Jo Murray
(She/Her)
Long Beach, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach
As seen in:
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Food , Beverages and Restaurants. Exotic Automobiles, Car Racing, Maritime history, Private Clubs, New Businesses, Route 66, Tiki Bars, Golf, Yacht Regattas, Aquatic Events, DNA/ancestry, thrifting
Maritime Maven -On the Water columnist-nautical history buff- Route 66, luxury liners, match race boats, US Open Golf, Fast Italian Cars Jo@JoVenture.com
Articles by Jo Murray
Business Beat: Brodard Vietnamese Cuisine opens at 2nd & PCH
Brodard Vietnamese Cuisine officially opened on Oct. 1 in the 2nd & PCH shopping center, and I enjoyed lunch there on Saturday, Oct. 10. As I sat there, I understood why Brodard is widely considered one of California’s best Vietnamese restaurants. The service was quick and the servers were knowledgeable. During my visit, the three standout items were the rib eye spring roll and the crispy duck served with garlic noodles and coconut shrimp rolls — with avocado.
On the Water: Sailor, Queen Mary fan Eric Lara discusses life aboard USS Lincoln
Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during recently came back from 265 consecutive days at sea in the Middle East, part of a 321-day total deployment, according to military officials. News reports consistently described the Lincoln’s 2025-26 deployment as “troubled,” “controversy‑plague,” and “one of the hardest in modern Navy history.” Morale was low, those reports said.
Business Beat: Sheldrake Coffee Roasting celebrates golden anniversary
Sheldrake Coffee Roasting celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sept. 30, with owner Mike Sheldrake as representatives from government dignitaries presented certificates honoring the milestone. Long ago, I learned the secret to a great cup of Joe is not fresh ground but freshly roasted beans. The aroma of the more than 100-year-old roaster at work serves as my personal alert to head over to Sheldrake, 4606 Second St. Sheldrake Coffee Roasting is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
On the Water: Celebrated rower Jack Nunn visits sister city Qingdao, China
The Long Beach-Qingdao Association sent Jack Nunn, a celebrated rower and celebrity trainer), to China as the city’s representative to the Qingdao International Sailing Week in September. Nunn witnessed and participated in numerous events on the water, along with teams in various water sports. He brought an Olympic flag signed by upwards of 100 medalists and presented it to Zhang Min, director of the Qingdao Sports Development Center.
On the Water: Chinese Olympian takes top honors at LBYC’s Butler Cup
Chinese Olympic gold medalist Lijia “Lily” Xu took top honors during the Long Beach Yacht Club’s Butler Cup over the weekend — winning 13 of the 14 flights during the double round-robin. “To be honest, I didn’t expect to win because this is my first year in match racing,” Xu said, “and I even struggled to get invitation anywhere.” Eight skippers competed in the Butler Cup, which took place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27.
Hot Wheels monster trucks to pull into Convention Center this weekend
Monster trucks will roll into Long Beach this weekend — and it should be an illuminating experience. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center will host “Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire” on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4, and, as the event’s name suggests, the show will take place in a darkened arena, with luminous monster trucks bringing the action to life.
Business Beat: Belmont Shore Business Association gets $50,000 check
Long Beach philanthropists Mark and Claire Guillen recently presented a $50,000 check to the Belmont Shore Business Association. “Although any amount given to BSBA would have been appreciated,” Mark Guillen said in a phone interview, “we wanted our gift to be at a significant level to effect positive impact this year and beyond, hopefully encouraging others to give at this level as well.
On the Water: Aquatic Capital of America to honor 4 greats during Hall of Fame event next month
The Aquatic Capital of America’s Hall of Fame and Annual Awards event will take place on Oct. 27 at the Long Beach Yacht Club, with Rich Foster (water polo), Stesha Carle (rowing), Howard Hamlin (sailing) and Cathy Ferguson (swimming) being honored. Carle attended Long Beach schools from elementary through high school, graduating from Wilson High. She was introduced to rowing as a coxswain for her mother’s team at the Long Beach Rowing Association.
Business Beat: Ron Hodges is a legend in the Long Beach restaurant scene
In last week’s column, I shared some details about how Long Beach’s dining scene has evolved over the past five decades and what some of the catalysts were that made Long Beach the dining destination it is today. John Faber of McKenna’s Creek and Fiddlers Three fame established the Long Beach Restaurant Society in the late 1970s. One of the charter members was Ronald W. “Ron” Hodges of Restaurant Row Magazine, a monthly Long Beach dining and lifestyle magazine created and edited in the 1980s.
On the Water: 2 on-the-water fishing experiences for veterans to take place this month
The 2026 War Heroes on Water tournament will take place from Sept. 25 to 29 off the coast, including in Long Beach waters, as part of its nine-day event. WHOW, founded in 2018, is the world’s largest nonprofit sportfishing tournament for combat-wounded veterans. “I’m going again on the ‘Kid,’” fisherman David Dodge said, referring to the 52-foot Viking yacht he will be on.
Business Beat: Belmont Shore Car Show returns for 34th year on Sunday, Sept. 13
The Belmont Shore Car Show will return for its 34th year from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Second Street will close in the early morning and will reopen about 4 p.m. The show cars will arrive beginning at 6 p.m. There will be a beer garden on Nieto Avenue, on the south side of Second Street and a Thrifty Ice Cream truck serving the squared-off shaped scoops we all remember, said organizer JP Zentgraf. Skate Dogs will also be there.
On the Track: Monterey Grand Prix concludes 2026 IndyCar Series season
Editor’s note: Columnist Jo Murray stepped away from the water this week, transforming her column into “On the Track,” writing about the Monterey Grand Prix. Long Beach is, hands down, my “On the Water” happy place — but the beauty of Monterey Bay is a close second. The Monterey Peninsula’s car culture, meanwhile, sometimes outshines Long Beach’s. But when it comes to IndyCar Series racing, the two venues are neck and neck — and with both being California, the state’s fans are the real winners.
Business Beat: Too soon for spooky season? Not with this local horror tour
It’s barely the first week of September — and I already Halloween on my mind. Yes, Halloween is Oct. 31 and this year, it lands on a Saturday. I’m thinking about costumes, with so many timely opportunities. I’ve already seen tributes to Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, the latter mainly in the form of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” costumes.
On the Water: The ‘Catalinator’ completes channel crossing for 9th time
Hank Wise, the man with the apt nickname the “Catalinator,” completed a round-trip swim across the Catalina Channel last month — his ninth time doing so. Wise finished the approximately 20-mile trip from the Palos Verdes Peninsula to Catalina Island’s Arrow Point and back on Aug. 21, trying him with Samuel Neri as the only people with nine channel swims under their belts.
On the Water: Long Beach Yacht Club hosts annual Heroes Regatta
The city’s first responders — including firefighters, police officers, lifeguards, local nurses and members of the U.S. Coast Guard, among others — were honored by the Long Beach Yacht Club during its annual Heroes Regatta on Saturday Aug. 22 USCG Air Station Ventura Air Station took top honors during the competition — and celebrated in style. A helicopter from the station did a flyby prior to the trophy presentation as a nod to their sailing colleagues.
Business Beat: ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’ film screening postponed, new date unknown
Rhythm is all about movement — so in a way, it’s appropriate that a film screening that was initially planned for this weekend has been moved. In last week’s column, I shared details about a screening for a new film, “Rhythm is a Dancer,” followed by a live question-and-answer session with Long Beach filmmaker Lauren Caster.
On the Water: Cal 20 Class Championships, Naples Island Swim take place off Long Beach coast
Last weekend was a busy one on Long Beach waters, with both a major sailing regatta and the annual Naples Swim taking place. In what turned out to be one of the most competitive Cal 20 Class Championships in several years, Keith Ives and Chuck Stevens claimed their seventh title in a 28-boat fleet, according to Cal 20 class secretary Todd Smith. The regatta, hosted by the Long Beach Yacht Club, took place in Long Beach Harbor from Friday to Sunday, Aug. 14-16.
Business Beat: NIA to host screening of Long Beach filmmaker’s movie
There’s no business like show business, and this week, Biz Beat is going to the movies. That’s because on Sunday, Aug. 23, the Naples Improvement Association is hosting a community movie night featuring a screening of “Rhythm is a Dancer,” followed by a live Q&A with the filmmaker and Long Beach local Lauren Caster.
On the Water: Cal 20 Class hosts 64th championships at Long Beach Yacht Club this weekend
The Cal 20 Class will hold its 64th annual Class Championships at Long Beach Yacht Club from Friday to Sunday, Aug. 14-16, with racing in Long Beach Harbor, on the same waters slated to host kites and IQ foils during the LA28 Olympic Games. The regatta currently has 30 Gold Fleet and six Bronze Fleet entries, a two-tier format that lets sailors compete by experience level and has helped the championship average about 35 boats in recent years, according to Todd Smith, Cal 20 class secretary.
On the Water: Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival draws hundreds for 30th anniversary
The Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival returned to Marine Stadium on Saturday, July 25, with a day full of competition, live performances, food and fun — and celebrating its 30th anniversary. Three decades after Dr. Howard Chen first envisioned the festival, the annual event once again drew scores of competitors, making it one of the largest dragon boat competitions in California “The festival has evolved into a different style since COVID-19,” Chen said in a phone interview after the event.
Business Beat: Long Beach’s Sunrise Shack offers acai bowls, coffee, and more
It’s our Murray family tradition on the last day of a trip to stop by a local place and get sandwiches to go for the plane ride home. Last Sunday, we followed that tradition as we were heading home from Honolulu, and swung by Sunrise Shack in Ala Moana center for a “superfood” smoothie bowl, bullet coffee made with coconut oil and butter for energy, and a turkey sandwich.
On the Water: Liz Wardley and Andrew Breen win World’s Toughest Row Pacific, set record
Liz Wardley and Andrew Breen have officially been crowned the overall winners of the World’s Toughest Row Pacific 2026, while also setting a new world record — as the fastest pair to row the 2,800-mile mid-Pacific crossing. The journey, though, was about far more than breaking records. The duo rowed 2,800 miles in 35 days, 8 hours, 25 minutes The route ran from Monterey to Hanalei Bay, Kaua‘i, Hawaii.
Business Beat: ‘Amphifever’ fuels business momentum at Queensway Bay
Amphitheater fever has spread across Queensway Bay — thanks to the recent opening of the city’s newest venue, the F&M Bank Amphitheater of Long Beach. Years ago, ship advocates argued that the Queen Mary should be moved to the more accessible downtown side of the bay. Now, amid the new “amiphifever,” much of the momentum is happening across the water, where four-letter names — the Maya, the Reef and the Mary — are drawing attention and increased business because of the new concert venue.
On the Water: Kid’s Day provides youngsters with one-the-water fun, Catalina Water Ski Race set for Aug. 1
The 77th annual Catalina Water Ski Race — a wild race that has the vibe of NASCAR but on the water — will take place on Aug. 1, once again attracting top water skiers from around the world. Traditionally, more than 50 teams compete in the 62-mile race, which runs from Long Beach to Catalina Island and back. There is also a spin-off event that was founded 32 years ago by a group from the Long Beach Boat and Ski Club — Kid’s Day.
Business Beat: Iguana Imports gets new owners
Iguana Imports, a shop originally opened in 1993 offering Mexican folk-art pieces, one-of-a-kind reclaimed hardwood furniture, and handcrafted jewelry from around the world, officially has new owners. Andrea Yease and Miguel Martinez recently purchased the store, which is located at 3440 E. Broadway, and they’re currently working with a muralist to create an artistic piece in the storefront. Historically speaking, the Iguana Imports location has been home to successful businesses.
Business Beat: Long Beach’s JetZero is designing the next generation of air travel
The next generation of air travel is being designed right here in Long Beach — at JetZero’s headquarters. Last week, I got a chance to tour the company’s headquarters and get a preview of their team’s work on a new aircraft, which will boast a blended wing body or “all wing” design concept, which is reminiscent of a futuristic jet where the fuselage and wings merge into one lifting surface.
On the Water: Massive field competes during Long Beach Race Week
“We’re now the largest regatta on the West Coast,” he said. I wanted to check that claim out — with a quick online search. San Diego’s Yachting Cup had 50 entries this year, while the St. Francis Big Boat Series, which will take place in September, had 61, as of the end of June. Race Week Bellingham, which will take place this month in Washington state, has 25 entries, Cleveland Race Week had 79 and the Southmost Regatta — the former Key West Race Week — has a mere 21 entries.
Business Beat: South of Nick’s is officially open for business
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... South of Nick’s, the latest endeavor from Nick’s Restaurant Group, officially opened its doors to the public on Monday, June 22. It marks the restaurant group’s 12th location in Southern California. Aside from South of Nick’s, the company also operates Nick’s on Second in Belmont Shore and other eateries in Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Newport Beach, and more.
On the Water: Alamitos Bay Yacht Club hosts Father’s Day car show
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Alamitos Bay Yacht Club hosts its annual Classic Car Show during Father’s Day — with hot rods, high-end exotics and other automobiles taking center stage instead of ships. “ABYC’s Classic Car Show on Father’s Day had plenty of dad bods and hot rods,” said ABYC’s Lori Van Skyhook.
Business Beat: The Reef restaurant is officially reopening today
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Two Long Beach restaurants with great local history dating back to the 1950s will be opening in the week ahead. The Reef Restaurant, originally opened by David Tallichet in 1958, will be reopening Thursday, June 18. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the historic restaurant had operated only as a banquet facility.
On the Water: Long Beach Race Week to take place later this month
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Sailors are counting down to three days of racing during Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week 2026, the 21st edition under the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club and Long Beach Yacht Club collaboration, which will run from June 26 to 28. The racing will take place in Long Beach Harbor. Bruce Cooper, owner of title sponsor Ullman Sails Newport Beach, said the weekend regatta is where sailors can prove themselves.
Business Beat: The Small Cafe owners open new market down the street
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A new business has moved into Naples — though its owner, Megan Wright, is no stranger to the area. Wright is the owner of The Small Cafe, popular for its Cars & Coffee series among other offerings. Now, she’s opened up a new business, dubbed The Small Market, and is hoping to make it a true community space. “This isn’t our space; this is a space for everyone,” Wright said.
On the Water: World’s Toughest Row kicks off after two-day delay
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The World’s Toughest Row — a 2,800-mile race from Monterey to Hanalei Bay — was scheduled to kick off last Saturday, June 6, but was postponed due to weather conditions. The race, instead, kicked off on Tuesday, June 9 at 1 a.m. Standing on the cold, foggy dark Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey and witnessing five teams start what will be at least a month-long journey was both inspirational and frightening.
Former students return to elementary, middle schools to celebrate graduation
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Long Beach’s annual tradition of Grad Walk, which brings high school seniors back to the elementary and middle schools they once attended, got underway on the morning of Friday, June 5. Dressed in caps and gowns, the students walked the halls, celebrating their achievements and inspiring younger students.
Business Beat: Get to know Long Beach Mushrooms owners during intimate community event
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... This Friday, June 5, the owners of Long Beach Mushrooms will gather local members of the community to talk about the business and its future at an event dubbed Vision Night. Long Beach Mushrooms originally launched in 2020 as a small urban mushroom farm, based out of owners Justin and Mia Nguyen’s garage.
On the Water: National Learn to Row Day is on Saturday
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... National Learn to Row Day takes place annually on the first Saturday in June — and here in Long Beach, we are “rowing” out the red carpet. The Long Beach Rowing Association will participate in the national learning day by hosting a free event from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 6, at Pete Archer Rowing Center, 5750 Boathouse Lane, at Marine Stadium.
Business Beat: Meet the mother-daughter duo keeping Sicilian cooking traditions alive
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Thousands of miles away from Italy’s coastline, a local mother-daughter duo are helping to keep Sicilian cooking traditions alive. Debra Lisi Ruiz-Zelenka, alongside her 83-year-old mother Mary Frances Cali Ruiz, offer traditional Sicilian cooking lessons together at Hartland’s in Long Beach — with help from a smattering of chefs from beloved local restaurants.
On the Water: New hybrid passenger vessel arrives in local waters
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... El Escudo, a new hybrid passenger vessel owned and operated by Harbor Breeze Cruises, has arrived in local waters. The vessel will make its maiden voyage on June 6 for the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 94th annual meeting. El Escudo will shuttle passengers from the Pine Avenue pier on an eight-minute ferry ride to the Queen Mary and the new amphitheater that evening for Snoop Dogg’s performance, according to Visit Long Beach President and CEO Steve Goodling.
Business Beat: Get to know the owner of newly-opened EvolutionWise Longevity Studio
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... EvolutionWise Longevity Studio, a fitness and wellness center designed to help adults over 40 train and build healthy habits that work best for them, has officially opened at 5708 Second St. in Naples. Aside from the typical gym offerings, EvolutionWise also offers specialized wellness routines including fully-body electromagnetic field therapy, ozone therapy, sauna, and more.
On the Water: Navy Yacht Club of Long Beach will host Veteran’s Duffy cruise June 6
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Navy Yacht Club of Long Beach will host its seventh annual women’s Veteran’s Duffy cruise next month. The June 6 event will honor active duty and veterans women service members with a two-hour on-the-water experience, followed by a lunch at the Navy Yacht Club’s clubhouse, 223 N Marina Drive, in Alamitos Bay. The tradition now includes more than just Navy YC boats.
Business Beat: Here’s how local businesses are celebrating Pride this weekend
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... It’s officially time for Pride — with the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride Parade and Festival kicking off this weekend, from Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17. While the official celebrations offer plenty to do, many businesses around Long Beach will be offering their own libations to pay tribute to the LGBTQ+ community this weekend. Here are a few places to check out.
On the Water: 20 clubs compete in Battle of the Breakwater Outrigger Canoe Race
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A traditional Hawaiian blessing, or pule, kicked off the Fifth Annual Battle of the Breakwater Outrigger Canoe Race, hosted by Long Beach’s Kahakai Outrigger Canoe Club and the Southern California Outrigger Racing Association.
Business Beat: Bacari expected to open new Naples location on June 1
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Ever since Michael’s on Naples, located at 5620 E. 2nd St., closed September last year, Naples residents have been watching the space for any changes. Those changes finally became clear last week, when a series of potted plants were spotted outside and U-Haul trucks arrived with furniture. Soon, rumors about opening day for the brand new Bacari restaurant began to fly.
On the Water: Jack Brodsky, 14, wins Junior Congressional Cup.
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Long Beach Yacht Club Junior Jack Brodsky, 14-year-old student at Saint Bonaventure Catholic School, won the 2026 Junior Congressional Cup last week. Brodsky sailed with 2025 Congressional Cup champion Eric Monnin of Switzerland as his crew.
Australia’s Cole Tapper, 23, shocks Long Beach sailing fans by winning Congressional Cup Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The 2026 Congressional Cup concluded on Sunday, May 3, with a surprising upset – as relative newcomer Cole Tapper of Australia won the Crimson Blazer. In only his third Congressional Cup, the 23-year-old came out ahead against a trio of more seasoned skippers who joined him as the final four in the competition, each of whom had previously donned the Crimson Blazer at least once.
Congressional Cup semifinals get underway a day early; semis to finish Sunday, along with finals Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The final four of the 2026 Congressional Cup is down to three previous winners and one relative newcomer — with the semifinals, initially slated to take place on Sunday ahead of the championship match, getting started a day early. World no. 1 Chris Poole of America, 37; no.
Business Beat: Long Beach bars pay tribute to Marsha P. Johnson with new mural
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Two local bars, Broadway Bar and Sweetwater Saloon, have teamed up to pay homage to an iconic LGBTQ+ figure. A mural featuring Marsha P. Johnson has been painted along Cerritos Avenue at Broadway. Johnson was a key figure in the Stonewall Riots, a seminal event in the fight for LGBTQ equality which began at the Stonewall Inn.
On the Water: This is what makes the Congressional Cup so exciting
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Trust me on this — watching match sailboat racing on the pier is second only to watching the Grand Prix of Long Beach. This is Congressional Cup week, and there is excellent free viewing from the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier. Food and beverages will be available on site, and public parking is located at the end of Termino Avenue. They even provide free golf cart shuttles to the end of the pier.
The Congressional Cup, the ‘Granddaddy’ of match-race sailing, returns to Long Beach this week Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The 61st annual Congressional Cup regatta, widely regarded as one of the premier competitions in modern match racing, will take place this week off the coast of Long Beach. The Long Beach Yacht Club established the Congressional Cup in 1965, making it the longest-running regatta of its kind in North America. It’s known as the “Granddaddy” of match racing — and helped set the standard for world-class match racing across the globe.
Business Beat: Queen Mary to celebrate 90th anniversary of maiden voyage
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... In 1926, the Queen Mary was still on the drawing board, with construction starting in 1930. Ten years later, in 1936, the ship made its maiden voyage. The crew on board the Queen Mary will re-create the 1936 vibe of the Starlight Club on May 27 to celebrate the anniversary of the ship’s maiden voyage 90 years ago.
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