By Ashley Meza Charishma Cohen didn’t intend to become an influencer. However, the success of her “Life with a Landcloud” content has granted her the opportunity to become a strong mental health advocate in her community. What started off as fun videos of her dog Boomer to make followers smile turned into a successful career […]
featured stories
Editor
New Year, New Name
2023 is officially here and I’m excited to announce the debut of our first official issue as Playa Vista Magazine (formerly Playa Vista Direct) with all of you! While our name may be slightly different, we still look forward to sharing the latest and greatest content with you about the vibrant community of neighbors and […]
Food
Lucky No. 3: Joliet celebrates good food, ingredients
By Jessica Koslow Alejandro Meza is passionate about the simplicity of good food and good ingredients. He shares that at Joliet Café & Bar, which opened its doors three years ago in Runway Playa Vista’s Free Market. The eatery celebrated its anniversary on Aug. 17. “I love the concept we have created here,” said Meza, […]
A Nod Toward History: Meat on Ocean’s new rooms have local ties
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Meat on Ocean general manager Janette Han likes to go that extra mile for guests. Recently, Meat on Ocean did just that by introducing The Zephyr Room and the M. Jeffrey King Board Room, private dining areas for guests. The Zephyr Room “pays homage to the birth of the skater subculture in […]
Staying Dry: Nonalcoholic beverages are having a moment
By Jessica Koslow In 2022, Elizabeth Levitt was in an unusual predicament. She was a graphic designer in the alcohol industry and her husband decided to stop drinking. “My job no longer aligned with my lifestyle,” she said. Levitt eventually stopped drinking alcohol, too. She decided it was time for a change, which led her […]
Events
Events Calendar: May/June 2025
By John Sanders and Lilly Roseburrough, Playa Vista Staff Writers “A Spring Soiree” MAY 7 Westside Pacific Villages, a local volunteer non-profit composed of individuals who assist older neighbors in maintaining their independence at home, is hosting a fundraiser. Westside Pacific Villages particularly focuses on widowed older adults and those living alone or far from […]
People
All Hail the Queen: Gabrielle Wilson is the 54th Miss Black America
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Gabrielle Kaye Wilson is a self-proclaimed nerd. The Marina del Rey resident earned top honors when she studied political science and business economics at Loyola Marymount University. She also obtained a certificate in computer science and data analytics from Mission College. She parlayed her degrees into a position in mergers and acquisitions […]
Life with a Landcloud: From dog videos to mental health advocacy
By Ashley Meza Charishma Cohen didn’t intend to become an influencer. However, the success of her “Life with a Landcloud” content has granted her the opportunity to become a strong mental health advocate in her community. What started off as fun videos of her dog Boomer to make followers smile turned into a successful career […]
Travel
Sunday Sailors: Marina del Rey club recruiting new members for their adventures
By Morgan Owen Skip Korsgaard gathers everyone in the cockpit of his 36-foot Catalina mach II Dream Weaver. They all sit patiently as Korsgaard takes their names for the log and explains how to stay safe aboard the boat before they depart Marina del Rey. “Until I get to know you, please stay up in […]