today, but for the next 50 years.”
— Greg Guthrie
“Start your day early, relaxing on your patio,” Guthrie said. “Slide open your door and let the sun reflect off the water and pour in.”
From there, it’s all about soaking up the atmosphere — maybe a swim in the oceanfront pool, a round of ping pong, a jet ski ride in the afternoon and s’mores by the fire pit as the sun sets.
The property boasts floating cabanas, seven fire pits, waterfront hammocks and a private boardwalk that doubles as a wedding aisle. And at the
Locals looking to enjoy the property for the day can book a day pass on ResortPass.com to access the resort’s outdoor heated pool. Whether you’re a guest or a local dropping in for brunch and a margarita, Fuego delivers. “You can’t go wrong with tacos,” Guthrie said. “And that’s something we do really well — tacos and margaritas.”
Hotel Maya is currently undergoing a full renovation, with refreshed guest rooms, updated landscaping, a revamped lobby and a facelift for Fuego expected by summer 2026.
“We just want to keep creating memories,” Guthrie said. “Not just for today, but for the next 50 years.”
ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ
The newest dining adventure at Long Beach Exchange.
The Long Beach Exchange has been a hub for adventurous diners — home to The Hangar food hall, Silverlake Ramen, Chocolate Bash and more. But until now, it’s been missing a standout sushi bar.
Enter Sosogu, the area’s newest Japanese BBQ and sushi restaurant.
Sosogu, which means “to pour or serve” in Japanese, was founded by Wallflowers’ guitarist Tobias Miller and his business partner Richard Gottlieb.
The pair’s modern concept brings both elevated sushi and Japanese BBQ under one roof, offering a refined yet approachable dining experience.
Recently, Long Beach City Lifestyle paid a visit to LBX to experience the kitchen’s creative range and careful execution.
Among the standout bites were the Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, a bright, citrusy dish laced with mandarin, jalapeño, and cilantro oil and the Sushi Set, featuring bluefin tuna sashimi, albacore, ora king salmon and seabream nigiri. Each piece was impeccably fresh and balanced.
To drink, the Lychee Pear Martini (infused with elderflower and topped with lychee caviar) was a playful yet elegant cocktail, while the Rising Sun — made with Kikori whisky, yuzu, and amaro — was a bold, citrus-forward favorite.
The JBBQ set brought the indulgence. We tried American wagyu brisket, A5 wagyu rib cap, and filet mignon with miso butter, paired with cabbage salad tofu and mushrooms — and we grilled it all ourselves at the table.
You might not expect it, but this new spot serves everything from Wagyu Shoyu Truffle Ramen to Salmon Mango rolls with tempura shrimp.
Whether you’re looking for your next date night spot, or you’re just really craving a SosoGuud roll after a hard workout at Ra Yoga next door, Sosogu is worth a visit.
Sosogu is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with this fun and refreshing infused ice recipe Not only is it a great way to stay cool, but it also adds a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.
Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.
Ingredients:
• Edible flowers
• Water
Instructions:
1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.
2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.
3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.
4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.
5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.
These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Behind every City Lifestyle magazine is a leap of faith — someone who chose to shape the story of their city. They saw a chance to inspire, connect, and elevate the voices that make their community shine.
Now, new cities are waiting for someone to say yes. What if it was you?
JULY 3RD
Big Bang on the Bay
Boathouse on the Bay | 5:00 PM
Big Bang on the Bay returns! Experience spectacular fireworks over Alamitos Bay with aircraft flyovers, paragliding displays, Coast Guard demonstrations, and live music. The charity block party concludes with a 30-minute fireworks finale at 8:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit local youth organizations.
JULY 6TH
Tanabata Festival
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden | 1:00 PM
Celebrate the legendary meeting of stars Orihime and Hikoboshi at the Tanabata Festival. This Japanese tradition comes alive with crafts, music, and giveaways at the Garden. Reservations accommodate up to 6 people with free G4 parking. $5-$10.
JULY 7TH
Long Beach Terrace Theater | 7:00 PM
Paul Simon’s 20-city “A Quiet Celebration Tour” makes a stop in Long Beach on July 7th, featuring the live debut of Grammy-nominated album Seven Psalms plus timeless classics. Simon chose intimate venues with optimal acoustics due to severe hearing loss, creating a uniquely personal experience.
JULY 12TH
El Dorado Neighborhood Library - Community Meeting Room | 10:30 AM
Join INTI Realty for a Free Brunch & Learn with real estate expert Gia Silva! Thinking about downsizing or leaving California? Learn how Prop 19 and recent tax changes could impact your next move. Get expert insights on selling, capital gains, and today’s market — all over a delicious brunch.
JULY 26TH
Downtown Long Beach | 2:00 PM
This summer’s Art + Design Walk (taking place during Vans Warped Tour) gets a musical twist, with live performances popping up in unexpected corners of DTLB. The event coincides with Long Beach Walls and features the 10 Degrees Cooler poster exhibition, a grassroots campaign celebrating Long Beach’s creative identity and distinct vibe. Visit dtlb.org for more information.
JULY 28TH
LBCREC
Old Ranch Country Club, 3901 Lampson Ave, Seal Beach | 11:00 AM
Join the LBCREC Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Fisher House of Southern California at Old Ranch Country Club. The event features putting contests, shotgun start at 11 AM, and concludes with happy hour, dinner, and awards ceremony. Supporting military families in need.
Whether you're planning a big move, downsizing, or just keeping an eye on the market, our brunch and learn serves up exper t guidance and practical tips to help you feel confident about you r next step.