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 […]
Epic Cookies: Derrick Fox brings mega-sized sweet treats to Playa Vista
By Kamala Kirk Derrick Fox of “MasterChef” has brought the ultimate sweet treat to Playa Vista. The famed chef, who appeared on season 6 of television’s “MasterChef,” is the founder of Epic Mega Cookie Co., which debuted its first brick-and-mortar location last fall at the renowned Box Shop at RUNWAY. “As soon as we were […]
Staying Cheesy: I Heart Mac and Cheese comes to the Westside
By Morgan Owen It’s hard not to be successful when the main item on your menu is macaroni and cheese. In the heart of Westchester, I Heart Mac and Cheese launched its first Los Angeles location. Opening the new franchise in Westchester was a leap of faith, says Colin Inatsugu, the restaurant’s lead shift supervisor, […]
Fitness is Forever: Betsy Mendel’s personal training for seniors
By Morgan Owen Betsy Mendel fell in love with fitness in the ’80s during the age of Jane Fonda and step aerobics. Even more than the physical benefits, she loved how working out made her feel. After moving to Los Angeles from Atlanta, Mendel started her own personal training business. Mendel laughs, remembering how she […]
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 […]
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 […]
Local Market Expert: Tami Humphrey helps clients find their dream homes in Playa Vista
By Playa Vista MAGAZINE Staff Real estate has been a big part of Tami Humphrey’s life since she was a child. Her parents were real estate partners who owned a brokerage, and family conversations at the dinner table were often centered around new clients, interesting escrows and solving real estate problems. Initially, Humphrey didn’t intend […]
A Story of Success: Michelle Martino’s finesse brings real estate success
By Playa Vista MAGAZINE Staff Michelle Martino is a superstar. In her first career in the creative arts, she amassed numerous awards for her work as a writer, radio and TV commercial producer and as a creative director. As a testament to Martino’s status, Jay Chiat of the renown TBWA\Chiat\Day advertising agency personally held a […]
Allegra Clegg upholds a mother’s legacy
By Morgan Owen Teens shuffle around the dance studio at Westside School of Ballet. They all wear matching black leotards with skin-pink tights, laughing and stretching as the instructor and pianist prepare for class. Then they begin. Suddenly, the studio is alive with music. The dancers seem to grow several inches as they conduct their […]