Compiled by Playa Vista Staff Marina Lights THROUGHOUT DECEMBER There’s nothing more festive than holiday lights wrapped around trees throughout 10-acre Burton Chace Park. The spectacular display of sparkling lights and décor is up every night in December. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, free, 4 to 10 p.m., www.visitmdr.com Acoustic Fridays […]
’Tis the Season: Get into the holiday spirit with these events
By Leah Schwartz While there might not be a blanket of snow on the ground, there are still ample opportunities to relish in the holiday mood, with tradition and fanfare happening across the Westside this winter. With holiday markets, parades and ice skating, there is something for everyone to get into the holiday spirit. Ice […]
Extraordinary Rides: Drivers can’t go wrong with the Lexus UX 250h Hybrid
By C.A. Haire For those shopping for a quality SUV who don’t need a large vehicle, the Lexus 250h hybrid is worth a look. It’s certainly on the compact side, and trunk space is limited, which explains why there is no spare tire — but it fits into a garage or parking space with ease, […]
Keys to a Long Life of Quality: Malin Svensson advocates for the 50-plus demo
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Celebrity fitness trainer Malin Svensson believes everyone should have a chance at a healthy life — especially the 50-plus demographic. Growing up in Sweden, she learned that lesson at age 12, when her father turned 50. He was gifted a painting that depicted life from birth to death. An arc ascended to […]
A Golden Anniversary: Westside Ballet fetes 50 years of ‘The Nutcracker’
By Laura Latzko For the last 50 years, Westside Ballet of Santa Monica has presented its version of “The Nutcracker.” In its production, the company features youth such as fourth grader Serena de Lourenco-Halati and sixth grader Yara Johnson — both of whom have Playa Vista ties. The pre-professional ballet company will put on the […]
Fighting for Change: Project EDUCATE aims to end homelessness
By Summer Aguirre Project EDUCATE’s vision is to transform hopelessness into purpose, desperation into motivation, and feelings of defeat into those of empowerment. An LA-based nonprofit, Project EDUCATE aims to eliminate homelessness and reduce its dehumanizing effects by providing essential services ranging from health care and economic stimulants to personal and intellectual development. Project EDUCATE […]
Squashing Food Insecurity: FoodCycle LA forging a path to a more nourished future
By Jessica Koslow Every Saturday afternoon around 2 p.m., Olga King arrives at the Playa Vista Farmers Market with two empty boxes in the backseat of her car. She will leave the market with leftover fruits and vegetables donated from vendors to distribute to families in Inglewood, the community where she lives. She has been […]
Events Calendar September – October
Dance MDR SEPTEMBER 29 Dance the night away at Burton Chace Park by learning bachata for free. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, free admission, beaches.lacounty.gov Denim and Diamonds Fundraising Gala OCTOBER 1 The Denim and Diamonds Fundraising Gala is set to take place at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del […]
Sterling Silver: Local Girl Scout earns award for traffic safety research
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Gabriela Tsimanis was fed up with drivers recklessly navigating their way near Playa Vista Elementary School. So, the member of Girl Scout Troop 2155 researched the problem for her Girl Scout Silver Award project. The Silver Award requires a 50-hour commitment. She found that drivers speed and do not halt at stop […]
Creating Space for Color: BIPOC retailers play an important role in preserving fashion history
By Francesca Bermudez Ronnie Blades grew up in Pasadena surrounded by two fashionable female figures with wardrobes that crossed generations. Blades was enamored with the beauty and style of her grandmother, Alberta Price, who was “a bit of a socialite in LA.” Price attended exclusive Black events in Los Angeles that were not segregated. She […]