Long Beach 908 Magazine

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Long Beach 908 Magazine

Local business. Local teams. Local people. We know East Long Beach. Learn more about the people and places that matter to you.

The idea for Long Beach 908 Magazine was sparked in a local garage one cool overcast May morning in 2011. The idea was to start a community magazine for East Long Beach about local businesses and people. Before we knew it, local advertisers jumped on the opportunity to get the word out about their businesses to the local people that mattered to them and since then it has only grown. 908 Magazine

is now the ultimate source (at least we think so) for all things East Long Beach. We think Life is Great in the 908' and we'd love to show you why!

06/11/2024

⚾️ Coach Andy Hall, varsity baseball coach at Wilson High School, reached an incredible milestone this season with his 600th win! On March 22nd, Wilson defeated Cabrillo 21-10, solidifying Coach Hall’s legendary status.

🗣️ A status that he appreciates yet humbly credits to being surrounded by so many wonderful people, “There have been thousands of players, family members, and coaches that I want to thank for helping me get to #600. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the baseball coach at both schools where I have worked. It has been a long road, but an enjoyable journey!”

🌴 It’s a journey that began in 1988, at St. Anthony’s High School where Coach Hall began as a JV baseball coach. Within three years Coach Hall earned the varsity coach role, and he proudly served the baseball program at St. Anthony’s from 1991-2000, until then principal of Wilson High, Jon Meyer, phoned and asked if he would like to apply for an open position at Wilson.

🏆 From 2001 to present, Coach Hall has led the Wilson varsity baseball program with an ever-evolving level of intensity, compassion and dedication. With 600 wins over a 34-season career, Coach Hall has proven that he has a formula to develop and maintain a program that is built for success. He credits his achievements to the unwavering support of the community, from his own parents and children to the professionals he works with at Wilson. Reflecting on the success of his career, Coach Hall states, “I feel blessed to have had the opportunity.”

➡️ To follow the action with the Wilson Bruins or for information on Wilson’s Freshman Summer Baseball Camp (July 8-11), visit website lbwilsonbaseball.com/home.

06/10/2024

👟 Bring you’re dad into this weekend to support small biz and event more importantly, support his feet 🦶

06/10/2024

🌴 Father’s Day Sale! All our “Life is Great in the 908” t-shirts are just $20 this week!

☀️ Available only at the Fair Trade Long Beach Retail Store: 4105 N. Bellflower Blvd. Unit B, Long Beach, CA 90808

➡️ Open Tuesday- Sunday 11am-7pm

06/06/2024

💿 ALBUM –INSPIRED COCKTAIL MENU RELEASED AT PORT CITY TAVERN

🍹 🎶 The online menu looks like a Spotify playlist and the drinks are inspired by the employees’ favorite albums. From Destiny’s Child, to Joy Division, Nirvana, and Nas, It’s pretty much a must-try for craft cocktail and music lovers!

🚢 Port City Tavern is a nautical-themed bar that has thrived thanks to its laid-back vibe that has something for everyone. Whether you want to soak in the sun on their spacious back patio; play pool in a classic game room; or watch sports in the lively bar area; there’s space for you at this new-age dive bar.

🌴 Patrons can expect an elevated craft cocktail menu which updates to a new theme at least twice a year (before the album-theme, cocktails were based off classic books). Port City Tavern occupies a building that was built in 1926 and has been a bar ever since. The Rose Room, and more recently Iguana Kelley’s, occupied the space before Port City Tavern took over in 2020.

➡️ www.portcitytavernlb.com
4306 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804

05/16/2024

😲 “Holy cow! This place is poppin’!” I marveled, upon meeting Sabrina Junkin at the City of Lakewood’s Weingart Senior Center. That’s where Sabrina has acted as the Community Services supervisor for over 30 years.

😆 She laughed, “People’s perception of a senior center always changes when they come here… we are a very active center.”

🌴 I was there to ask Sabrina more about her connection to Pathways, the local non-profit that bills itself as, “Your trusted friend through life’s toughest moments.” Pathways’ three-part “Circle of Care” includes care navigation for older adults, hospice, and bereavement.

❓“Why did I become a board member?”

🗣️ “It’s one of those organizations where... when times are good… you don’t think of Pathways. When times are good, you think of us, the recreation center where we’re all here having a good time with all these activities,” said Sabrina.

💜 “But when you look around at our active population, you don’t think of the senior who might be homebound and needs help and has no family close by. The seniors in the shadows. They’re the ones who end up coming across Pathways door.”

☀️ In other words, what Sabrina can do by serving on the Pathways board is help better ensure the happiness of ALL seniors. Even the ones who don’t come through her door.

🤝 Sabrina insists that everybody at some point will know someone who can use the help of Pathways. “You see the seniors out and about playing pickleball, having a good time. But if a spouse passes away or a family member is gravely ill and has to go on hospice… when all those inevitable, tragic situations invariably occur. If you’re lost… you should call Pathways…they’ll know what to do.”

05/16/2024

👋 Say 'ciao' to convenience, as Michael’s Market LB, Naples’ popular neighborhood outpost for sourcing high-quality pastas, homemade sauces, olive oils, and other Italian staples for every home kitchen, has recently introduced grab-and-go homemade Italian dinner specials every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!

🍴 The weekly dinner specials, which can be ordered in-store or online, feature an entree for two, salads, and dessert, allowing individuals to indulge in a three-course meal for no more than $25 per person! Perfect for bringing on a picnic date at Mother’s Beach, during a gondola ride around the bay, or enjoying at home, Michael's aims to make their farm-to-table authentic Italian food accessible to everyone.

😋 The NEW menu includes: - Thursday: Chicken Milanese (pan-fried ciabatta breaded chicken breast), two salads, and two almond cakes - $45 - Friday: Veggie Lasagna with Pomodoro Sauce, two salads, and two almond cakes - $40 - Saturday: Braised Beef Short Ribs and Mashed Potatoes, with two salads, and two almond cakes - $50 - AND Thursday - Saturday: Michael’s on Naples signature Rotisserie Chicken - $20 In addition to the new dinner specials, Michael’s Market maintains a unique stock of pasta, pizza dough, and homemade sauces, all freshly prepared in the neighboring restaurant’s kitchen.

🇮🇹 Customers can shop from shelves brimming with imported meats, cheeses, specialty wines, truffles, dried goods, and more, inviting individuals to experience international flavors and delicacies right at home.

05/15/2024

🎙️ Corinne Garthoff is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Arts For Life program at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. And it’s Classroom Connections week. “Talk soon. I’m at Los Cerritos [Elementary] waiting for 3rd and 4th graders to see our artist, Julia Keefe Quartet,” said her email.

🌴 Corinne spent that week bouncing between five elementary schools to oversee assemblies that give students up-close access to arts education and performances. By the end of the week, she and the performing artists visited 1000 students.

🎼 Classroom Connections is one of three branches of the Arts For Life program, and it brings the performing arts to local elementary school students, many of whom have never been exposed to them. After a week of educational assemblies at school, the program culminates in a field trip to the Carpenter Center for a live performance.

🗣️ “I love the community aspect of this program. The students have so much energy, and the teachers are always so grateful. It’s the first time for a lot of these students to come to a performing arts center, or it’s the first time they’re even on [CSULB] campus. The more we get those students on campus before college age, the more it becomes real for them, and they visualize themselves being here,” says Corinne.

❓How Can My School Participate in Classroom Connections ❓

🌊 “Teachers, PTAs, or even parents can apply on behalf of their school. It’s a popular program and spots go fast, but there are occasional cancellations. The key is just to apply,” says Corinne.

➡️ To learn more about Arts For Life, visit: www.carpenterarts.org/arts-for-life/arts-for-life.

➡️ To apply to Classroom Connections for your school, visit: carpenterarts.org/arts-for-life/classroom-connections.

05/03/2024

🍻 Located in the heart of the Shore since 1979, locals know to follow the roar of the crowd to find a great game. Known affectionately, as the “Grand-Daddy of all Sports Bars,” Legends offers an unparalleled viewing experience that’s the closest thing to actually being at the game.

🍴 Legends also features a private event and banquet space, known as the Skybox. The skybox is the perfect space to host any event from business meetings to graduations. Also, the skybox is the only private space in town that does not charge a room fee.

➡️ Send inquiries to
[email protected]. No matter the occasion, friends, families and fanatics are all welcome!

📍 Address: 5236 East 2nd Street, Long Beach CA 90803

📞 Phone: 562-433-5743

🌎 legendssportsbar.com

05/02/2024

🌴 Reserve your child’s spot today for FREE half-day Vacation Bible School at Bethany Lutheran Church!

🤿 Theme: SCUBA - diving into friendship with God Free event for ages 3 - 5th grade

➡️ learn more at: https://www.bethanylutheran.org/ministries/vacation-bible-school/

05/01/2024

🌴 The Playmakers organization in Long Beach stands as a beacon of hope, community, and transformative power, leveraging sports to open a world of possibilities for differently-abled individuals.

🏀 Playmakers provide adaptive sports programs for differently-abled individuals, meeting regularly at various locations tailored to each sport, due to the absence of a dedicated facility. They adapt venues—like parks, community centers, or indoor spaces—to ensure accessibility for activities such as baseball, basketball, dance, and boccia. Playmakers adeptly navigate the logistical challenges of varying venues to bring sports to life for those they serve. Meetings offer regular opportunities for participants to engage, learn, and grow through the sports they love.

🗣️ Ron Krajniak, the board chair, and Susan Graham, one of the co-founders, helm this vessel with vision and unwavering commitment. They spotlight a critical challenge that underscores their mission: “We don’t have an ‘I don’t care’ problem; we have an ‘I didn’t know’ problem.” This revelation underscores the essence of Playmakers’ battle against the obscurity surrounding adaptive sports, advocating for heightened awareness and accessibility.

🙌 Beyond providing a platform for physical engagement, Playmakers serves as a crucible for social interaction, personal development, and communal unity. From the introduction of Boccia (similar to Bocce but designed specifically for accessibility) to the staples of baseball and basketball, each sport becomes a conduit for participants to experience achievement, joy, and a profound sense of belonging. Yet, the impact of these programs is magnified by the involvement of entire families—siblings and parents alongside the differently-abled, all partaking in and supporting the Playmakers cause.

04/26/2024

🎪 Join the circus! HJ (Hallie Jane), owner of Aerial Butterflies, is now taking on new aerial silks students ages 12+ for committed private lessons in 90808. With over 25 years of experience in gymnastics and aerial, HJ specializes in movement for performance with a focus in safety, strength, form and flow. Benefits from aerial include strength (upper body, shoulders, abs), flexibility/mobility, balance, proper posture, coordination, muscle awareness, body and movement safety.

🤸 🦋 Aerial Butterflies is a cirque-style entertainment company founded in Long Beach in 2016. Performers from Aerial Butterflies (aerialist, stiltwalkers, hula hoop dancers, jugglers, contortionist, acrobats and more) can be seen all over town. Many of the aerial performers learn from HJ herself.

➡️ aerialbutterflies.com | | (562) 208-8556

04/25/2024

🏆 The trophy shelf is filling up at Sato Academy of Math & Science!

🤩 Sato Drone Soccer Team (SDST) has scored big at each of the competitions they have participated in since the team formed in 2022.

🤖 ⚽️ Drone soccer is an esport that is played in a netted arena using quadcopter drones with protective exoskeletons battling to score. Two five-player teams (1 Striker, 3 Defenders, 1 Goalie) face-off as each team blocks the opposing team’s Striker to prevent them from scoring goals. Think radio-controlled Quidditch where the Striker drone is the ball flying through the opposing hoop.

🌴 Drone soccer is an ideal fit for Sato’s STEM-based engineering and biomedical pathways. It challenges the students to apply the technical and problem solving skills they learn in class towards building, flying, programming and repairing drones.

🗣️ “I really like that drone soccer is both STEM and sport. Student pilots build, program, fly, and repair their drones,” shares Principal Ronnie Coleman. “The innovation, STEM focus, and collaborative team effort is a perfect match for what Sato is all about.”

🥇 This past February, the Red team brought home first place at the International World Cup competition in Hanover, Germany!

✈️ Many team members are having new experiences at these tournaments. Mr. Gallo shares, “There have been so many firsts for the kids. Their first time leaving California, flying on an airplane, leaving the country, and being away from their families… and they have had invaluable experiences of team building, problem solving, emotional pressures, disappointment, and success. The kids have bonded so well.”

👏 Wish them luck, as the teams are traveling this week to San Diego and Virginia for competitions!

04/25/2024

Experience the perfect example of Long Beach living in this coveted community, where the allure of a picturesque neighborhood meets the convenience of proximity to the sandy beaches and trendy restaurants in Belmont Shore.

645 Ultimo Ave, Long Beach
3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms Plus a Huge Bonus Room
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562.706.6306

04/25/2024

🥇 We invited our followers to fill out a bracket and pick who they thought would win March Bar Madness 2024

🎉 This year’s winner was Steve Albers, he not only picked Joe Jost's to win it all, but had the most other correct picks as well

🍻 For his prize, we offered a $100 Gift Card to any bar in Long Beach and he chose one he hadn’t been to yet… but that he’s been hearing a lot about

🍹 Have fun at the The Bamboo Club Steve and thanks for playing along! That’s officially a wrap on March Bar Madness!!!

04/19/2024

💜 In the heart of Long Beach exists a place fueled by hope.

🌴 At the core of this transformative space is Katie, a middle-aged woman whose unique style—a pixie-ish haircut paired with understated glasses—belies her fervent anticipation for Mondays, a day most dread. For Katie, weekends are a countdown to her return to a place she considers more of a home than anywhere else.

☀️ Katie’s journey is intertwined with echolalia, a speech impediment where she involuntarily repeats the speech of others. Yet, this has not hindered her ability to communicate effectively. "She doesn’t need words to express herself," says April Stover, the Executive Director of AbilityFirst. "Katie has a way of making her intentions and feelings known that is unmistakable."

🏡 This magical campus, discreetly located near the DMV, is where Katie and others find their second home.

🌊 The ethos of AbilityFirst is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to lead a rewarding and full life, irrespective of the challenges they face. The organization offers a myriad of programs, including after-school activities that inspire creativity, adult day programs that foster independence, and vocational training that opens doors to new career opportunities.

🎶 Katie's life is rich with experiences and milestones celebrated within the AbilityFirst community. Her parents recount tales of her culinary adventures and her eclectic taste in music, ranging from the folk tunes of Peter Paul and Mary to the soulful melodies of Whitney Houston, and her recent exploration of Joni Mitchell’s discography.

🙌 When asked what the most rewarding benefit of the program has been for them as parents, dad answered, “Well, I think the number one thing, she’s got companionship... she has friends here.”

AbilityFirst

04/18/2024

✍️ What inspired you to start a shutter business?
🗣️ My husband works in window installation. It had always been a dream of mine to start a shutter business that I could piggyback off his referrals and run alongside him. After 20 years as a district manager in telecommunications, I found myself unemployed during the pandemic, which heavily impacted that industry.

I decided to look into making my dream a reality and researched how to start a shutter business. It turned out to be the perfect timing. I had all the time in the world to immerse myself in knowledge and training. And once I was off and running, I realized that lots of my neighbors and prospective customers had the time, money, and desire to upgrade their window treatments during the pandemic!

✍️ What makes your business unique?
🗣️ I am just your neighbor running a small business, and that makes me a lot different than most of this industry. For one, I keep the prices very low. People are always shocked when they get my quotes because of how much other companies in this industry spike up their pricing. I am also very present during the whole process. If you’re interested in getting a quote, you’re going to get it directly from me. If you have a question during the process, you call me directly. And on the day of the install, I am there in person making sure our installers carry out the vision we talked about.

✍️ Why should people call you?
🗣️ If you’re interested in upgrading your home and installing new shutters, I urge you to please give me a call. We have no minimum (even one window is fine!) and I will give you a no-pressure, fair and honest quote.

Shutters by Rae

04/17/2024

🏡 Michelle Culbertson, an El Dorado Park Estates (EDPE) Neighborhood Association board member, has a sincere tone and speaks enthusiastically about the strides that the Association’s board of five devoted directors and its 225 paid members have made together.

🗣️ “We are eager to build off this momentum, continue to foster connections within the community, and expand its philanthropic efforts,” states Michelle Culbertson about El Dorado Park Estates in their NUSA application.

🌴 The Association board’s “comprehensive plan,” spearheaded by President Kirk Bacon, laid out their 2023 desktop calendar and began plotting events throughout the year with the intention of bringing neighbors together in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

🥂 The first events were dubbed Sip and Stroll and were planned strategically within the EDPE community. The events were designed to foster a sense of togetherness and community spirit by encouraging residents to walk or bike through the neighborhood, meet neighbors, and stop by a ‘host home.’ The events offered snacks and drinks.

👏 “I know my neighbors for the first time in my life. The events really contribute to a sense of community and help to break the ice with other neighbors,” remarks Andrea Kelber, a resident new to El Dorado Park Estates.

☀️ Other events have included a Progressive Dinner (complete with the double-decker Big Red Bus transporting attendees through the neighborhood), a Fourth of July Annual Bike and Dog Parade tradition with over 350 kids and adults riding decorated bikes under tree-lined streets, and a “Movie with a Mission” night with a 16-foot inflatable screen and dozens of families filling a blocked-off street within El Dorado Park Estates

🌊 Along with each event, there is usually a philanthropic component as well… such as raising money for the Long Beach Rescue Mission or other local food banks!

04/15/2024

🌆 Before Long Beach had come into embodying its city motto, “The International City,” one man saw enormous potential.

🗣️ “In the early ‘70s, Long Beach had no real identity,” said Grand Prix founder Chris Pook (aka CRP). “It had lost the Miss Universe Pageant; the Queen Mary did not deliver the ‘destination’ recognition that the City Fathers thought it would. Downtown was in decline.”

⚖️ To establish any sort of ‘identity,’ the city would have to spend more millions over a decade or so building hotels or businesses. “OR do something outrageous as Monte Carlo did,” said CRP. “Close down your streets for a weekend and run Formula 1 cars which in turn would deliver National and International recognition.”

💡 Once the idea got a hold of him, CRP set to work making phone calls. ‘City folks,’ however, questioned his qualifications and experience; something he hadn’t thought through.

🏎️ It wasn’t until he dropped a name known in the motorsports culture that people started to pay attention. He proposed he could get Dan Gurney involved, American racing driver legend, race car constructor, and team owner who at the time owned the All-American Racers shop in Santa Ana.

🌴 “It was strictly just right off the seat of my pants I blurted out,” CRP is quoted in a 2020 book about his life and the LB Grand Prix. “That was a magic name to them, and they said, ‘Well, okay, let’s get him in here and see what he has to say.’ I was really at the point [where] the bluff was almost called.” There was one hurdle: Dan did not know CRP.

➡️ Read the full story on our website www.lb908.com

04/14/2024

⛳️ For decades, Recreation Park 18-Hole Golf Course in Long Beach has been denoted as “one of the busiest golf courses in America,” yet somehow, the atmosphere is always friendly, the course is always in good condition, and the pace-of-play is predictable and relatively fast for a Southern California public course.

🙌 One man who deserves some credit for that “positive atmosphere” is Roger Gilliam, the guy who started the “Ambassador Program” at Big Rec in 2015. Golfers know them as the guys in green shirts who greet each golfer at the first tee, as well as the rovers who drive around the course helping with questions, encouraging pace of play, and usually cracking a few jokes along the way with course regulars.

🌴 Local golfers will certainly recognize Roger from his golf cart and polo shirt, but many more in Long Beach know of his impact through the community staples he helped create. Roger was the right-hand man to John Morris when the latter opened Legends in 1979. The two started so many events that have become either Long Beach tradition or lore… The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, the Olympic Torch carried through Belmont Shore streets, the “Hands Across America” that ran through Belmont Shore to Downtown Long Beach, not to mention the “Legends Wall of Fame.”

🏌️‍♂️ Guess where the two met? At Big Rec Golf Course in 1979. “I just happened to get paired up with John for a round,” remembers Roger. “He told me about the bar he was going to open soon and after 9 holes I convinced him to hire me as his marketing director.”

🎇 Later, Roger became the Downtown Long Beach Business Association Director of Marketing and helped to found a number of other successful events including New Year’s Eve on Pine as well as many other monthly events that still exist to this day.

🧢 Next time you’re at the course, make sure to tip your hat to Roger and the other volunteers keeping Big Rec a local favorite course. And next time you enjoy one of Long Beach’s staple events, you can also think of Roger who has certainly made his mark on the city.

04/12/2024

🌴 While graduate students at Cal State Long Beach, each of the young men who founded the Shoreline United Football Club had a similar, almost immediate, connection with the city.

☀️ “Everyone was very inclusive and friendly,” said Sebastian De Smedt, who moved to Long Beach from Belgium in 2017 to attend college. “And that is exactly what I want for our team to be as well. To grow into a club that provides everyone the opportunity to play soccer, includes everyone and not only becomes part of the Long Beach community, but also gives back in any way possible.”

⚽️ Sebastian’s love for Long Beach and for soccer is what connected him with his grad school classmates and inspired them to bring a semi-professional soccer club to the city last year.

🥅 Sebastian, who is the club’s Director of Strategy and Operations, met Willie L. Alexander III, Brandon Brum, and Shahob Mehr while in the Graduate Sport Management program at Cal State, and all bonded over their passion for the world’s sport.

🗣️ “Long Beach has a rich sports history and tradition,” said Willie, Community Outreach and Digital Marketer for the club. Willie moved to Long Beach in 2012 from Fresno on a track and field scholarship. He shares that everything at Shoreline United – from local sponsors to the team’s name, colors, and logo – have been chosen with the LBC in mind, the city they all consider a second home. “Sports in Long Beach? Legends [on 2nd Street] must be involved! They were our first sponsor,” Willie shares.

👏 👏 The opportunity to create their passion project into a reality for a city of sports fans, thrills the four friends. “We’re all about community: diverse, vibrant, fun, energetic, and we want to reflect the city vibe and make sure the team embodies the spirit of Long Beach,” Willie said.

➡️ For information about their upcoming season, as well as team involvement, connections, and sponsorship opportunities, check out their sites, or email them at [email protected].
Website: shorelineunitedfc.com
FB: Shoreline United FC
IG:

04/02/2024

🗣️ “Keep Making Kids Happy,” Bob Wuesthoff would tell his camp counselors every summer for decades, “Our job is to make kids happy.”

🌴 A simple message that has helped transform the lives of Long Beach’s youth for 60 years and counting.

👏 Especially Marvin Manzanares, George Hulbert, Krista Spina, and Christopher Flores: four unsung heroes in our community. Thousands of locals who have attended 49er Camp over the past 30 years can tell you of the sacrifices they each have made to carry on Bob’s legacy of making 49er Camp special.

☀️ Today’s campers know these four as the admin team. Christopher is the new Director of the camp, Marvin has been an Assistant Director for 21 years, Krista is the Swim Coordinator, and George is the utility man serving as not only admin, but mentor, fill-in coach, and more. For eight weeks of summer, these four individuals are the head-of-show. Leading the camp the only way they know how… the way Bob taught them. All four have worked (either on and off, or continuously), for at least 30 summers at 49er Camp.

⚽️ ⚾️ 🏀 Long Beach State certainly isn’t the only college to host a summer sports camp. In fact, 49er Camp isn’t even the only sports camp hosted by Long Beach State each summer! Yet there is something different about 49er Camp. It’s special, in such a quintessentially Long Beach way. Long Beach 49er Camp is special because of local people, who never stop sacrificing their time—each and every summer—to continue the tradition of making the camp mean, for new campers, everything it’s ever meant to them.

🌊 Marvin, George, Krista, and Christopher are all quick to defer their contributions to the late great Bob Wuesthoff. And no doubt, through their actions, the actions of others, and six decades of 49er Camp, Bob’s status as a Long Beach legend is certainly cemented. His ongoing contributions to the community will never die.

🙌🙌 But that doesn’t mean our community shouldn’t honor, thank, and remember these four heroes… who for 30 years and counting have been carrying on the very important Long Beach tradition of making kids happy.

03/28/2024

🎸 So Cal’s punk rock scene can be traced back to the late 1970s with bands like Black Flag and Germs hitting local stages. Since then, it has endured through truly grassroots energy and persistence. Sometimes, it’s the passionate individuals working behind the scenes that push these bands from garages to club stages. Meet Paul Gonzalez, Long Beach’s modern musician, curator, and humble hustler keeping the local punk scene alive and thriving.

🎵 At his core, Paul is a musician, “For me, music is life.” Paul has performed and fronted many garage bands in the past, The Red Onions, Death Hymn #9, White Murder, just to name a few. “He’s the craziest frontman I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing in a band with,” says his Assquatch bandmate Nick Aguilar.

🎙️ Paul Gonzalez is also a passionate curator of the local music scene and creates spaces where bands and fans can come together to connect and celebrate punk music’s unique tenor.

🥁 Paul helps book bands at local venues like Vine, Alex’s Bar and Prospector (RIP). “Paul booked Slaughterhouse’s very first show in 2017, at 4th St Vine in Long Beach. We weren’t sure if we were ready or not, but thought it’d be a good opportunity and had a great time,” says Taylor and Eddie of Slaughterhouse.

🙌 “Paul has spent his life, selflessly supporting the local music scene. He has booked hundreds of shows around the LA area in the past twenty years. Touring bands consistently reach out to him when they’re coming to town and he helps curate line-ups with local bands that will help draw people to the shows. I’ve never known him to ask for anything from anyone for the booking work that he does,” says Jim Ritson, local business owner and long time friend to Paul.

🌴 Paul Gonzalez is a true gem in our community and has contributed to its eclectic reputation especially amongst musicians and fans. Simply stated by friend Jonelle Holden, “The music community wouldn’t be the same without him.”

➡️ Read our full article on www.lb908.com. Do you know of a local unsung hero who deserves recognition? Email us about them: [email protected].

Address

Long Beach, CA
90815

Telephone

+15626828846

Website

http://lb908.com/

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🎁 Time to unwrap the Fall goodies from our “Life is Great in the 908” Subscription Box! ☀️ Each quarter we deliver a surprise box, with fun items from local businesses, to homes all over Long Beach. Our subscribers not only get to try new businesses but they get the items at a discount! ➡️ IN THIS BOX: • Kettle Corn and Assorted Nuts from @kettlecornking • Harvest Blend Tea and Heart-Shaped Tea Steeper from @house_of_rituals • Holiday Stickers from @shopnoyeahforsure • Long Beach, Ca ornament from @gopishahceramics • Table Runner and Wine Stopper from @tribu_is_the_place 🎄 We curated this box to be perfect for right before the holidays… consider following these vendors and shopping with them this holiday season! #lifeisgreatinthe908 #longbeach #localsubscriptionbox

Queue Dumbledore’s voice: “I’m afraid there are ways in which it can return….” 😂 😂 I’d like to think Hawaiian Bob’s out there somewhere drinking unicorn blood, but in the meantime we’re excited for @louieson2nd #908memes #lb908 #lifeisgreatinthe908 #belmontshore

Get that blinker ready, close your eyes, and let your instincts guide you 🚢 😂 #908memes #lifeisgreatinthe908 #longbeach #lbc #queenmary #lb908

🌳 At @ricardosnursery large, nearly 9-acre nursery in Long Beach, you will find virtually any indoor or outdoor plant or tree–- or learn about one that you didn’t know that you now “need” to have. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions or give recommendations. 🌴 Ricardo’s Nursery also offers a delightful mix of workshops including grafting, plant arranging, natural soapmaking, Oaxacan ice cream making, and painting. Looking for a unique gift? Consider a cute cactus, a tropical fruit tree or a beautifully painted Alebrijes (spirit guides from Mexican folk art) from a local artist. ☀️ We featured Ricardo’s Nursery in our last subscription box where they included a small succulent garden in clay pottery hand-arranged by Ricardo! 🌊 For all your gardening needs check out @ricardosnursery 😊 The “Life is Great in the 908” Subscription box is delivered to Long Beach residents each quarter who want to support local small businesses by buying surprise goodies at a discount! Sign up for our next one (which comes out in July) today on our website at lb908.com! #ricardosnursery #shopsmall #longbeach #lbc #lb908 #lifeisgreatinthe908 #localsubscriptionbox

When the walkers walk to slow, and the bikers come out of nowhere, and the rollerbladers are just vibin’ 😎 😎 😂 Happy MDW however you roll 😉 #908memes #lb908 #longbeach #lbbikepath #lifeisgreatinthe908

Jacaranda season is among us folks. What’s your secret recipe?? #908memes #lifeisgreatinthe908 #longbeach #lbc #lb908 #jacarandaslongbeach

Are you the first guy, 2nd guy, or Prince??? 😂 😂 #lifeisgreatinthe908 #908memes #lb908 #jacarandaseason #longbeachcalifornia

🕺 Let’s unwrap this quarter’s subscription box! 🎁 ⚠️ Couldn’t for the life of me think of the word “marinade” while filming this 🤦‍♂️ 😂 IN THIS BOX: 🥁 🥁 🥁 • Succulent arrangement and pot from @ricardosnursery • Water Can from @flagswithaflair • Hair wax from @goodblokebrand • Salsa from @salsas_don_chendo • Body Butter and Toning Mist from @cinply_essentials • Long Beach socks from @lbclothingco 😎 All local items and all at a discount! Sign up for the next Life Is Great in the 908 Subscription Box at lb908.com! #lifeisgreatinthe908 #longbeach #lbc #lb908 #localsubscriptionbox

🏃 Help raise awareness and money for Mental Health Services in Long Beach by signing up for the Race With A View at racewithaview.com! 🚨 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS APRIL 15th (just $30)! 😊 @jfcslongbeach provides vital mental health services for all of Long Beach no matter what they’re income or situation is! 🏙 🏝 Race With A View takes place May 1st, 2022 at 8am in Downtown Long Beach along the water! Family and student registration rates are available! Sign up at racewithaview.com #lifeisgreatinthe908 #longbeach #lbc #racewithaview #longbeachca #jfcs #lb908

🏆 Aaaaanndddd that’s a wrap folks! The Final Fork Trophy goes to @the_eldo 🥇 🏆 🥳 This year’s competition was a blast! A well-deserved win to The Eldo, runner up @georgesgreekcafe, and all the other fantastic restaurants who participates 👏 👏 👏 This year, @the_eldo was Long Beach’s favorite spot, but EVERY restaurant was SOMEONE’S favorite spot and that’s what’s important 😊 Until next year, thanks for playing along in #marchrestaurantmadness #roadtothefinalfork ‼️

🏁 🏁 THE (mini) GRAND PRIX IS UNDER WAY!! 🎤 😎 We have live coverage and full access to this event in our stories ⬆️ Click above for driver interviews and more! (Friday April 8th, 2022). 🏎 The Lakewood Village Nursery School (@lvccnurseryschool) is putting on the best show in town and raising money for new programs! 🌴 Events like this make LIFE GREAT IN THE 908!!! #lifeisgreatinthe908 #longbeach #lakewoodvillage #minigrandprix #lvccnurseryrocks

🥵 🌡 Can we get much higher??? ☀️ #longbeach #lbc #lb908 #lifeisgreatinthe908 #908memes

🎥 Here’s the third FINAL FOUR HYPE VIDEO 🔥 🔥 🔥 @the_eldo #marchrestaurantmadness All four teams were given the opportunity to submit a video! The games tip off tonight! Who you got? In the road to the final fork! #roadtothefinalfork #lifeisgreatinthe908 #lb908 #longbeach

🎥 Here’s the second FINAL FOUR HYPE VIDEO 🔥 🔥 🔥 @georgesgreekcafe #marchrestaurantmadness All four teams were given the opportunity to submit a video! The games tip off tonight! Who you got? In the road to the final fork! #roadtothefinalfork #lifeisgreatinthe908 #lb908 #longbeach

🎥 Here’s the first FINAL FOUR HYPE VIDEO 🔥 🔥 🔥 @theatticonbroadway #marchrestaurantmadness All four teams were given the opportunity to submit a video! The games tip off tonight! Who you got? In the road to the final fork! #roadtothefinalfork #lifeisgreatinthe908 #lb908 #longbeach

UPSET ALERT 🚨 Cinderella is in the BUILDING as #7 seed @the_eldo fends off city favorite @naplesribcompany to move onto the ELITE 8! #7 @the_eldo will take on #1 seed @schoonerorlaterlb tomorrow! Tomorrow’s other matchups include #1 @nickson2nd vs #2 @theatticonbroadway #1 @ballastpointlongbeach vs #3 @georgesgreekcafe #1 @joe_josts_1924 vs #2 @super.mex Stay tuned as we #march on the #roadtothefinalfork #marchrestaurantmadness #lb908 #lifeisgreatinthe908

🍴 16 teams left?! Who’s gonna win this thing! Today, March 28th, 2022, matchups are taking place in our stories ⬆️ MAKE SURE YOU VOTE! @nickson2nd vs @tantalumlb @michaelsonnaples vs @theatticonbroadway @ballastpointlongbeach vs @loscompadreslbc @georgesgreekcafe vs @dineopensesame @joe_josts_1924 vs @ilovelolas @simmzys vs @super.mex @schoonerorlaterlb vs @potholdercafe @naplesribcompany vs @the_eldo #marchrestaurantmadness #lifeisgreatinthe908 #roadtothefinalfork #lb908 #longbeach

🚨 We have another upset alert + breaking down tomorrows match ups. MARCH RESTAURANT MADNESS IS HEATING UP!! Sunday 3/20 matchups: 1. @schoonerorlaterlb vs. 16. @longbeachtaphouse 8. Rascals Teriyaki vs. 9 @ilovemurphys 5. @baja_sonora vs. 12. @aromadiroma 4. @potholdercafe vs. 13. @breakfastbarlb 6. @beachwoodlb vs. 11. @manpagrocery 3. @naplesribcompany vs. 14. @the4thhorsemanlbc 7. @the_eldo vs. 10. @555east 2. @littlecoyotelbc vs. 15. @tracysbar #marchrestaurantmadness #lifeisgreatinthe908 #roadtothefinalfork

🍴 Two more days of Round of 64 and March Restaurant Madness is getting MAD!!! Let’s breakdown the top right corner of your bracket with matchups tipping off tomorrow: 1. @joe_josts_1924 vs 16. @gaslamplbc 8. @legends_lb vs 9. @thesociallistlb 5. @ilovelolas vs 12. @hofs_hut 4. @domenicos.restaurant vs 13. @lacreperiecafe 6. @rileyslbc vs 11. @eccospizza 3. @simmzys vs 14. @marrispizza 7. @roscoesofficial vs 10. @eat_fantastic 2. @super.mex vs 15. @angelos.deli #roadtothefinalfork #lifeisgreatinthe908 #marchrestaurantmadness