Bits 'n' Pieces

Summer of Architecture

This summer, Long Beach Heritage invites residents and visitors alike to take part in Summer of Architecture – a vibrant series of events, tours and talks designed to showcase the city’s rich and varied built environment.

From the refined elegance of 1900s Willmore City to the bold lines of Mid-Century Modern homes, from Art Deco gems to New Deal infrastructure, Summer of Architecture opens the doors – literally and figuratively – to the architectural fabric that makes Long Beach unique.

“Every block has a story,” says Long Beach Heritage President Chris Hogan, “and we’re excited to help people experience the history all around them in a fun, engaging way.”

This year’s program is made possible in part by the generous support of the Port of Long Beach. As a vital partner in preservation and education, the port’s sponsorship helps expand access to local history while emphasizing the importance of Tidelands Trust stewardship, maritime heritage and the evolution of Long Beach as an international hub. Through this partnership, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how trade, transit and community development have shaped the region – both architecturally and economically.

In recognition of the centennial of the 1925 Paris Exposition – the international showcase that launched Art Deco and Streamline Moderne into worldwide popularity – this year’s series includes several events celebrating these bold, iconic styles and their influence on Long Beach’s built landscape.

Summer of Architecture 2025 will feature:

• Great Homes Tours highlighting two distinct eras: 1900s Willmore and Mid- Century Modern design
• Landmarks & Libations Cocktail Party at the historic Bembridge House
• Guided Historical Tour of Long Beach Airport, a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beautiful municipal airports in the world.
• Walking tours including the Ocean Blvd. @ The Pike tour and several neighborhood explorations
• Guided Tour of the Scottish Rite Temple, a rare look inside one of Long Beach’s grandest Masonic buildings
• An immersive Art Deco Bus Tour with expert commentary
• A lively Historic Bicycle Tour of architectural landmarks
• St. Regis Tour After more than 50 years, the rooftop Solarium of the historic St. Regis is opening for public tours.
• New Deal Legacy Lecture with historian John Thomas
• A hands-on Research Your Home Workshop led by preservationist Maureen Neely

Whether you’re a longtime local or new to town, these events are your ticket to stepping inside stories of the past – one building at a time.

Most events are ticketed and space is limited. A full schedule and registration links will be available at lbheritage.org.

Cabi Opens New HQ

Cabi – a leading women’s fashion brand in social selling – known for its innovative approach to personal styling and empowering women through entrepreneurship – announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Long Beach. Founded in 2002 by 12 women, this move represents a significant investment in the company’s future and brings 100 new jobs to the local economy.

Cabi’s new headquarters, located at 3840 Kilroy Airport Way, Suite 500, will serve as the company’s central hub of operations. Designed to inspire creativity and foster collaboration, the space features open-concept work areas and inviting gathering places that encourage connection and foster culture. It will serve as the home for departments spanning design, sales, marketing, technology and finance.

This relocation aligns with Cabi’s long-term growth strategy, which is designed to support its vibrant community of more than 2,000 independent female entrepreneurs who run their Cabi businesses in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. A company founded by women, for women, Cabi’s purpose and vision is to provide personalized styling experiences to women through the luxury of a Cabi stylist – someone who helps women build a wardrobe that fits their lifestyle, their budget and their needs.

“This move marks an exciting new chapter for Cabi. Our new headquarters was designed to reflect who we are – a fashion brand with meaning, fueled by creativity, community and purpose. We’re thrilled to be part of this dynamic city and to contribute to its thriving business community,” said Katie Malone-Woods, CEO of Cabi

With a renewed focus on collaboration, innovation and community-connection, Cabi is eager to join Long Beach’s thriving business ecosystem and contribute meaningfully to its economic development.

SMMC’s Commitment to the Community

Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC) reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of the greater Long Beach community, emphasizing its long-standing positive impact, recent achievements in patient safety and commitment to addressing public inquiries with due respect for legal processes.

For decades, SMMC has been a cornerstone of healing and support in Long Beach. The hospital consistently extends its mission beyond direct patient care through extensive community health initiatives, partnerships with local non-profits and significant charitable contributions.

The hospital addresses critical community needs such as access to healthcare services, housing and homelessness, mental health support, preventive practices, and violence and injury prevention.

Through vital programs like the CARE Center, Families in Good Health, and outreach through the mobile health unit, SMMC has invested millions annually, offering comprehensive care and resources to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

“Our commitment to the Long Beach community runs deep, reflecting our core values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence and collaboration,” said Carolyn Caldwell, hospital president. “We are immensely proud of the progressive advancement we have had on countless lives, not just through acute care, but through a holistic approach to community health and healing.”

SMMC’s focus on patient safety and quality outcomes has been recognized consistently. Most recently, the hospital earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2025. This prestigious national recognition is deeply rooted in hospital wide rigorous patient safety processes and practices. This achievement is a testament to the continuous improvement initiatives and the culture of safety embedded across all levels of the organization.

Regarding the recent verdict in the lawsuit involving a former chief nursing officer, SMMC acknowledges the court’s decision and we are disappointed in the outcome. SMMC does not believe the verdict reflects the services we offer to our community.

 “Our focus remains on delivering exceptional, safe and compassionate care to every patient who walks through our doors and we stand by our commitment to the highest standards of patient safety and quality,” stated Caldwell.

SMMC remains dedicated to its mission of providing excellent healthcare services and fostering a healthier, more vibrant Long Beach community.

Apply for the City’s Youth Advisory Council

The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is now accepting applications for the Office of Youth Development’s Youth Advisory Council. The council, now in its fourth year, is a body of 11 young people who help ensure authentic youth-led engagement in the design, oversight and implementation of the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan, the Measure US Youth Fund, annual Youth Summit and other systems of positive youth development.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be between the ages of 16 to 26 by Sept. 1
• Live in Long Beach
• Be available to meet for two hours, two afternoons per month, in locations across the city
• Have a passion for issues affecting youth in Long Beach

The Youth Advisory Council is composed of representatives from all council districts, including at-large members dedicated to promoting health equity in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by violence, poverty and adverse health outcomes. Youth council members will be compensated with a $50 stipend per meeting, up to $1,100, for a one-year term. Those selected will also receive coaching and development opportunities by city staff.

Application details are available on the Office of Youth Development Youth Advisory Council Application webpage. Youth may submit their application online. Those without computer or smart phone access may visit the Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.), any Long Beach Public Library location, or any Parks, Recreation and Marine Teen Center during regular business hours to submit their digital applications.

Applications will be accepted now through July 31, 2025; selected members will be notified approximately four weeks later.

“Serving on the Youth Advisory Council has helped me better understand how the city supports young people,” said current youth council member David Word. “It’s given me the confidence and knowledge to speak up, get involved and make a difference in my community.”

In 2025, the council continued to expand its regional engagement by partnering with the LA City Youth Council at a youth council gathering. Additionally, the council led the Youth Power Participatory Budgeting process, helping direct Measure US Youth Fund dollars to youth-serving organizations and more than tripling last year’s voter participation.

This year, the council also organized Youth Week 2025, a citywide celebration of youth leadership and creativity, contributing to the progress of the Youth Strategic Plan by highlighting accomplishments and outlining future priorities for City Council.

The Youth Advisory Council was established following recommendations from the 2022 Youth Design Sessions, where young people from across the city provided insights into outreach strategies, application procedures, selection criteria and retention strategies.

The council plays a central role in advancing the Long Beach Youth Strategic Plan through action teams that collaborate with city commissions, departments, community partners and the mayor’s office. Members also serve as liaisons within their districts to ensure that diverse youth voices are integrated into citywide initiatives.