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THE FEAST is a world premiere reinvention of a baroque banquet inspired by G. F. Handel's opera Alessandro, featuring wide-ranging operatic and orchestral works from Handel's repertoire in an evening-length experience that merges opera, dance, theater, and cuisine.

THE FEAST celebrates the Southern California staged operatic and professional dance company debut of acclaimed Polish countertenor Jakub Jósef Orli?ski and launches the three-year collaboration between Martha Graham Dance Company and Long Beach Opera, the first of its kind between Martha Graham Dance Company and an American Opera Company.

Staged as an immersive, genre-defying experience between two locations, THE FEAST brings together seven of Greek mythology's most storied and volatile characters for a hedonistic banquet that reimagines some of antiquity's most enduring stories. As the master of ceremonies, King Agamemnon will bring together Alexander the Great with Clytemnestra, Cassandra of Troy, Theseus, the sorceress Medea, and Cleopatra as guests - all with very personal agendas.

These larger-than-life mythic figures will be brought to life by a cast of contemporary titans: superstar countertenor Jakub Józef Orli?ski will make his LBO debut alongside acclaimed soprano Anna Schubert (The Romance of the Rose, Giustino, and Les enfants terribles). Together they will lead the night's festivities alongside an ensemble of Martha Graham Dance Company members and actor Carlis Shane Clark (desert in). As the drama unfolds, audience members will be treated to a figurative and literal feast for the senses across two locations: a series of outdoor dance rituals performed at the Noguchi-designed sculpture garden "California Scenario," followed by an over-the-top banquet inside the acoustically celebrated Samueli Theater across the street on the campus of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Director James Darrah and LBO, in collaboration with the Martha Graham Dance Company's artistic director Janet Eilber, has partnered with The Henry T. & Elizabeth Segerstrom Foundation to craft a performance that weaves together both new choreography and existing fragments from Graham's celebrated repertoire. Excerpts from Graham's archive, selections from the baroque works of G. F. Handel, and texts from Aeschylus' The Oresteia combine to form a completely new operatic production that draws a provocative, century-spanning parallel between the creative work of Handel, Noguchi, Graham, Eilber, and Darrah.

The performances are also the first collaboration between Long Beach Opera and James Darrah with Elizabeth Segerstrom, marking LBO's return to Orange County as part of the first season under new artistic director Darrah and music director Christopher Rountree. Andrew McIntosh, part of Rountree's LA orchestral ensemble Wild Up, leads the baroque orchestral ensemble Tesserae in his LBO debut as both music director and concertmaster.

The evening's time-bending examination of its mythic characters sheds light on the human elements that bind them, forcing us to reexamine our own notions of power, the patriarchy, and the enduring specter of fate. Themes of feminine power are conjured through dance, music, theater, and cuisine as the complexities of human desire, betrayal, and jealousy serve as a catalyst for darker consequences.

Handel wrote several operas in the 18th century that examined Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, Medea, and Theseus. Hundreds of years later, Noguchi and Graham collaborated on many works that explored the more human and feminine side of these exact same characters as well as Clytemnestra, Cassandra, and Agamemnon. For THE FEAST, Graham dancers will activate Noguchi's spectacular outdoor garden in Costa Mesa, paying homage to both Graham's collaboration with Noguchi as well as Henry T. Segerstrom's enduring friendship and collaboration with the architect. The dancers will then lead the audience in a choreographed processional to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts' intimate and acoustically sensational Samueli Theater, where food, wine, and sumptuous music will set the stage for an evening of bold, immersive artistry.

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United Ukrainian Ballet Performs Ratmansky's GISELLE At Segerstrom Center Next Month

Following historic performances at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center and the London Coliseum, The United Ukrainian Ballet will make its West Coast debut June 29 – July 2 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, performing Alexei Ratmansky's Giselle.

Long Beach Opera Presents THE FEAST This Month

THE FEAST is a world premiere reinvention of a baroque banquet inspired by G. F. Handel’s opera Alessandro, featuring wide-ranging operatic and orchestral works from Handel’s repertoire in an evening-length experience that merges opera, dance, theater, and cuisine.

SIX Is Coming To Segerstrom Center For The Arts Next Month

The electrifying Tony-Winning new musical phenomenon SIX by Tony Award-Winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss will play two weeks in Costa Mesa at Segerstrom Center for the Arts from June 13 to 25 with tickets available now!

United Ukrainian Ballet Makes West Coast Debut At Segerstrom Center

Following historic performances at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center and the London Coliseum, The United Ukrainian Ballet will make its West Coast debut June 29 – July 2 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, performing Alexei Ratmansky's Giselle.

LONG BEACH, CA — A Los Angeles grand jury charged 14 defendants, including a woman from Long Beach, for their participation in a years-long scheme that lifted millions of dollars from bank accounts across the county, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday.

According to the Justice Department, the defendants were members and associates of a racketeering enterprise that obtained identifying and banking information for victims and created shell entities that claimed to offer products or services, such as cloud storage.

"This sophisticated scheme allegedly generated millions of dollars in revenue by stealing consumers’ personal information and then using that information to fraudulently reach straight into the bank accounts of thousands of Americans," said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California.

Find out what's happening in Long Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The DOJ said the enterprise executed unauthorized debits against bank accounts disguising the transactions as authorized by the account holders. Some of the unlawful debits were returned, resulting in paybacks that generated high return rates, officials said.

To conceal and continue the debits, the shell entities also generated “micro debits,” or transactions in an amount less than $1, against accounts controlled and funded by or for the enterprise, according to authorities. The micro debits artificially lowered the shell entities’ return rates to levels conspirators believed would reduce bank scrutiny, authorities said.

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According to the justice department, the defendants include:

Crosswell, along with 11 other defendants, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud according to the DOJ. If convicted, Crosswell could face up to 20 years in prison for racketeering and 30 years for wire fraud, authorities said.

“The scheme alleged in the indictment involved an elaborate plot to reach into consumers’ bank accounts and steal their hard-earned savings,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will use all of the tools at its disposal to prosecute such schemes.”

The DOJ urged people to look out for unauthorized debits to their accounts by regularly checking banks, credit cards and other financial statements and contact the bank if there is an unrecognized charge.

Officials asked that any identified fraudulent debits be reported to the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or 877-FTC-HELP.

Patch staffer Anna Schier contributed to this report.

If you’re wondering whether Long Beach is a good place to live, the answer is a resounding yes. With its Mediterranean climate, prime location, and abundant recreational opportunities, it is certain to captivate individuals of all tastes and backgrounds. From its strong education system and employment opportunities to its welcoming and inclusive community, Long Beach is a city that truly shines.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Long Beach is such a fantastic city. Whether you’re interested in renting an apartment in Long Beach, are looking at homes for sale in the area, or are simply curious about the city’s offerings, read on to discover why Long Beach is a great place to call home.

1. Cost of living: housing and living costs are lower than other major CA cities

One of the advantages of living in Long Beach is that the cost of living is generally lower than other cities in California, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Additionally, the median home price in Long Beach is approximately $785,000, which is relatively lower compared to other cities in Southern California. This makes it an affordable option for those looking to live in a vibrant and culturally diverse city without breaking the bank.

The city has a variety of desirable neighborhoods, each with its unique character and housing options. For example, Belmont Shore is a popular neighborhood for young professionals, offering a range of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes. Bixby Knolls is another popular area, known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets.

Long Beach also offers several programs to help residents with affordable housing options. The city’s Affordable Housing Program provides rental assistance to low-income families, while the Long Beach Community Land Trust helps people buy homes at below-market rates. These initiatives aim to make housing more accessible and affordable for residents, ensuring that Long Beach remains an attractive place to live for a diverse range of individuals and families.

2. Climate: year-round sunshine and mild temperatures

The Mediterranean climate, featuring mild temperatures and abundant sunshine year-round, is one of the greatest advantages of living in Long Beach. With average high temperatures around 75°F (24°C) in summer and lows around 55°F (13°C) in winter, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities throughout the year, from surfing, swimming, and paddleboarding to jogging, cycling, and hiking. The city’s numerous parks, beaches, and recreational areas cater to an active lifestyle, while the pleasant weather fosters a strong sense of community engagement, with residents participating in outdoor events, sports leagues, and group activities.

3. Location: ideal for commuters and explorers

Long Beach’s strategic location between Los Angeles and Orange County offers residents easy access to diverse employment opportunities, entertainment options, and cultural attractions. The city’s excellent transportation infrastructure, including major highways, the Metro Blue Line, and bus routes, ensures convenient commutes to neighboring areas. This prime location allows residents to benefit from nearby job opportunities while enjoying Long Beach’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.

In addition to its proximity to major employment centers, Long Beach is close to significant airports and ports, providing residents with extensive travel and economic opportunities. The Long Beach Airport, located within the city limits, offers regional flights, while the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John Wayne Airport in Orange County are both within reasonable driving distance.

The city’s location near the Port of Long Beach, a major hub for international trade, contributes to the local economy and offers jobs in logistics, transportation, and manufacturing. Furthermore, the city’s coastal setting allows for various recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and water sports, all while enjoying a mild, pleasant climate and refreshing ocean breezes.

4. Recreation: discover endless fun and adventure in Long Beach

Long Beach’s vibrant lifestyle caters to diverse interests, from parks and beaches to water activities and cultural attractions. The city features numerous parks, such as the 800-acre El Dorado Park and the scenic Bluff Park, perfect for various outdoor activities. With over 5 miles of coastline, popular beaches like Belmont Shore and Alamitos Beach offer swimming, surfing, and sunbathing opportunities, while marinas and harbors enable sailing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Additionally, Long Beach is home to several world-class cultural attractions that provide unique recreational experiences. The Aquarium of the Pacific, located at Rainbow Harbor, is one of the largest aquariums in the United States and features a diverse collection of marine life from the Pacific Ocean. The Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner turned floating hotel and museum, offers tours, exhibits, and events that showcase its rich maritime history. The Museum of Latin American Art, with its impressive collection of Latin American and Latino art, is another cultural gem that provides a unique recreational and educational experience for residents.

5. Education: strong education system for all ages

Long Beach boasts a robust educational system, with esteemed colleges, universities, and schools providing quality education for residents. California State University Long Beach (CSULB) offers diverse programs and is known for academic excellence. Long Beach City College (LBCC) provides associate degrees, vocational training, and transfer programs, while Pacific Coast University School of Law (PCU) emphasizes practical legal education.

The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), the third-largest in California, serves over 70,000 students across 84 schools, offering diverse educational programs and a commitment to student success. With access to quality education at all levels, Long Beach is an attractive place to live for those seeking learning and personal growth opportunities.

6. Diversity: a mix of cultures, religions, and ethnicities

Diversity is a significant characteristic of Long Beach, and the city is known for its mix of cultures, religions, and ethnicities. Long Beach celebrates its diversity through various festivals and events throughout the year, bringing together people from all walks of life.

The Long Beach Pride Parade, one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in the country, is a well-known celebration that takes place every May. The parade draws thousands of visitors and participants from all over the world, and features colorful floats, music, and entertainment. It is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its achievements, as well as a statement of inclusivity and acceptance.

Another event that highlights Long Beach’s diversity is the Cambodian New Year Parade, which takes place every April. The parade celebrates Cambodian culture and heritage, with colorful costumes, traditional dances, and food. It is a vibrant display of the city’s Southeast Asian community and a reflection of the city’s rich history.

The Brazilian Street Carnival is another popular event that takes place in Long Beach every February. The parade is a colorful celebration of Brazilian culture, with samba dancers, drummers, and other performers taking to the streets. The event attracts visitors from all over Southern California, and is a testament to Long Beach’s commitment to celebrating diversity.

Beyond these events, Long Beach is a city that values diversity in all its forms. The city’s neighborhoods are home to people from different ethnic backgrounds, including Hispanic, African American, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities. The diverse population has resulted in a melting pot of cultures, leading to a wide variety of cuisines, music, and art.

7. Employment opportunities: there are jobs galore in Long Beach

Long Beach’s diverse employment opportunities make it an ideal place to live for career seekers. Major corporations like Boeing, a global aerospace company, and Molina Healthcare, a leading healthcare organization, provide job opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, administration, and healthcare. The Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest ports globally, offers positions in logistics, transportation, and international trade. The city’s robust healthcare industry provides further job options for healthcare professionals across various roles.

8. Transportation: getting around is a breeze

Long Beach’s public transportation system, including buses and the Metro Blue Line, offers convenient connectivity within the city and to nearby areas like Los Angeles and Orange County. The city’s bike-friendly culture, with numerous bike lanes and trails, and Bike Share program make it easy for residents to use bicycles as a primary mode of transportation. Additionally, Long Beach’s proximity to major airports like Los Angeles International Airport and Long Beach Airport facilitates convenient air travel for work or leisure.

In conclusion, Long Beach is a dynamic and vibrant city that offers a wide range of benefits for those seeking a place to call home. With its diverse population, abundant cultural attractions, and thriving economy, Long Beach has something to offer for everyone. If you’re looking for a vibrant coastal city with plenty to offer, Long Beach is the perfect place to call home.

Learn more about Long Beach, CA:

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10 Cities Near Long Beach to Buy or Rent in this Year

10 Most Affordable Long Beach Suburbs to Live In

Discovering Long Beach Attractions: A Must-Read for Newcomers

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

As a commuter school, Long Beach State students come from many different cities, but those riding public transportation face more challenges.

Depending on the city, public transportation students will need to purchase specific bus passes to get from their town to school, as some only work with certain transit agencies.

CSULB offers its students the “Go Beach! Discounted Bus Pass,” a discounted bus pass that allows them unlimited access to Long Beach Transit buses.

This pass costs $40 for a 30-day pass and $100 for a 150-day pass.

Because it only works with LBT, it is only beneficial to students who already live relatively near campus.

Options for long-distance commuters are limited. These students are spending more money on bus passes that will only get them part of the way to campus.

Students who live farther away, where LBT is not the primary transit agency, can purchase a College/Vocational 30-day pass. Dave Sotero, communications director for Metro, said this pass costs $43.

This pass works with Metro buses and trains and can be used with other agencies, but with a transfer charge of varying prices depending on the agency.

CSULB students pay almost $500 annually for the pass, whereas many community colleges benefit from free bus passes.

Elizabeth Miller, dean of Student Services at Cerritos College, said her college offers students a free bus pass as long as they pay their student fees.

This is Metro’s “GoPass,” a program started in 2021 that offers K-12 and community college students a free bus pass that allows them access to several public transportation agencies, including the Metro, Long Beach Transit and many others in and around LA County.

CSULB was excluded from the program because it was unavailable to four-year institutions.

A spokesperson for LBT said the program results from a partnership between Los Angeles County and Metro.

A press release by Metro in September 2022 cited rising gas prices and living expenses as the reasons why driving to campus is unfeasible for many students.

“Before the launch of Metro’s GoPass program, LACCD students were paying $160 or more per semester for a Metro U-Pass, which was unaffordable to many community college students,” reads the press release on Metro’s website. “The advent of truly free public transit has eliminated one of the major pain points faced by LACCD students and dramatically increased equity on campus and made it easier for students to return to in-person instruction this fall.”

“The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved one-time funding in 2020 for a free transportation program for students,” said the spokesperson.

Miller said the Associated Students of Cerritos College is responsible for acquiring the “Go Pass.” The ASCC voted to increase the student activity fee, previously $10, by nine dollars, a fee which had not increased in more than 30 years.

“Our students knew that was the case and still thought it was really important to offer,” Miller said.

Previously, CSULB offered the U-Pass, which allowed students unlimited rides on Metro and LBT buses.

Chad Keller, CSULB public affairs and communications specialist for parking and operations said Metro’s U-Pass was available to students in 2017 but only lasted a few years. It cost $150 but was discontinued due to a lack of funding.

The Daily Forty-Niner reported that Parking and Transportation Services was paying more than $1 million for the program when it was discontinued.

Keller said reintegrating the pass would come down to negotiations with Metro. Its price would also depend on how students would use it: whether it would be an unlimited pass or be charged every time it was used.

Metro’s U-Pass website has a link for students to inquire about bringing the program to their school and a FAQ form for administrators. The form is short and asks students their general information like name, units enrolled in as well as method of transportation, and why they think the program would benefit their school.

Filling out the survey is a simple way for students can let Metro know they want the program at CSULB again.

Keller said the reinstitution of the program at CSULB would ultimately come down to funding.

The “U-Pass” could return and ease the wallets of public transportation students if CSULB were to increase its fees like Cerritos College or reopen negotiations with Metro.

Ian and Qiana Mafnas are celebrating the first anniversary of their pop-up restaurant Axiom Kitchen Smoked Meats & BBQ, and National BBQ Month, with a community barbecue festival highlighting a handful of their favorite vendors in Long Beach.

The origins of the festival can be traced back to October 2021 when Ian and Qiana got married. Soon after, they wanted to pursue Ian’s passion for Texas-style barbecue as a business and decided to set up as vendors outside the Lakewood YMCA.

Now, Ian and Qiana have a pop-up location every Friday and Saturday at 4137 Norse Way, where they serve up their delicious barbecue including brisket, tri-tip, burnt ends and pork belly. Their rapid rise from street side vendors to community festival organizers shows how far their business has grown in a short span.

“It’s a milestone that we can look back at a year ago and say, ‘Wow we’re still here, we’re still pushing forward, we’re growing and we’re looking to expand,’” Ian said. “It’s just a blessing all around, we’re super excited to be in the position we are [in] and bringing barbecue to the community.”

Since opening in April 2022, Axiom Kitchen has been a family endeavor, with Ian and Qiana showing their eight children the various ins and outs of the food industry.

Despite the presence of great barbecue throughout SoCal, Ian and Qiana acknowledge that the area doesn’t have a renowned reputation for it. Much of the motivation for this festival is to

dispel that notion whilst giving local barbecue vendors further exposure and community support.

“We wanted to put something together because there are a lot of really good places in Southern California, Los Angeles, Long Beach that do offer really good barbecue,” Qiana said. “We just wanted to highlight those businesses, give other people an opportunity to get out there, get some media and grow their business.”

This festival will have seven vendors, including Axiom Kitchen, as well as two chefs teaming up to craft a menu of cookout classics such as mouth-watering ribs, brisket and mac and cheese. With each vendor offering their own take on classic dishes, the couple hopes the festival will showcase the diversity of styles and regions in barbecue.

Above all else, the organizers want the festival to emphasize community over publicity, and plan to donate 100% of the profits to a local charity.

“We hope this is the first of many barbecue festivals hosted by Axiom Kitchen to come,” Ian said.

The inaugural Long Beach BBQ Festival will take place on Saturday, May 13 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Trademark Brewing, located at 233 E. Anaheim St. Entry is free and kids and pets are welcome as well.