Playa Vista Direct is entering its fourth year of publication and I have good news: we’re growing. Instead of six issues in 2020, we’ll be publishing eight and I couldn’t be more excited. What does that mean for you? More personal stories, more exciting events, more new restaurants and businesses, and more opportunities for community […]
featured stories
Community
Standup Comedy Fundraiser @ Gulp
Roaring laughter could be heard through the streets of Playa Vista on Thursday, Jan. 23, and it was all for a good-humored cause. Hosted by the Playa Vista Elementary School, standup comedians performed their best knee-slappers at Gulp to help raise money for the always cheerful school. The evening of giggles was emceed by Heather […]
Playa Vista Moms Group Holiday Party @ The Centerpointe Club
Photos by ZSUZI STEINER On Dec. 15, the Playa Vista Moms Group held their annual holiday party at the Centerpointe Club. This year’s theme was “Up To Snow Good,” but given that we live in sunny SoCal, white balloons had to fill in for snow balls. The happy toddlers didn’t seem to mind. Kids got […]
Food
Pho served up by a labor of love
Westchester’s Most Valuable Playa creates the popular soup with no MSG Story By Kellie Chudzinski | Photos by MVP Inside Most Valuable Playa diners will find an open 15-seat stone bar, plenty of tables and a room filled with natural light. Tucked on a menu varied with Taiwanese-inspired shareable dishes are two different pho soups. […]
Events
Events Calendar
Home
Style for All
Interior designer Julia Newman specializes in accessible design for people of all abilities By Shanee Edwards “Once I started to see discrimination in design, I couldn’t stop seeing it everywhere,” recalls local interior designer Julia Newman, who now specializes in crafting beautiful living spaces around the specific needs of clients with mobility challenges. Newman has […]
People
Becoming Esports Legends
Team captain EMUHLEET is driving her all-female esports team to make history Story by Kellie Chudzinski | Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner Tucked in with the large media companies that call Playa Vista home is esports team Dignitas, one of the best all-female teams in the world. Led by team captain Emmalee ‘EMUHLEET’ Garrido, the team […]
Meet Playa Vista’s Newest Girl Scout Troop
These Empowered Young Girls Do a Lot More Than Sell Cookies Story by Robyn Paris | Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner Loosen your wallets and open up a notch on your belt – it’s Girl Scout cookie season again. We all love indulging in our favorite Thin Mints, Do-si-dos or Tagalongs but most of us don’t […]
The Art and Science of Entertainment
The John Hughes Institute is helping visual effects professionals keep their edge Story by Shanee Edwards | Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner Everyone loves watching movies. They transport us to new places and emotional experiences using a skillful combination of art and science. When filmmakers incorporate visual special effects into movies, there’s literally no limit to […]
Healthy
High Tech Workouts
Troy Aguila of Spry Society shares his top 4 tech devices for fitness Story By Shanee Edwards | Photo by Maria Martin It’s a new year and a great time to hit refresh on your fitness routine. If you’re looking to try something new or shake things up a bit, accessible, affordable technology is here […]
News
For Everybody’s Kids
Playa Vista Elementary took the teachers’ strike to Jefferson Boulevard Story By Shanee Edwards | Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner Morning commuters honked in support as teachers, parents, students and one Vietnamese potbellied pig took to Jefferson Boulevard on Jan. 18 in support of the LAUSD teachers’ strike. While it was day five of the strike, […]
A Very Special Delivery
Elon Musk pays a surprise visit to Playa Vista By Shanee Edwards Financial planner Devin Scott was excited to finally go pick up his customized Tesla 3. When he got a call saying that the car would instead be delivered to his Playa Vista home, he didn’t think too much of it. But when Scott […]
Travel
5 Expert Tips for: Traveling with Kids
Your getaway doesn’t have to be a headache — just follow these easy tips By Jill Carter It’s that time of year again. The kids are back in school and before we know it, the holidays will be upon us. The idea of going away with the family is always a good one; it’s the […]