On Thursday, April 25, the Long Beach Post hosted an event to honor young people from around the city who are doing great things to better their community and beyond. Out of hundreds of nominations from our readers, judges chose 40 winners who run the gamut from educators to artists to business owners to community activists, all of whom represent just a selection of those who are today contributing to the betterment of Long Beach.
Vivian Dominguez (left) and Danielle Portillo
Vivian Dominguez turned the misfortune of being laid off from her job in 2008 into an opportunity to fulfill her lifetime dream of working with animals. In January 2009, along with her business partner, Danielle Portillo, she opened her first Bark! Bark! Daycare and Grooming center at 325 Atlantic Ave. Since then, Dominguez and her partner have expanded to 22 employees and added a second location in Signal Hill where pets can be pampered and make other four-legged friends. Dominguez has also been diligent in giving back to the community by supporting groups like Pacific Gateway where she’s helped local teens and adults find internships and job opportunities.
Bark! Bark! is located at 325 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach; 2655 St. Louis, Signal Hill, barkbarkdaycare.com