Since the 1970s, the development of Playa Vista has been a controversial subplot in the greater narrative of LA. Its development spurred decades of litigation, innovations in urban planning, environmental activism, celebrity protests, and even an alleged political hit. The Playa Vista Institute aims to preserve that history as they inaugurated the organization on Oct. […]
‘This Came Out of the Blue’
Danny Lidgi didn’t consciously decide to become musician Mr. Opposite. Instead, it chose him. “It came out of a perfect storm of events,” says Lidgi, a Playa Vista resident. “I was doing very well in life. I had a girlfriend. I was living with my girlfriend. Money was no object. It all came crashing down […]
Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chão opens new location in El Segundo By Kamala Kirk Internationally-renowned Brazilian restaurant Fogo de Chão recently opened the doors to its third Los Angeles location in El Segundo. Located just minutes from the Westside, the new location features a stunning marble and gold exterior, soaring windows, modern chandeliers, natural wood paneling and […]
Building Businesses
Playa Vista entrepreneur finds success with multiple ventures By Bridgette M. Redman The entrepreneurial blood runs thick in Geoff Shames’ veins. From selling marked up candy to classmates to co-founding two marketing-related agencies, the Playa Vista entrepreneur has made a career of building businesses that cater to his passions and talents. It all started in the […]
A Ghoulish Good Time
These spooky sweets and frightful treats will get you into the Halloween spirit By Kamala Kirk/(All photos courtesy) • Enjoy hauntingly delicious candies from Sugarfina including Zombie Brains gushing with strawberry flavor, tart raspberry Sugar Skulls, bone-chilling Graveyard Cookies, and Dracula’s Donuts, among others. Sold individually and in sets. $8.95 to 98, sugarfina.com • Make the holiday […]
Helping Black Businesses Bloom
Deutsch LA’s free brand-building program provides support to local entrepreneurs By Stella Karron Playa Vista-based advertising agency Deutsch LA started a program called Blackness in Full Bloom in February 2020. The marketing program is offered to Black business owners to help further their companies. Ayn Howze, head of advocacy and communications at Deutsch LA, says […]
Beach City Kitties
Katelyn Michele’s nonprofit helps find loving homes for cats By Haley Beyer & Kamala Kirk Katelyn Michele has always loved animals, but it was after she rescued her first kitten from the South LA Shelter that she became inspired to start Beach City Kitties, a local nonprofit kitten and cat rescue that serves the Westside, […]
Fostering Community
Real estate team commits to making Playa Vista a great place to live By Bridgette M. Redman With parents in the business, Tami Humphrey knew early on the difference a realtor can make in the lives of families and of a community. “I love helping people,” Humphrey says. “That’s really what made me fall in […]
Getting Funky With It
Comedians open backyard for monthly stand-up event By Bridgette M. Redman The last thing people needed to lose during the pandemic was laughter. Ryan Churchill and Nick Hoff hatched a plan that made sure people wouldn’t have to do without—and it gave birth to an ongoing monthly series of events at a place they call […]
Local Italian Joint
The Slice continues to delight Playa Vista community after 18 years By Haley Beyer Luc Trasleglise bought The Slice in 2015 and has run it ever since. He, along with seven others, work seven days a week to bring smiles to customers’ faces. Customers can choose to have their food delivered or schedule a […]