Lmu professor Katie Mouzakis leads a nationwide team on covid-19 treatment research By Shanee Edwards Assistant professor of biochemistry at Loyola Marymount University, Katie Mouzakis, has two passions: teaching and scientific research. But with school happening mostly online, it’s the latter passion she’s able to nourish in an exciting way. Having secured a recent $55,000 […]

These face masks help protect against COVID-19 and animal poaching By Shanee Edwards After founding her philanthropic organization Over and Above Africa to help protect endangered animals, Playa Vista filmmaker Kerry David directed the award-winning documentary “Breaking Their Silence: Women on the Frontline of the Poaching War” in 2019. It tells the story of an […]

Owner of studio (mdr) credits her strong community for helping her through tough times Story By Shanee Edwards  Originally from Rockland County, New York, Lisa Hirsch-Solomon planned to become a doctor when she attended Tulane University in New Orleans. She had a few classes to go before taking the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) and […]

The Adjustment Team’s COO, Cynthia Sampson, provides valuable help for families dealing with mental health Cynthia Sampson is a born and bred Southern California gal. Currently living in Westchester, Sampson not only has a sharp business mind, but also a giant heart for those in society considered the most vulnerable: The mentally ill. After attending […]

The Playa Vista Farmers’ Market reopens for foot traffic with IRL dragon fruit and heirloom tomatoes Story by Shanee Edwards W estsiders love their local farmers markets. A Saturday morning stroll through colorful flats of fresh vegetables, sampling exotic fruit and artisan bites from food stands while a live band croons, is a valued weekend […]

Q&A with Veterinarian Dr. J.J. Rawlinson of Annenberg PetSpace By Shanee Edwards Maintaining our own health and that of our family during the COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus) is of paramount importance. But what if you consider your dog as a family member? Here in Playa Vista many of us consider our four-legged […]

Troy Aguila of Spry Society shares his top 4 tech devices for fitness  Story By Shanee Edwards | Photo by Maria Martin It’s a new year and a great time to hit refresh on your fitness routine. If you’re looking to try something new or shake things up a bit, accessible, affordable technology is here […]

Peachy Keen Swim is disrupting the swimwear industry one bikini at a time    Story By By Kellie Chudzinski  |  Photo by Lauren Brown Despite the fashion industry’s push toward body positivity and size inclusion, one area has lagged behind: swimwear. Leah Sullivan, Summer Morgan and Delaney Drexler set out to create a swimsuit brand […]

With kids back in school, a Playa Vista educational therapist has some advice  Story By Dr. Bibi Pirayesh  |  Photo by Maria Martin In my practice as an educational therapist I often get parents wondering if their child is in need of testing. While parents may be wary of a culture of over-testing diagnosis, avoiding […]

Expert advice from Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Rachel Thomasian Story by Shanee Edwards  |  Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner Going back to school or starting school for the first time is normally a happy, exciting time for children. But for some kids, facing new social situations or dealing with a new routine can cause anxiety. […]