Michelle Martino’s finesse brings real estate success By Playa Vista Direct Staff / Photo courtesy of Michelle Martino 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 […]
Women in Business: A Lawyer Who Loves to Serve Her Community
Kumar Law fulfills its vision five years on By Marin Heinritz / Photo courtesy of Rittu Kumar When Rittu Kumar founded Kumar Law in October 2017, she visualized where she hoped the firm would be after her first five years. Though she couldn’t have anticipated the global pandemic or other major shifts and changes […]
Living the Glam Life
Style and beauty expert Jennifer Chan covers the latest trends By Kamala Kirk / Photos by Chris Mortenson Born in Las Vegas and raised in Houston, Jennifer Chan moved to California in 2002 to attend Pepperdine University, where she double majored in journalism and public relations with a minor in art. “I started winning writing contests […]
Big Screen Dreams
TV producer Casey Kasprzyk found success in the world of soap operas story By Kamala Kirk | PHOTO BY CHRIS MORTENSON From a young age, Casey Kasprzyk knew that he wanted to work in the entertainment industry. He attended Chapman University for the school’s film and television production program, where he helped produce various late […]
Strength in Numbers
Don Collins is breaking records as a senior powerlifter Story By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | PHOTO BY CHRIS MORTENSON Don Collins has done plenty in his 61 years. The Playa Vista resident has worked with submarines and in the nonprofit technology and scientific sector. His “strength,” some could say, is more remarkable: He can leg press […]
‘Loud and Clear’
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, […]