Long Beach, CA September 2025 by City Lifestyle

THE LONG BEACH DENTIST

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.

Live Your Best Life in Style

You can’t live your life without style. Whether you’re conscious of it or not, your personal style shows up everywhere — from your clothes to your hairstyle, your home, the car you drive and how you express yourself both in person and online.

As a lifestyle magazine, Long Beach City Lifestyle aims to connect you, our dedicated reader, with the brands and experiences that will inspire you to live your best life in the style that is most authentically you. This Style issue is the perfect expression of that vision.

This month, you’ll discover how style becomes a powerful tool for connection and transformation right here in Long Beach. We profile a glamorous realtor who shows us that personal style isn’t just about looking polished — it’s about self-expression and professionalism. And it’s about creating meaningful experiences for the people you serve in your community.

At a local tailoring shop transformed into a style sanctuary, we meet an entrepreneur who has turned a legacy alterations business into a space where sustainability meets self-love. Her mission goes beyond perfect hemlines — she’s helping clients break free from negative self-talk while creating lasting pieces that honor both personal history and environmental responsibility. She proves that true style is about transformation with meaning.

We take you on an architectural journey through Long Beach’s distinctive home styles, from mid-century ranch homes to English Tudor Revival houses. Each tells a story of how style adapts to place, climate and community — creating spaces that reflect both personal taste and our city’s rich heritage.

Your personal style extends to the experiences you curate for yourself and those in your sphere, including where you dine. We spotlight a new restaurant that transformed an ordinary space into a whole vibe — where organic curves, woven textures and lush greenery create an immersive dining experience. From artfully crafted cocktails to beautifully plated dishes, the eatery creates memorable moments through purposeful style.

We also highlight our city’s biggest annual giving campaign, now in its seventh year. This collaborative effort brings local nonprofits together for one powerful fundraising push that strengthens our entire community. Because giving is always in style.

Style is never just surface-deep. It’s the thread that weaves together who we are, where we come from and how we show up in the world. In Long Beach, that means embracing innovation and tradition, sustainability and beauty, personal expression and community connection. This is style with substance — and it’s authentically ours.

ATIRA RODRIGUEZ, PUBLISHER

@LONGBEACHCITYLIFESTYLE

September 2025

PUBLISHER

Atira Rodriguez | atira.rodriguez@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kat Schuster | kat.schuster@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Nirav Solanki | mail@niravsolanki.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jennifer Morehouse

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tyler Hogan, Stephanie Perez

Corporate Team

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

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Restoring Commercial Real Estate Value

Rolling Suds, the nation’s leading power washing franchise, dedicates its services to revitalizing and enhancing the value of commercial real estate properties. Scan for more! 180

SEPTEMBER 2025

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce 134th Annual Gala, June 26th | 1: Andrea Sulsona, VP of Mission Advancement, YMCA of Greater Long Beach and Atira Rodriguez, Publisher, Long Beach City Lifestyle. 2: Members of the Long Beach Council of Business Associations (COBA) celebrate their Destination Tomorrow Award. 3: Sumer Temple, Immediate Past Chair of the Board, Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. 4: Chamber member Bill Grisolia and his band delivered an electrifying performance. 5: President & CEO Jeremy Harris congratulates Kris Grasgon after he received the Board Chair’s Award. 6: Heather Summers shares words of inspiration as incoming Chair of the Board. 7: Atira Rodriguez with the dapper duo José Sanchez and Jorge Enciso from Boos & Associates.

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.

First Black Lawyer Named “Attorney of the Year” by Long Beach Bar

Robin D. Perry made history as the first Black lawyer named “Attorney of the Year” by the Long Beach Bar Association in February. For over 25 years, Perry has owned a boutique law firm specializing in personal injury and litigation, achieving seven and eight-figure resolutions. He previously served as Deputy District Attorney and has held leadership roles including past president of the Long Beach Bar Association and chair of St. Mary’s Medical Center Foundation.

Fashion Company Relocates to Long Beach

Women’s fashion company CAbi celebrated its move from Carson to Long Beach on July 9th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The woman-owned company brings more than 100 jobs to the city from marketing and design to IT and finance. Located at 3840 Kilroy Airport Way, the new 27,000-squarefoot office space offers views of the airport and provides a more walkable campus for their employees.

PUBLISHER’S fall style PICKS:

2 3 4 5

Shop local for these five essential favorites for the season.

ARTICLE BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ

1 - FOND SWEATSHIRT, RACHEL COMEY, $275

Classic crewneck featuring drop shoulders, cropped sleeves, and raw edges for an effortless athleisure style. Shop at burkemercantile.com.

2 - CROPPED MOTO JACKET, STOOSH, $79

Vintage black wash vegan leather moto with cropped fit and on-trend statement belt. Available at City Lights Streetwear, 5243 E. 2nd St.

3 - A-LINE PENCIL SKIRT, SPRWMN, $325

Knee-length denim skirt with flattering a-line silhouette and high front slit. Find it at The Alcove, 5282 2nd St.

4 - OLD ENGLISH LONG BEACH SNAPBACK, LONG BEACH CLOTHING CO., $31.99

This classic Long Beach staple accessory comes in various colors, including this season’s trending brown. Grab yours at Long Beach Clothing Co.: 4218 Atlantic Ave. and 5308 E. 2nd St.

5 - LEOPARD RAFE PANT, PRISM BOUTIQUE, $113

Relaxed wide-leg denim trousers in always-in-style leopard print with adjustable tie waist. Shop this trend at Prism Boutique, 406 Termino Ave.

The Glamorous Realtor

How Shana Giles Blends Style, Service and Heart with Her Real Estate Business

ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE PEREZ

For Shana Giles, real estate is more than a transaction, it’s a deeply personal experience that has been shaped by her commitment to community, passion for design and her lifelong roots in Long Beach.

“Real estate is not just about selling homes. I’m really big on creating an experience,” Giles said. “I always believe that presentation matters, whether it’s the way a home is staged or how I present myself.”

Her signature style — confident, polished and thoughtful — isn’t just a reflection of her fashion sense. It’s an extension of the care and creativity she brings to every listing and client interaction.

“Clients see that I put thought and care into everything that I do, and it also translates into how I market their homes and negotiate on their behalf,” she explained. “Style, to me, is a form of self-expression and professionalism.”

Giles, who was born and raised in Long Beach, takes pride in serving the city that raised her.

“Community is very important to me,” she said. “I grew up in the Wrigley area of Long Beach... and on my father’s side, the Eastside of Long Beach. So I like to say I have the best of both worlds.”

Beyond her work as a real estate agent, Giles serves on the Board of Governors for the Long Beach City College Foundation, where she helps raise funds for student resources like housing, scholarships and athletic programs. One of her proudest moments came during a recent estate planning seminar hosted by the foundation.

“It was so important to get in touch with the community... about the importance of having that trust and just having estate planning altogether,” she said. “It helps educate them about protecting their legacies, and that’s really [important] to me.”

Her commitment to civic engagement also led her to Leadership Long Beach, a 10-month development program.

“I got a chance to learn how the police department and the fire department work, how City Hall works, how Long Beach Transit works... and how I can better help the community,” she said.

When it comes to real estate, Giles brings that same attentiveness to staging and marketing.

“Design is like storytelling,” she said. “My goal is to create a space where buyers can instantly picture themselves living there.”

Whether she’s helping a family find their forever home or mentoring young professionals, it’s human connection that fuels Giles.

“I like to call myself the resource. Whatever you’re looking for, I’m pretty sure I know somebody that has it,” she said. “I’m not just your realtor, I’m your therapist, your best friend, whatever you need me to be.”

Looking ahead, Giles hopes to continue expanding her “glamorous realtor” brand, but always with substance.

“You can be polished and professional while still being deeply committed to service and community,” she said.

And yes, she even took an interview with Long Beach City Lifestyle on her birthday — a move of pure dedication.

“I don’t mind at all,” she said.

Shana R. Giles, local realtor.

Tailored Roots

EVOLVING AN ALTERATIONS SHOP INTO A HOLISTIC STYLE HAVEN

ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ

Johnson stands beside the extensive thread collection at Fit & Style, showcasing the craftsmanship tools behind her boutique’s operations.

Christina Johnson (middle) poses with team members at her storefront.

Christina Johnson and her sister grew up among spools of thread, the hum of sewing machines and the gentle bustle of customers coming through her family’s tailoring shop. Before she was old enough to work there (officially), she was already folding fabric scraps and organizing thread.

“We were babysat in the store,” she said. “I think I was about seven when they started having me organize threads and pick up stuff — but we were mostly just being babysat so we wouldn’t get in trouble.”

Her mother and aunt opened the original shop, Just Alterations, in Long Beach in 1985. By 15, Christina had her first job there. Now co-owner of what’s become Fit & Style, she’s spent over two decades reshaping its identity into a boutique that goes far beyond hemlines.

“Around 10 years ago, we realized most of our clients were 65 and older. We needed to reimagine the store — not just as a place to drop off tailoring, but as a place for style,” she said. “People came in asking, ‘I like this, but it’s not working for me — what can I do?’ So we repositioned.”

Today, Fit & Style offers alterations, styling sessions, wardrobe assessments and a curated collection of vintage and secondhand garments through a sister brand, Jones & Johnson. The brand was co-created with Whitney Jones, whom Johnson said plays a key role in the future of Fit & Style.

Jones, one of Johnson’s sister’s best friends, has worked on and off at Fit & Style since she was 18 years old.

As Johnson’s mom moved into semi-retirement, Whitney stepped in to help manage the store and has helped chart its future trajectory, Johnson said.

“Our talented team of stylists and seamstresses are a major part of our success. We really wouldn’t be at 40 years without them,” Johnson said.

The team includes six seamstresses and tailors working part-time and one additional fitter — all trained in design and clothing construction. Johnson said her shop differs from the average dry cleaner because of the experience and fashion education behind each fitting.

Through her sister brand and at Fit & Style, Christina encourages clients to rediscover their wardrobes, and themselves, with confidence and sustainability in mind.

“I just always had a really deep hatred for waste,” she said. “I tell people, ‘look, if you’re going to invest in getting things tailored, you might as well get a nicer quality designer piece that’ll last you longer.’

We used to run a campaign called ‘Shop Your Closet.’ You picked it up for a reason. Maybe you’re just not wearing it because you’re not sure how — or it just needs to be adjusted.”

That philosophy extends to education, too.

“We go over body proportions, body type. We talk about how to create that style that you’re looking for based on your body shape, as well as the characteristics you want to represent,” she explained.

But the true mission of Fit & Style might be even more personal.

“We want people to feel good in their clothing and how they’re presenting themselves to the world.”

That includes breaking harmful self-talk habits.

“If you wouldn’t say it to your friend, you’re not allowed to say it to yourself,” she said. “It’s not okay to look in a mirror and say you look ugly or fat or short. It’s not creating peace in yourself or in this world.”

She’s made that a shop-wide rule.

“We’re not going to stand for it,” she said. “Because we get so used to saying it or thinking it’s okay and it honestly isn’t.”

“We needed to reimagine the store — not just as a place to drop off tailoring, but as a place for style.”

Johnson transformed her family’s alterations shop into a styling destination emphasizing sustainability, body positivity, and client confidence.

Whether it’s helping someone update their wardrobe after a career change or reworking a late loved one’s jacket into something wearable, her focus is always the same: transformation with meaning.

“One time we reworked a woman’s husband’s Coast Guard jacket after he passed,” she recalled.

“It was this big, bulky uniform and we turned it into this funky, Sergeant Peppery-style jacket. It was very bohemian, and very personal.”

Fit & Style has also helped brides rework their mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gowns into modern reception looks or rehearsal dresses — blending heritage with personality.

For Johnson, those projects underscore why she’s proud of the craft itself. “We’re the kind of shop — if we do it, we’re going to do it right,” she said. “It’s going to last, and it’s going to look good.”

From upcycling to uplifting, Christina hopes her shop remains a community anchor. “If we can learn to love ourselves better,” she said, “we can love our neighbors better — and the world better.”

LONG BEACH ARCHITECTURE GUIDE

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MOREHOUSE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ AND TYLER HOGAN

Five distinctive home styles that

define our city’s rich architectural

heritage

Long Beach is a city with a rich architectural history showcasing vernaculars from Gothic Revival to Mid-Century Modern and English Tudor. Here are five popular home styles you’ll find throughout the city, along with their key characteristics and where to spot them.

CLIFF MAY RANCHO

Developed between 1953 and 1954 by designers Cliff May and Chris Choate in East Long Beach, these timeless gems feature low-slung gabled roofs, clerestory windows and exposed ceilings. What distinguishes Cliff May Ranchos from other mid-century modern homes are their generous front yard setbacks, which allow for enhanced outdoor access and seamless indoor-outdoor living. These homes were specifically designed to take advantage of California’s amazing weather, creating spaces that blur the boundaries between interior and exterior environments.

COASTAL CONTEMPORARY

This style becomes increasingly abundant as you approach Long Beach’s coastline. Modern architecture, in broad terms, means lacking ornament, so for these contemporary homes,

A stunning Cliff May rancho listed by Beatrix Whipple DRE# 01355505, Keller Williams Pacific Estates DRE# 01917184. Photo by Tyler Hogan.

Clean lines and an unadorned facade ensure the picturesque Naples canal views remain the focal point of this coastal contemporary home.

striking the right balance between dynamism and good proportions becomes especially important. Coastal Contemporary homes are deeply defined by their natural material palettes and sophisticated neutral tones that complement the seaside environment.

ENGLISH TUDOR REVIVAL

English Tudor homes are commonly identified by their exposed wooden beams filled with stucco or elaborate brick and stonework, all unified by steeply pitched gable rooflines. Because of Long Beach’s mild climate, there has never been a practical reason for homes to have steep rooflines — which is precisely what makes these homes so charming.

They stand out in a sea of modern facades and clean lines, transporting you to a pastoral countryside despite their suburban surroundings. Their rich interior woodwork and emphasis on the hearth create elements of rusticity and wonder that feel both timeless and welcoming.

SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVAL

Popularized in the United States from 1910 to 1930, this style ranks among the most versatile architectural vernaculars. The exterior is defined by iconic features such as barrel clay roof tiles, hand-troweled stucco and graceful cased archways. This style developed in tandem with the Craftsman and Streamline Moderne movements, creating fascinating hybrid characteristics.

It’s common to find Art Deco bathrooms with intricately tiled showers dating back 100 years, boasting tremendous personality. You’ll also discover light fixtures commonly associated with Craftsman homes fitting seamlessly into Spanish bungalows. The use of wood and earth tones in permanent elements provides handsome backdrops suitable for restyling as trends evolve.

CRAFTSMAN

Born from the Arts & Crafts Movement in opposition to the Industrial Revolution, Craftsman-style homes emphasized the value of nature and handcrafted goods. The movement’s embrace of imperfections and natural materials can be interpreted as a rejection of the dominant Streamline Moderne styles that emphasized machine-cut precision.

Architects Greene and Greene, pioneers of the Craftsman house movement, were proponents of the design philosophy known as Wabi-Sabi — balancing perfection with natural flaws. Steep overhanging eaves on low-pitched gables created an earthy feel, while deep front porches and abundant built-ins provided backdrops that supported thriving families and communities. Long Beach’s Craftsman Village stands as a shining example of what thoughtful design can accomplish for society.

A Tudor Revival in Los Cerritos featuring steep rooflines, exposed half-timbering, and diamond-pane glass that creates a charming contrast in suburban settings.

A Spanish Revival in Los Cerritos blends design elements from Spanish missions, Mediterranean villas, Moorish palaces and Mexican colonial architecture.

A Craftsman bungalow located in historic Craftsman Village, showcasing the popular home style’s characteristic low-pitched gables and deep overhanging eaves.

A MEXICAN DREAMSCAPE

in East Long Beach

Luna Bistro & Cafe blends Mexican fusion with ethereal design — part desert retreat, part retro-futurist lounge.

ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ

LUNA Bistro’s bar beckons with midcentury charm, craft spirits and hanging greenery, inviting guests to linger a little longer.

LUNA Bistro & Cafe blends modern design with earthy elegance, offering a stylish and welcoming space for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners.

The juxtaposition of walking into LUNA Bistro & Cafe from an otherwise ordinary strip mall across from Cal State Long Beach is jarring — in the best way. East Long Beach’s newest Mexican fusion restaurant is a transportive experience.

Before you’re ever sipping on a Berry Spritz or savoring the citric splendor of the Ceviche Asiatico, you’re met with curving sculptural shapes and earthy textures that come together under a comforting ethereal design. The space feels both grounding and otherworldly, like a celestial retreat that somehow landed in the middle of town.

But LUNA’s appeal goes beyond its decor. The food is vibrant, hearty, packed with fusion flavor and the portions are generous.

The Grilled Ranchera Steak Taco, a house favorite, showcases the restaurant’s fusion ethos: Well-seasoned and tender beef flap steak strips, grilled onions, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, layered on two tortillas pressed with cheese, with a side of fluffy rice and a bowl of savory black beans.

The Salmon al Pastor arrives bold and vibrant — topped with caramelized onions and pickled radish over black bean rice, all swimming in a golden pool of guajillo.

The Salmon Al Pastor is a smoky-sweet revelation, while the Pollo Luna, dressed in a white garlic cream sauce with mushrooms and herbs, offers indulgence with elegance. Even the Spicy Diavola Wings, tossed in spicy marinara and dusted with Parmesan, surprise and satisfy.

Whether you come for the dreamy atmosphere or the rich, soul-hugging dishes, LUNA Bistro & Cafe delivers on all fronts.

LUNA’s Berry Spritz (right) bursts with muddled blackberries and rosemary, while the delicate Lavender Fields Forever cocktail (left) adds a floral finish.

LUNA’s Ceviche Asiatico is a vibrant tower of shrimp, cucumbers, red onion, and crispy onion strings in a tangy soy-ponzu chili marinade.

Grilled Ranchera Steak Tacos at LUNA come stacked with juicy marinated beef, melted cheese, pico de gallo, and tangy pickled onions.

ARTICLE BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ

BY LONG BEACH GIVES AND ATIRA RODRIGUEZ

BUILDING COMMUNITY AND MAKING AN IMPACT THROUGH COLLECTIVE GIVING

LONG BEACH GIVES

PHOTOGRAPHY

Nonprofit leaders gathered at The Reef on the Water for a day of training and insights at the Long Beach Gives Summit on July 17.

“AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER CAN IMPACT REAL CHANGE!” –ANONYMOUS DONOR

budgets under $100,000 to large established nonprofits — ensures every community need garners support.

For donors, the campaign provides an accessible entry point into philanthropy. Whether someone contributes $10 or $10,000, their gift directly supports neighbors and addresses hyperlocal challenges.

REAL COMMUNITY IMPACT

The beneficiaries represent the full spectrum of community needs. Organizations serving children and families, addressing food insecurity, providing mental health services, supporting seniors, promoting arts and culture and advancing social justice have all received crucial funding through the campaign.

By prioritizing relationships over transactions and community over competition, the campaign has created something rare in modern philanthropy — a giving initiative that truly brings a city together around shared values.

One 2022 donor captures the campaign’s essence: “An entire community coming together can impact real change!”

For more information about Long Beach Gives or to participate in the campaign, visit longbeachgives.org.

Many nonprofit programs for children in Long Beach rely on funds raised through Long Beach Gives.

Hundreds of animals, like this cute rescue kitten, benefit from community support through the Long Beach Gives campaign.

Donating to Long Beach Gives supports programs that help our disabled neighbors reach their full potential.

Atira turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?