By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski “Find your true strength.” That’s not just a slogan for martial arts instructor Debbie Jones and her staff at Marina Martial Arts. They infuse that mission into the curriculum in all the classes — from children ages 4 years old to the adult students. Jones is a dynamo who runs the school […]
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 […]
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 […]
Bettering the World: PDR’s Ali Patton studies conservation in Mongolia
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Ali Patton doesn’t take being a marine biologist lightly. The Playa del Rey resident is diversifying her educational pursuits by studying terrestrial and marine animals — all in the name of becoming a great scientist. She’s earning her master’s degree through Miami University and its Project Dragonfly, which allowed her to study […]
Walk for Talk: Playa Vista resident honored for advocacy
By Laura Latzko Toni Gold has long suffered from spasmodic dysphonia, but, frustratingly, the rare disorder is often mistaken for laryngitis or drunkenness. To raise awareness and donations for research for the voice disorder, Gold will participate in Walk for Talk, which is set for October 12 to October 15. During the event, participants around […]
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 […]
Eat, Play, Stay: Guide to summer fun in the Westside
By Summer Aguirre Westside Los Angeles is an ideal destination for any occasion. The city is home to rich history and culture, with its diverse cuisine, arts and entertainment, landmark buildings and beautiful Southern California landscaping. Plus, its summer weather features comfortable temperatures averaging from the 70s to the low 80s, perfect for those making […]
Perfectly Imperfect
By Morgan Owen Three girls sit in the park having a good time together in the summer sun. Jamie and Taylor are laughing, but Jordan spends the entire time taking selfies on her phone. With every picture, she cringes, trying to adjust the filters and remove all imperfections from the photo. Jamie asks if Jordan […]