By Playa Vista Magazine Staff Having applied the tools of science, education and conservation to become leaders in conservation communities, graduate students in the Global Field Program and the Advanced Inquiry Program from Miami University’s Project Dragonfly finish their master’s studies. Daniel Horowitz of Venice has been applying the tools of science, education and conservation […]
’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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Creating a Community: Playa Vista residents build platform for startups
By Luke Netzley Los Angeles has become the third-largest startup ecosystem in the United States, according to reports, with a collection of its Westside cities gaining the nickname “Silicon Beach.” Home to companies like Microsoft, Google and YouTube, Playa Vista stands at the heart of this tech-driven, creative explosion. Residents Kenny Lum and Satoshi Miyagawa […]
Cultivating the Future: WealthGarden f.s. helps clients’ finances grow and thrive
By Alison Stanton For as long as Josephti Cruz can remember, she has enjoyed taking care of others. Whether it’s being a trusted “rock” for a friend or doing whatever she can to make life easier for a family member, Cruz finds joy and fulfillment in being a calm and reassuring presence in other people’s […]