The 29th annual Pathways to Independence fundraiser transformed Cal State Long Beach into a Western roundup under the stars earlier this month, with more than 850 guests saddling up for an evening filled with country tunes, cowboy cocktails and plenty of boot-scootin’ fun.

The grounds were alive with hearty eats from 35 top Long Beach, Seal Beach and Huntington Beach restaurants, all adding to the lively spirit of the night, which netted more than $700,000 in a night of Western fun and generosity.

The crowd moseyed through the silent auction, dressed in their Western duds while tapping their boots to the Gold Rush Country Band. They really got into having fun with line dancing with instructor Cindi Massengale. Throughout the evening, funds were raised by selling “Jail Sentences” for funny offenses such as “you’re being arrested for flirting too much” and the like. The “prisoners” had to buy their way out with “bail money.”

The path leading into the rodeo was indicated by meaningful statements of the history and function of the organization.

Director of Development Lisa Mais shared the impact of the evening.

“The proceeds cover nearly half of Pathways’ annual budget,” Mais said, “providing critical support for the 40 young women currently in our program.”

She also gave a big shout out to the more than 90 dedicated volunteers from Friends of Pathways. The program opened with a stunning rendition of the national anthem, performed by a talented Pathways client.

The evening featured a fast-paced live auction, highlighted by truly impressive packages that included a private jet trip for eight to Pebble Beach. The bid started at $30,000. Final results from the evening auction are still being tallied.

A Pathways video preceded the “Support a Student” portion of the event, followed by a powerful client speaker who shared her moving personal journey. The evening closed with a heartfelt tribute to Dave Bishop, the founder of Pathways, honoring his vision, compassion and enduring legacy.

Pathways honored this year’s Changemakers, past board Chair Raymond Cervantez and Julie Evert, a longtime friend of Pathways and dedicated program volunteer. ExecutiveDirector Diana Hill shared some of Pathways’ remarkable impact: the organization is currently serving 40 clients, a 96% increase over the past four years, while growing the budget by only 16%. Of those clients, 36% attend CSULB, with an average GPA of 3.24. Since 1991, Pathways has served 490 women, with an impressive 80% earning college degrees.

Pathways clients come from backgrounds of adversity and are deeply motivated to change the trajectory of their lives through education and mental wellness.

Generous supporters of Pathways to Independence included title sponsors Lisa and Frank Chapman; presenting sponsor Farmers & Merchants Bank; and legacy sponsors Jerry and Jean Green, along with CSULB interim President Andrew Jones.

Year-round donations and volunteer opportunities are available at pathwaystoindependence.org.

Seen at the Scene: Lisa and Frank Chapman, Henry and Erin Walker, Jean and Jerry Green, interim CSULB President Andrew Jones and Elizabeth, Sandy Wells, Kathie Tomasulo, Sue Foat, Dianna Sepulveda, Suzie and Mark Price, Terese and Charlie Parkin, Dr. James Wells, Diana Wolf, Diane and Mike Jensen, Lindsay Mais and John Anderson, Jim and Kathy McDonnell, Rocky and Julie Suares, Collette Anderson, Bob Senske, Kathy and Rick Kaplan, Loree Scarborough and Dennis McConkey, Lisa Ramelow, Jill Rosenberg, Richard Brown and Kathy Keesal, John Sangmeister.

Long Beach Urban Dinner

A magical, full moon evening was the setting for the 15th annual Long Beach Urban Dinner, hosted by chef Paul and Dana Buchanan of Primal Alchemy, at Rancho Los Alamitos on Oct. 5. Guests strolled through the gardens, including a tour of the historic rancho home, ending up in the Rose Garden and Geranium Walk, where they were greeted by a variety of lovely tastes from chefs Matt Roberts (True North Social Club), Mallory Rydell (Rancho Los Cerritos), Kenji Jampathong (Sushi for Hire) and Nathan Mardigian (Nuvo Olive Oil), and music from the Alyssandra Garden Band. Libations served were cocktails from the Wine Country, mocktails from Wicked Wolf, beer from Trademark Brewery and wines from Taste-Beer-Wine-Kitchen.

When chef Paul rang the dinner bell, the 160 guests gathered in the backyard, where they picked up bottles of 7 Angels Wine to enjoy with the multiple course farm-to-table dinner, served family style and cooked on site by chefs Adam Navidi (Ocean’s & Earth), Jeff Paletz (Colossus), Rich Mead (the Farmhouse), Chad Phuong (Battambong BBQ), Brad Newmann (Taste), Paddy Glennon & Wing Joe Ho (Superior Seafood & Great Maple), Eugene Santiago (Bayro), Lindsay Smith (Nirvana), Pete and MaryAnn Lehmar (OCSA), Amy LeBrun (Strong Heart Kitchen), Melissa Jones (Sasa’s Culinary Adventure and Troy Hashimoto, and bread by Arturo Enciso (Gusto). The dinner was served by the Browning High School Culinary students led by chef instructor David Robles.

Guests enjoyed the lively tunes of Pollen Collective during dinner. Dessert followed, along with the full moon, and serenading by duet crooners Jon Zell and Rachel Star Albright, with occasional accompaniment by Fred the Donkey. The annual “Blow Your Own Horn Awards” (acknowledging quiet support for local food, food equity and cultural significance) were awarded to Tim Roberts, Erlinda Cortez, Todd Williams and Lora Codavona. Funds raised benefited Rancho Los Alamitos Culinary Education Program and LB Area Farmers Markets.

Dana Buchanan was the master of ceremonies for the night, with remarks by rancho Executive Director Tim Roberts, as well as each of the chefs sharing the story of their culinary offering. The focus of seasonal, sustainable, local, organic and fresh food, with integrity, was the theme for the evening. Sponsors included Weiser Family Farm (Alex Weiser), Long Beach Mushroom (Justin and Mia), Superior Seafood, Blacksheep Farms, Chefs On A Roll, and Thompson Heritage Farm.

Mark your calendars for next year, Sept. 27, 2026. If you’re interested in the menu or have any questions, email dana@primalalchemy.com

Seen at the Scene: Mark and Claire Guillen, Matt and Lora Kinley, Olivia Meiser, Colleen Bentley, Kathleen Delgado, Dianne McNinch, Randy and Dale Kemner, Carl Hedlund, DrewBuchanan and Mateo Limas, Tammy Newland and Ken Shishido, James and Sarah Naccarato, Liz Krummell, Dave and Carmen Bubar.

News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net or by fax to 562-594-9468. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at for more information.