Suffering from a vocal disorder, Toni Gold is doing everything to help others Story By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ Toni Gold considers herself one of the lucky ones. The Playa Vista resident was quickly diagnosed with a neurological disorder called spasmodic dysphonia more than 50 years ago. It impacts the vocal cords […]
Music for the Masses
Ron Morrissey leads a full life playing for seniors Story By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Musician Ron Morrissey could not make a living out of performing, but playing for seniors has enriched his life. The Marina del Rey singer/guitarist performs 100 shows a year for isolated seniors in Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills , Culver […]
Life Lessons
‘Ezmerelda’ reveals secrets behind bullying Story by Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ Marissa DiSimone was bullied when she was younger. Wanting to teach kids to rise above it, she penned “Ezmerelda and the Discovery of Her Magic,” a middle-grade novel that mixes magic and self-discovery. “She’s an average sixth grader who has bullying […]
Divine Energy
Nancy Mills empowers others to heal through art Story by Kamala Kirk Just before Nancy Mills turned 70, she discovered her calling as an energy artist. While meeting for coffee with an intuitive close friend, Mills asked what was on the horizon. Her friend said she envisioned her painting. “I couldn’t even hold a ruler. […]
Keeping Women Well
Jessica Gallo introduces clients to the Mommy Tribe Story By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | photo by LUIS CHAVEZ Jessica Gallo says she feels women need to be supported. They take on their fair share of work within and outside of the family. “It weighs us down for sure,” she says. For 15 years, […]
Creative Pursuit
Sheena Tahilramani turned her passion for candle making into a business Story by Kamala Kirk | Photo courtesy Banter & Bliss Candle Co. When Sheena Tahilramani ran a public relations firm, she yearned to send her clients unique holiday gifts that they could enjoy. She decided to start making custom labeled candles, which became an […]
Uncork the Wine, the Party’s Online
Michelle Silberstein’s Uncorked Wine Festivals go virtual By Shanee Edwards Like many young people who make the sojourn to Los Angeles, Michelle Silberstein left Florida to try her hand in Hollywood. She enjoyed her endeavors in the entertainment industry, but soon transitioned to fitness and created her own clothing line. But, always the dreamer, she […]
A Legend and a Friend
Local woman’s memoir details friendship with Michael Jackson By Katie Lulla The legendary singer-songwriter Michael Jackson is many things to many people. For some, he is the definitive King of Pop. To others, it’s a lot more complicated, given the controversies that surrounded his fame. But for one Playa Vista resident, Michael Jackson was a […]
Getting into the Zone
Performance coach Laura Wilde helps professional athletes understand the mind-body connection By Andy Vasoyan For most people, if you can’t focus on your job, that might cost you some extra time writing emails or sorting through reports. For professional athletes, focus can mean the difference between a big payday or a debilitating injury. That’s why […]
Bodewell Living Candles: From Dark To Light
A Playa Vista Entrepreneur Creates the Scent of Authenticity By Robyn Paris Entrepreneur, Playa Vista resident and mother of three, Effie Tanji launched Bodewell Living after an acquaintance took one look at her successful jewelry business, trussedfun’d (which she runs with her best friend Aleia Ramsey – trussedfund.com), and was so impressed, she said, “I […]