*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET LACEY:

Lacey has been living and working in Culver City since April 2019

*PLAYA – NEWS: SCIENTIST HOSTED CULVER CITY EVENT AS ‘IMMUNITY BUBBLE’ BUT IT BECAME A VIRUS SUPER SPREADER

Peter Diamandis,
-Culver City
  As Southern California last month reeled from a COVID-19 surge that overwhelmed hospitals, bottlenecked ambulance systems and killed thousands, a physician hosted a conference in Culver City. Peter Diamandis, who is also an engineer, executive and scientist, believed he could create an “immunity bubble” and safely host a scaled-down version of his pricey annual tech conference. Instead, the conference became a superspreader event that infected 24 people, including Diamandis, with the novel coronavirus. “I thought creating a COVID ‘immunity bubble’ for a small group in a TV studio setting was possible,” Diamandis, 59, wrote in a blog post last week. “I was wrong.”

*PLAYA – NEWS: MAN PARALYZED IN 2020 KNIFE ATTACK SUES CULVER CITY HOTEL

California-based – Gomez Trial Attorneys, today announced the filing of a major lawsuit against Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. and its Culver-City based Double Tree by Hilton Hotel. The lawsuit arises out of a September 19, 2020 knife attack in the hotel’s lobby area. On that date, a non-hotel guest wearing a hoodie entered the hotel’s lobby and began threatening and confronting guests. Hotel employees hid rather than effectively summon security or the police. Some time later, the assailant confronted and then violently stabbed 24-year-old John Doe, rendering him quadriplegic. The assailant then escaped and remains at large.

“Hilton failed miserably to keep its guests and others safe that night,” states lead attorney John Gomez. “September 19 wasn’t the first time that criminals visited that hotel and Hilton knew full well that an effective and consistent security presence was absolutely necessary to protect guests and the public.” The complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Hilton and others were negligent in failing to provide security which would have prevented the attack and John Doe’s terrible injuries.

*PLAYA – NEWS: COUPLE DINING AT CULVER CITY SUSHI RESTAURANT ROBBED AT GUNPOINT IN LATEST SUCH INCIDENT IN AREA

A Valentine’s Day dinner took a turn for the worse when a couple dining at a Culver City sushi restaurant were robbed at gunpoint, the four such incident to occur in the area the past month. According to the Culver City Police Department (CCPD), on February 14, around 8:38 p.m., dispatchers received a call for service of an armed robbery that had just occurred at California Roll and Sushi, 6251 Bristol Parkway in the Fox Hills area. Police say the victim reported that he was sitting outside of the business with his wife when he was approached by two suspects. One of the suspects pointed a black handgun at both victims and demanded their property. “In fear for their life, one of the victims handed Suspect 1 his personal property. Suspect 1 and Suspect 2 then ran away and entered a waiting SUV that was being driven by Suspect 3,” CCPD said.

According to police, the vehicle–a light colored SUV–then fled northbound through the parking lot and then westbound on Green Valley Circle and out of sight. CCPD says all three suspects were Black men. Suspects 1 and 2 are described as around 20-years-old, thin build. There is no further description of suspect 3, the driver. This is the fourth armed or violent robbery to take place in the Fox Hills area the past month. On February 7 a woman was violently robbed while walking on Green Valley Circle. In January a man was robbed at gunpoint at a bus stop on Green Valley Circle and also in January a woman was the victim of an armed car-jacking on Bristol Parkway.

*PLAYA – NEWS: PLAYA VISTA LOCAL A CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM

A Playa Vista student is in the running for the distinguished 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Tyler Weigand of Harvard-Westlake School is a candidate for the program. The program was established by an executive order from former President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, according to a news release from the U.S. Presidential Scholars Office. It recognizes accomplished high school seniors for their efforts. Students are variously honored for their accomplishments in the arts, career and technical fields, and more broadly, academic achievement. Panelists will review applications from the 4,500 candidates in early April and select 600 semifinalists. Finalists will be named in May. Up to 161 students are named as U.S. Presidential Scholars each year. More than 7,500 U.S. Presidential Scholars have been recognized since the program’s inception.

*PLAYA – NEWS: MARINA DEL REY SHERIFF’S STATION DEPUTIES TRAINING FOR BODYCAMS

– Marina del Rey Sheriff Department

Sheriff’s deputies at the Marina del Rey station are training to wear body cameras, Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Tuesday during a live stream community meeting. The move comes as deputies at different stations across Los Angeles County begin wearing body cameras in the field. Deputies from the Century, Lancaster, Lakewood, Industry and West Hollywood stations were among the first to train and wear the technology back in October, NBC reports. Deputies who tamper with the body cameras could face serious consequences, Villanueva said.

“The consequences are pretty severe because they’re obstructing, falsifying or destroying otherwise what would be an official document and a record of their job,” Villanueva said. “There’s very specific rules they have to follow. Of course, it’s a new technology so there’s a grace period of 90 days where they’re working into the system. We’re doing audits to make sure that they’re deploying and using the cameras the way it is intended.” Deputies will record traffic stops and interactions with the public, he said. At the audit, they will measure how successful the body camera deployment has been.

“For failure to do that, there’s a one-minute buffer window where they can activate the camera, even if they miss it right when it’s going to happen it has one minute of data on it — not audio but video data — on it that can be recalled and successfully saved. So, we’re expecting people to use the system the way it’s intended.” The department is teaching also supervisors, desk personnel to remind deputies to turn their body cameras on, he said.

“We’ll hold them accountable based on the evidence we have when we do an investigation,” Villanueva said. “We’re at the beginning stage of this process and I think people are embracing the technology pretty well and it’s becoming more universally excepted now, and it’s more to the benefit of deputies doing their work when their credibility is called into question to have the documentation.” Sheriff’s deputies in Marina del Rey are responsible for about 75 miles of coastline in the marina, harbor and Santa Monica Bay, Sheriff’s Capt. Chris Johnson of the Marina del Rey Station said.

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET ARTHUR

Arthur has been living and working in Playa Del Rey since February 2016.

*PLAYA – EATS:


The Salmon and asparagus plate at Urban’s Plates.

 *PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET TONI
YES AND NO INTERVIEW

Toni has been living in Playa Vista since June 2018

1. Prefers dating older men: YES
2. Allergic to Strawberries: YES
3. Gets a flu shot every year: YES
4. Loves Classical music: YES
5. Plays the flute: YES
6. Is Vegan: NO
7. Is Bi-Sexual: NO
8. Eats at McDonald’s: YES
9. Thinks the tuna at Subway is fake: YES

*PLAYA — HISTORY:

– Culver CityMGM Studios Backlot, 1951

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET MARGIE

Margie Arbizo, founder of Martina’s Hot Sauce– Playa Vista

It is a fermented hot sauce and is really good for you. Margie did it to make something with not a lot of preservatives or added sugar. 
Visit: https://www.martinashotsauce.com/

*PLAYA – SEE IT: MOVING FORWARD – CULVER CITY ACCEPTS MOBILITY LANE PROJECT

Culver City’s transportation department will begin the implementation of a bike and bus mobility lane project that will connect the Culver City metro station and Arts District to Downtown Culver City. The plan comes in response to a call from council in May to develop a “bold plan to implement bus and bike mobility lanes now,” and was formulated with support from urban planning firms Sam Schwartz and StreetPlans alongside significant input from community members. The decision was made following an hour long presentation on the project at the Feb. 1 Culver City council meeting,.

This undertaking will only affect the structure of the streets, and will have no effect on the sidewalks. The space on streets will be redistributed to accommodate for a bus lane and a separate bike lane to encourage mobility in the city while attempting to alleviate traffic congestion. This project required a great deal of input from the community, so outreach was done in several stages. Following the launching of their website landing page — moveculvercity.com — on Oct. 22, the project was discussed at meetings of three different commissions before the full website was launched on Oct 30.

The city used both digital and traditional advertising, documenting over 40,000 hits from Nov. to Jan. Almost 25,000 of those views came from social media, including 11,805 from Facebook and 10,837 from Twitter. The project has been through four different designs, and 11 project guidelines were created with community input and adhered to throughout the process. These guidelines were presented to council at the Feb.1 meeting, and are the following:

1. Downtown to E Line project boundary
2. Utilize quick-build approach
3. Stay within physical boundaries of the Right-of-Way
4. Maintain existing auto access and one general purpose lane
5. Stick to particular Design Typologies
6. Bus Stop improvements
7. Utilize Tactical Materials
8. Implement Public Art components
9. Continuity of Bus Lanes in the Corridor
10. Continuity of Bike Facilities
11. Implement new circular bus service
12. While many of these principles are self-explanatory, several of them did require additional explanation from project manager Diana Chen. First, the idea of a quick build approach and use of ‘tactical materials’ are very similar, each pointing to the use of effective short term, low cost material to implement these changes.

This includes the use of painted lanes, temporary signs, planters, curb stops, traffic tape, and other materials that are temporary and easy to implement, yet clear and effective. For guideline eight, paint will be a main feature in the public art components for this project.

*PLAYA  – PEOPLE: MEET ABBY

Abby has been living in Playa Vista since February 2018

*PLAYA – VIDEO: SPF ARCHITECT MAKES A SPLASH WITH CORRUGATED METAL AT PLAYA VISTA’S WE3 TECH CAMPUS


Designed by Zoltan E. Pali, FAIA, and his Los Angeles-based firm SPF:a, WE3 is a six-story creative workspace in the commercially robust area of Playa Vista, California, colloquially referred to as “Silicon Beach.” It is the third and final building in a pre-existing commercial campus, Water’s Edge, that boasts 160,000 square feet horizontally expressed along the western edge of the site. The building was designed for a range of tech clients and companies joining the creative complex across a 6.5-acre plot.

WATCH HERE

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET CANDACE:

Candance has been living and working in Culver City since August 2017.   *PLAYA – BULLETIN BOARD:   1. ***”I can comfortably refer, after years of searching, LA’s best physical therapist: Shannon Collins in Santa Monica  https://www.yelp.com/biz/peak-performance-santa-monica.” – Harvey D., Marina Del Rey.   2. ***”Is Santa Monica becoming  the new San Francisco? Every day I read about more and more crime and decay in the once great city. I remember when it was a great place.” – Lydia G., Marina Del Rey.   3. ***Stolen Truck. My son’s truck 2000 GMC 2500 was stolen yesterday 02/14/2011 from in front of the house. —– Melissa Martinez, Playa Vista.   4. ***Get all sides of the story with vital, fearlessly independent coverage from the LBN Examiner. From breaking news to trusted analysis, let our world-leading unbiased news and information help you understand the impact of today’s most important stories. Sign up for free (if you’ve got the guts): www.LBNExaminer.com .   5. ***Big dark gray cat runs over by cars on Jefferson and Nesmer. Tonight around 6:20 pm I witnessed a cat run over by a car. At first, I thought it was some piece of clothing left on the road but when I saw a car running over it I realized it was a cat that jumped off the ground. It was so hard for me to see that the car didn’t even stop to take a look at the poor agonizing cat:( —– Gisella Alietti, Culver City.   6. ***The P.R. Revolution is underway. Witness here: www.PRPrime.net 7. ***A driver in a stolen white SUV led authorities on a high-speed pursuit that ended in Del Rey.  The vehicle exited at a cul-de-sac and was running through a grassy area just north of the Marina (90) Freeway. The suspect was taken into custody. Of course, given the sick justice system, we are currently operating with the scumbag will be out in a matter of hours to do the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. ——- Clarence T., Playa Vista. 8. ***A man is known by the company he keeps. A company is known by the men it keeps. —- Lois B., Marina Del Rey.   9. ***Only a sadistic, depraved person could perpetrate a crime like the one politicians have done to our once-great city of L.A. —- Taylor Bowles, Marina Del Rey   10. ***Vaccine. Just to let you know went to the Forum for a second shot in at 9 out by 10:05 including 15 min waiting time. —– Carolyn Clites, Playa Vista. 11. ***The catalytic converter was stolen. I live in the 11900 block of Wagner St, and last night my catalytic converter was stolen. I didn’t hear anything and my dog who is very sensitive to intruders (people walking by on the sidewalk) didn’t bark. I was surprised that it was done so quietly. Just info out there for others to take warning! It’s a $4,600 fix which I’m not going to do! —– Clare Sassoon, Culver City. 12. ***Councilman Mike Bonin has let down his voters, area residents, businesses, and the homeless down! —– Rob Franz, Westchester 13. ***Vice President Kamala Harris returned to her Brentwood home for her first extended visit in about a year — and her first as vice president — taking a three-day personal weekend to handle chores, including packing belongings. I wonder if she will get a chance to see what a disgrace her Brentwood community has become with Homeless tents everything. —– Jose V., Culver City.    14. ******Best Electrician in Area: Mike Packham, winner, 2020 “Best Electrician” – Best of Los Angeles Award. Bonded and insured. Call 310-430-4174. 15. ***”The overpriced pastries at Starbucks taste like cardboard and I am being kind.” – Molly S., Playa Vista. WANTED: Entry Level Photographer for new, popular Los Angeles Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BestofLosAngelesAward/?ref=bookmarks). Develop your craft while reaching an audience of 7,300 members throughout Southern California. Freelance, flexible hours schedule. Work at your convenience. No pay, but great knowledge and opportunity and promotion in Los Angeles. Send contact details including phone number to: Aurora411@TimeWire.net Playa Vista People Disclaimer: 1.) Playa Vista People accepts no liability for the content of this email, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. Playa Vista People is not associated with any commercial or political organization and is transmitted via the web for the sole benefit of its subscribers. 2.) Unfortunately, computer viruses can be transmitted via email. The recipient should check this mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses.

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET GABBY: NOW YOU KNOW…

Gabby has been living and working in Marina Del Rey since July 2018

Now You Know….

• Loves fencing
• Loves ballet
• Loves opera
• Hates fast cars
• Puts salt on almost all food including eggs
• Sleeps naked
• Has scented candles in every room
• Love old TV shows from the ’60s
• Hates Halloween

*PLAYA – NEWS: BRIGHTER SMILES AHEAD – SMILEBUS HEADS TO CULVER CITY

SmileDirectClub CEO, David Katzman

SmileDirectClub will bring the SmileBus to Culver City Tuesday, offering complimentary and convenient teeth cleaning. The oral care company offers a telehealth platform for teeth straightening and brings its SmileBus to different cities across California. You can make an appointment in Culver City through 6 p.m. Tuesday at Westfield Culver City, 6150 Slauson Ave. and get a 3D scan of your smile, along with a complimentary whitening.

If you sign up, within 72 hours of your visit, one of the affiliated dentists or orthodontists will evaluate your information and, if you are a good candidate for treatment using our platform, you will receive a customized, doctor-prescribed treatment plan just for you, according to the company. And if you approve, the company will ship your entire set of aligners right to your door. “SmileDirectClub’s mission is to empower everyone through the transformation of a confident smile,” the company said in a news release. “Take on tomorrow and every day after that with a smile that has you feeling like a boss.”

Book your appointment Tuesday at the SmileBus in Culver City.

*PLAYA – NEWS: CULVER CITY POLICE CHIEF SHARES MESSAGE ON ‘REFOCUSED POLICING’

Culver City Police Chief Manny Cid
– Culver City

Culver City Police Chief Manny Cid released a message Wednesday about the department’s efforts on “refocused policing,” emphasizing the department’s move to address community concerns that low-level crimes disproportionately impact Black and Latino people.

In December 2020, 20 Latino people and nine Black people were arrested and taken into custody during traffic stops, according to department records. Three white people were arrested and taken into custody and two others, defined as Pacific Islander or Middle Eastern, were taken into custody following traffic stops in December.

The department is now changing its approach. Cid released the following message:

During the second half of 2020, the Culver City Police Department put in place four initiatives to help improve our service and overall effectiveness to the Culver City Community:

• Reimagining Patrol Deployment and Policing Approach
• Improving Data Collection, Reporting, and Transparency Measures
• Increased Mental Health Resources
• Partnerships to Advance Youth

*PLAYA – NEWS: MARINA DRIVE IN FEATURING UP

Watch movies by the sea and safely in your car at the new Marina Drive-In pop-up cinema featuring Disney/Pixar’s Up (PG). Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Moviegoers are encouraged to buy take-out from local restaurants or bring their own food to enjoy.

Featured shows include a variety of old-school, classic and new films for moviegoers of all ages.  Tickets are $20 per vehicle and must be pre-purchased online. The Marina Drive-In is located at Parking Lot #2 at 13477 Fiji Way (same parking lot as the Public Boat Launch).
  Fri, Feb 19, 2021 at 6:30 PM
Address: 13477 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292
More info: https://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/marina-drive-in-movies
*PLAYA – NEWS: HOW TO PREVENT CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS IN MARINA DEL REY

Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Station Capt. Joseph Stephen, and sheriff’s

Catalytic converter thefts can take about 60 seconds — and that’s it. Sheriff’s deputies from the Marina del Rey Station are sharing tips on how to prevent these common thefts with some simple suggestions and recommendations.

Here’s what you can do:

• Park in a protected garage. If you don’t have secure garage parking, then park somewhere that’s easily viewed by others.
• Park near well-lit areas.
• Try to park near security cameras.
• Install motion-sensor lights on your driveway or parking area.
• Etch your car’s VIN or license plate number on the converter to make it easier to identify potential suspects in the future.

Catalytic converters are an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas. They contain valuable metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. People steal these devices and sell them. In the past, SUVs and trucks have been targeted in catalytic converter thefts, officials said.

Recently, Toyota Prius have been targeted because they are light and it can be easier to lift them with a car jack, deputies said. It can cost anywhere from $500 to $4,000 to replace a catalytic converter depending on the vehicle.

*PLAYA – NEWS: MAGNITE MAKES $1.2 BILLION AD TECH ACQUISITION

Magnite Inc. President and CEO Michael Barrett,
– Playa Vista

Magnite Inc., a Playa Vista-based advertising technology company, has announced plans to acquire video advertising platform SpotX from European media company RTL Group for $1.17 billion in cash and stock.  The acquisition, announced Feb. 5, consists of $560 million in cash and 14 million shares of Magnite stock, according to the companies.
 
Magnite operates a sell-side advertising platform, meaning that it helps websites, mobile apps and connected TV, or CTV, channels sell advertising space on their content. The company is a relatively new entity created last year in a merger between Playa Vista-based advertising technology company Rubicon Project Inc. and New York-based Telaria Inc.  According to Magnite, its latest purchase will create “the largest independent CTV and video advertising platform in the programmatic marketplace.” Programmatic advertising is the automated buying and selling of advertising on digital platforms. It uses computer algorithms to price and auction advertising space based on factors such as viewership.
 
The SpotX purchase is part of a push by Magnite to strengthen its position in the CTV advertising market. That segment has been a bright spot in the advertising industry over the last year, remaining strong throughout Covid lockdowns as other advertising budgets have dwindled. “Sellers have been looking for a scaled independent alternative to the giant companies who dominate the CTV marketplace,” Magnite President and Chief Executive Michael Barrett said in a statement.
 
“The combination of Magnite and SpotX will make this a reality by bringing together the best CTV technologies and teams at a critical time,” Barrett said. “Ad-supported CTV is just beginning to draw budgets from linear TV and we will be well-positioned to participate in the strongest segment of industry growth for the foreseeable future.” Mike Shehan, co-founder and chief executive of SpotX added, ““As CTV flourishes and the media industry continues to turn to programmatic, there is a huge opportunity for an independent scaled company to offer the single most comprehensive technology in the market.” Magnite’s stock closed up more than 26% to $54.95 on the day of the announcement.

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET MILKSHAKE

Milkshake has lived in Culver City since September 2018

*PLAYA – READER COMMENT:

“I thoroughly enjoy your spirited Playa Vista People digital magazine each week. Cool people, cool area. Thank you.” —– Oliva H., Culver City

*PLAYA – INTERVIEW: YES/NO WITH CARRIE

Carrie has been living in Westchester since August 2017.

YES OR NO INTERVIEW………..

• Wants to be a stand-up comedian: NO
• Has a crush on Sarah Silverman: YES
• Working on a documentary on the history of bi-sexuality: YES
• Loves pizza: NO
• Loves hot dogs: NO
• Takes 10 vitamins a day: YES
• Sleeps only 5 hours a night: YES
• Hates camping: NO
• Loves tuna-fish: NO

*PLAYA – MONTHLY COLUMN:
DO YOU WANT TO WRITE A MONTHLY COLUMN?

Our popular weekly digital magazine, Playa Vista People (www.PlayaVistaPeople.com) is looking for regular monthly columnists for its publication.

We desire smart, intriguing, bold voices in our area to write a 200-word column once a month for Playa Vista People on any subject that interests you as long as it involves our area and community (Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Culver City, Playa del Rey, Westchester).

• Dining
• Charity
• Events
• People
• Business
• Music
• Sports & more

Your words will reach approximately 25,000 influential people in our community Please let us know if it’s something you’re interested in by contacting us @

PlayaVistaPeople@TimeWire.net

*PLAYA — VIDEO: 

A brief walking tour of a beautiful street in Playa Vista on Martin Luther King Day

WATCH HERE

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET KENNETH:

Kenneth has been living and working in Playa Vista since April, 2015

Now You Know …

• Has been working in advertising since age 19.
• Loves green beans.
• Hates Mexican food.
• Excellent ice skater.
• Plays the guitar.
• Loves sail boating.
• Never been fishing.
• Plays chess not checkers
• Smokes a pipe occasionally.

*PLAYA–BULLETIN BOARD:

1.*** “The medical forms you have to fill out at Exer Urgent Care in Playa Vista are so stupid and bureaucratic. You fill out your name on the front and then you have to fill your name on the back even though you are an existing patient and signed the forms before. Who runs this place? The DMV?” – Olivia G., Playa Vista

2. ***”Have you considered See’s Candies for Spring BUSINESS GIFTS? Purchases $500+ receive FREE shipping and up to 30% discount-the more you purchase, the more you save! We also offer a virtual, contact free FUNDRAISER option for these pandemic times! Easter candy ships 2/22/2021-3/19/2021.
Email for more information: sfreeman@sees.com.

3. ***Person looking into cars. I approached a person who was looking into cars around 7:15 pm on Ramsgate. Tall thin white male 5’10, black pants and trench coat with a red tee-shirt. I followed him for some time until he turned and headed toward 79th St. Careful if you decide to walk tonight. —– Bill Dominquez, Westchester.

4. ***Truck Stolen. My husband had his truck stolen from in front of our house last night. He had all of his work tools locked in the back. He is a contractor. We are located on Campion. This was a huge loss.  —– Margie Sofer, Westchester

5. ***Hockey is a sport. Fighting is a sport. Hockey is the only sport that allows you to take a break and play another sport in the middle of a game. —- Cal T., Playa Del Rey

6. ***Hello I have been to a few dog parks but my dog recently was attacked (he’s okay) … I keep noticing aggressive dogs in the parks I have been to. I have a husky who plays a little rough but wouldn’t hurt anything or anything. He loves the parks and is a way for him to burn energy off. —- Rachel Duffy, Westchester.

7. ***Be careful out there. I’ve been following the Spot Crime app. for years. It is only fairly recently that assaults were reported, and then these reports were rare. Take a look at today’s report. Two of these “assaults” may have involved gunshot wounds. These were reported in the Citizen App. One was in the CVS parking lot in Venice, where a cyclist had numerous gunshot wounds to his leg. The other was in Santa Monica, near Lincoln and Ash, also someone who was shot. I post this only, with sadness and alarm, to make those who are unaware of what is going on in our neighborhoods realize how serious the situation is. —- Elizabeth Weinberger, Del Rey.

8. ***I don’t know one person, not one, who still reads the L.A. Times. —— Gary A., Playa Vista.

9. ***I have fond memories of my childhood home, but I would never trade Playa Vista city life to go back to the boondocks.

— Ashley W., Playa Vista.

10. ***Your “Yes or No” interviews are weird but fun! —– Walt V., Culver City

11. ***Hello Neighbors. There is a young, non-neutered orange male cat that has been hanging out in our backyard space. He howls a lot and also harasses the neighbor’s cat much. He entered my space one night, a few weeks ago … when I picked him up to put him out, he clawed me in the face. I still have a scar. Then tonight, he was lying on a backyard couch. When I prompted him to leave, he clawed me in five different areas on my right hand and arm. Cat scratches and bites are serious, and can easily become infected. I am a veterinarian. Whoever owns this cat needs to keep him inside immediately. If I see him around the house again, I will call animal control. —- Samala Van Hoomissen, Culver City

WANTED: Entry Level Photographer for new, popular Los Angeles Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BestofLosAngelesAward/?ref=bookmarks). Develop your craft while reaching an audience of 7,300 members throughout Southern California. Freelance, flexible hours schedule. Work at your convenience. No pay, but great knowledge and opportunity and promotion in Los Angeles. Send contact details including phone number to: Aurora411@TimeWire.net

Playa Vista People Disclaimer: 1.) Playa Vista People accepts no liability for the content of this email, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. Playa Vista People is not associated with any commercial or political organization and is transmitted via the web for the sole benefit of its subscribers. 2.) Unfortunately, computer viruses can be transmitted via email. The recipient should check this mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses.

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET DESTINY: NOW YOU KNOW…

Destiny has lived in Westchester since April 2011

Now you know…

1. Sucks at math.
2. Loves poetry.
3. Favorite singer – Van Morrison.
4. Gives a great foot massage.
5. Loves pickles.
6. Friends think she is a bad-ass.
7. Loves Reality TV.
8. Mother died when she was 10.
9. Carries no cash.

*PLAYA – NEWS: CVS TO START GIVING CORONAVIRUS VACCINES NEAR MARINA DEL REY

CVS Health President and Chief Executive Officer, Karen S. Lynch

The Pharmacy giant CVS will begin vaccinating Los Angeles residents against the coronavirus as early as next week. One confirmed location will be the CVS in Playa Vista. The announcement represents a major step in the effort to vaccinate as many people as possible in the hard-hit Los Angeles region, but the supply shortage will remain a hurdle for the effort. Approximately 81,900 total doses are on “limited rollout” to CVS, sourced directly from the federal pharmacy partnership program. CVS will follow the state eligibility rules in setting appointments, starting Feb. 9, and will begin vaccinations on Feb. 11, they reported Tuesday.

In Los County, CVS Pharmacies vaccination clinics will be located in three Los Angeles locations, West Covina, Playa Vista, Norwalk, Granada Hills and Agoura Hills. Elsewhere in California, residents can find vaccines at CVS Pharmacies in Orange County, Bakersfield, Carmel, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Clovis, Eureka, La Jolla, Los Angeles, Modesto, Monterey, San Diego, San Francisco, Sonoma, Sunnyvale, Ventura, and Yuba City. More local locations will be made available as the chain is allotted more doses, a spokesperson says.

“One of our greatest strengths as a company is our presence in communities across the country, which makes us an ideal partner for administering vaccines in a safe, convenient, and familiar manner,” said CVS Health President and Chief Executive Officer Karen S. Lynch. “We continue to be grateful for the commitment of our frontline colleagues whose dedication has allowed us to deliver care and peace of mind throughout the pandemic.” To get the shot, patients must register in advance at CVS.com or through the CVS Pharmacy app on or after Feb. 9. People without online access can contact CVS customer service: (800) 746-7287. Walk-in vaccinations without an appointment will not be provided. CVS already has played a significant role in vaccinating California’s most vulnerable by vaccinating residents and staff at more than 15,000 long-term care facilities.
*PLAYA – NEWS: MARINA DEL REY TRADER JOE’S WORKERS TO GET HAZARD PAY RAISE

– Marina del Rey

Trader Joe’s is raising its workers’ pay by an additional $2 an hour during the coronavirus pandemic, as Los Angeles weighs an ordinance that would mandate an extra $5 an hour for many workers at large grocery stores and pharmacies. The pay bump will bring hazard pay up by $4 an hour for Marina del Rey Trader Joe’s workers. The raise follows a similar $2-an-hour bump that the Monrovia-based company began offering last year.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Trader Joe’s has provided all hourly crew members with an additional $2/hr `thank you’ wage, in recognition of the outstanding, inspiring work they do every day, in our stores and communities,” the company announced on its website. Effective Feb. 1, “the `thank you’ premium for all hourly, non- management crew members, was increased by $2, for a total of $4 an hour. Moreover, during this time, we have offered crew members a few additional ways to qualify for and maintain health insurance. We want crew members to have the opportunity to take extended time off without repercussions to their benefits.”

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to move forward with a proposed emergency ordinance that would require grocery and pharmacy retailers with 300 or more employees nationally and 10 or more employees on site to add the $5 hazard pay to all hourly, non-managerial employees’ wages for 120 days. The council directed the city attorney to prepare the ordinance and the chief legislative analyst to report on potential economic impacts of the measure and potential legal challenges.

*PLAYA – NEWS: TIKTOK WILL HAVE UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP’S ENTIRE ARTIST CATALOG

– Culver City

Santa Monica-based Universal Music Group and TikTok are getting in sync with a joint licensing agreement announced Monday, adding even more music to the growing platform. UMG and TikTok, the video app with offices in Culver City, reached an agreement that company officials on both sides said is designed to enhance their existing relationship and benefit musicians. Users will now have access to UMG artists’ work and the label’s full catalog. It’s a big move for the app and the format of these real, short videos that focus on community-building, creativity and new music discovery for loyal users, TikTok said in a news release.

The deal, they said in a joint statement, “delivers equitable compensation for recording artists and songwriters” and will be used to help promote “the development of new innovative experiences and the ability to forge deeper bonds between fans and the artists and music they love.” The agreement covers recorded music from artists at UMG’s labels and songwriters with Universal Music Publishing Group. Universal Music Group recently removed its entire music library from video app Triller, a TikTok competitor, alleging Triller withheld payments to the music giant’s artists. Triller officials have denied those claims.

“UMG and TikTok will now work more closely than ever to promote ambitious experimentation, innovation and collaboration — with the shared objective of developing new music experiences and features,” said Michael Nash, executive vice president of Digital Strategy at UMG. “Driving new and deeper connections with fans, this agreement delivers equitable compensation to our recording artists and songwriters, as well as a commitment to develop industry-leading tools, A&R (artists and repertoire) insights and models necessary to advance their careers,” he said.

TikTok pledged to experiment with new features that will allow its users to incorporate clips from UMG’s entire catalog of music. “We are excited to enter this new era with UMG and UMPG to continue supporting artists and songwriters, by working together to help reach music fans on TikTok,” TikTok Global Head of Music Ole Obermann said. “Our platform has been a driver in creating chart hits, and licensing the world’s biggest catalog of tracks will continue to inspire our community,” Obermann said. “In turn, we are proud to partner with UMG and UMPG to be a source to help new talent emerge and to re-introduce legacy acts to a new audience.

*PLAYA – NEWS: CBRE ACQUIRES LA-BASED ADVISORY FIRM, BEEZLEY

– Playa Vista

CBRE has announced that it acquired Beezley Management, a Los Angeles-based construction management and advisory firm. Beezley focuses on real estate for sectors including hospitality, entertainment, sports, tech, education and health care. The firm’s projects include a training facility for the National Basketball Association’s L.A. Clippers in Playa Vista; earthquake renovation for L.A. Memorial Coliseum; and L.A. Valley College’s Monarch Stadium and Track & Field Complex. CBRE declined to share terms of the acquisition.

Jonathan Levy, Beezley’s principal and founder, will take on a senior leadership role with CBRE’s project management business in the Pacific Southwest, the brokerage said. Further, Beezley’s 25 professionals will join CBRE’s project management team. Beezley was founded in 1997 in the city of Calabasas. The firm’s portfolio also includes such projects as an 83,000-square-foot, mixed-use retail center on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, and the student bookstore at Los Angeles Pierce College. Sean Conry, senior managing director of project management for CBRE, said the acquisition strengthens the brokerage’s project consulting capabilities in Southern California.
*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET LONNIE:

Lonnie loves laughing in Playa del Rey.

*PLAYA – IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
MARINA DEL REY OFFERS DRIVE-IN MOVIE SERIES IN FEBRUARY

Offers Drive-In Movie Series in February Marina del Rey Offers Drive-In Movie Series in February   Marina del Rey Offers Drive-In Movie Series in February Marina del Rey Offers Drive-In Movie Series in February

A pair of romantic comedies bookend a drama about one of history’s greatest rock stars starting next week, during Marina del Rey’s Marina Drive-In movie series. The first screenings start on Friday, February 12, with Rob Reiner’s 1987 classic, The Princess Bride, followed by 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody on February 13, and 2004’s The Notebook on Valentine’s Day, February 14. The drive-in movie nights are a spiritual successor to the popular Marina Movie Nights and annual summer concert series, all of which were canceled due to the COVID pandemic.

“So we thought that at drive-in would be a good way of still bringing the community together, but separately and safely,” said Nicole Mooradian, a spokesperson for L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors. DBH is sponsoring the event alongside the Marina del Rey Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We’re giving people an opportunity to get out of the house and go to a movie.”

The February screenings are a kind of pilot program, Mooradian said. If it’s successful, similar drive-in screenings could be added throughout the year. Screenings then continue every Friday and Saturday through the end of the month, at 6:30 p.m each night. Tickets are $20, plus a service charge, and must be bought online at MDRmovies.com. Tickets must be bought online in advance — no drive-up tickets will be offered. Food will be offered on-site but must be purchased ahead of time. Food orders can be made during ticket check-out.

*PLAYA – YES/NO INTERVIEW: MEET MINDI

Mindi has lived and worked in Playa Vista since January 2016  

1. Knows how to ride a motorcycle: YES
2. Loves Japanese food: YES
3. Love belly dancing: YES
4. Cuts her own hair: NO
5. Thinks wearing wigs are sexy: YES
6. Refuses to eat at Subway: YES
7. Stopped drinking beer three years ago: YES
8. First got drunk at age 16: YES
9. Studied Latin: YES

*PLAYA — SEE IT: GORGEOUS VIEW OF
MARINA DEL REY


Eric Geffner captured this gorgeous, sunny view of Marina del Rey.

*PLAYA – EATS: CHICKEN POP-UP COMING TO CULVER CITY-AREA

A chicken wing pop-up, from the family of Little Kingston Jamaican Restaurant, is coming to the Culver City-area. As reported by What Now Los Angeles Crenshaw’s Chicken Spot will be coming to two local locations: the intersection of Crenshaw Blvd. and Stocker St. on weekdays and at the Crenshaw Farmer’s Market in Leimert Park on weekends. The operation will be helmed by Erin Crenshaw (who also grew up in Crenshaw), who used to cook at her parents’ restaurant Little Kingston Jamaican Restaurant. According to Crenshaw, to begin with, the restaurant will offer just buffalo, barbecue and jerk wings and french fries. For more information,

*PLAYA VISTA PETS – MEET HARLOW:

• Age: 10 months on 1/30
• Breed: Short Haired Tortie
• Gender: Female
• Likes: lounging in her cat tree, watching YouTube videos of birds, playing in empty Amazon boxes,  a good close-up (looking into the pet cam at night; see photo above), putting her face in the humidifier steam, the weekends (because that means she gets even MORE attention!)
• Dislikes: the sound of the AC unit, when her dad yells at the TV while watching soccer, when her mom sings to her in a weird voice
• Latest obsession: pulling her mom’s charger out of her laptop while she’s working
• Was adopted from: spcaLA Long Beach
• Her wish: For everyone to consider adopting a pet during this time!

There are tons of animals that are in need of a good home/family right now – especially during Covid because their owners passed away or just can’t take care of them anymore now that we’re staying home. Not only will these animals’ lives change for the better, but so will yours – having Harlow has made each day so much more fulfilling during these challenging times

spcaLA was great and the staff was so kind, communicative, and professional – they have both a South Bay and Long Beach location. While I personally had a great experience with this organization, there are tons of others in the area that are awesome as well. Adopt!

*PLAYA – URBAN PLATES:

Planning #valentinesday is hard enough without a pandemic on top of it. Let’s all help each other out, shall we? Drop your 2021 Valentine’s Day suggestions in the comments, and we’ll randomly select a winner next week for a complimentary #vday dinner for two!

You can pre-order our Valentine’s Day at Home 3-Course Dinner for 2 until Feb 11th. It includes a choice of two starters, two entrees, and two desserts – add a bottle of wine for just $20. Available for takeout only 2/12-2/14.

https://urbanplates.com/valentines-day/

Urban Plates – Playa Vista
12746-3 W. Jefferson Blvd
Playa Vista, CA 90094
P: (424) 256-7274
urbanplates.com

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET HAILEY:

Hailey has been living and working in Playa Vista since August 2017.

*PLAYA – BULLETIN BOARD:

 1.*** Dog waste does not go in the green trash can. The green trash can is for grass, tree branches, plants, etc… This kind of recyclables is turned into composing. If dog waste is mixed in with the green recyclables, then the entire batch of recyclables is ruined and must be transferred to the garbage landfill. Dog waste should be placed into a biodegradable trash bag and placed in the black can. —- Sharon Mills, Westchester

2. ***Get all sides of the story with vital coverage from the world acclaimed LBN Examiner. From breaking news to trusted analysis, let our world-leading independent (unbiased) news and information service help you understand the impact of today’s most important stories. Comforting the afflicted while afflicting the comfortable. Sign up for free (if you’ve got the guts): www.LBNExaminer.

3. ***What would you do? So back in March, my neighbor, due to Covid, moved his entire machine shop from Inglewood to his home here in Del Rey. He constructed an outdoor fabrication area off the back of his garage in his back yard for metal fabrication. What I thought was a temporary situation has turned into endless days of grinding, welding, air compressors, power machinery, mills, lathes, etc. His entire back yard has turned into storage for old motorcycles and machinery. Is this legal? —– Derek White, Del Rey

4.*** “The once great Main Street in Santa Monica is so deloptated and dead, the whole street could be turned into a morgue and no one would notice.” – Abby J., Marina Del Rey.
  5. ***I placed an order with Truxton’s American Bistro for delivery and didn’t receive any utensils in which I requested. Had to throw food away as I was in a hotel and they didn’t have any utensils on hand. —- Johnathan H., Los Angeles.

6. ***Why are CVS receipts so looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong? Annoying! —– Ashley P. Playa Vista.

7. ***The staff at Yummy’s is about as much use as a condom machine in the Vatican. —– Mary Q., Playa Vista.

8. ***Best area electrician: Electrics by Mike Packham: Mike Packham – Electrician – www.electricsbymike.com .Mike Packham Electric, a local family-run skilled electrician team, provides electrical and lighting need. Winner – “Best of Los Angeles Award – 2020” – Call 310-430-4174.

9. ***Did you know? Did you know that approximately 25,000 of your neighborhoods in *Playa Vista *Marina Del Rey *Culver City *Playa Del Rey *Westchester read Playa Vista People each week?

10. ***I dig your cool, free Bulletin Board. —– Jerome H., Culver City.

11. ***Driving an old car is indicative of being poor, while driving a REALLY old car is indicative of being wealthy. —– Dr. Herschel W., Playa Vista.

12. ***Children behaving badly in Loyola Village around LMU/Altavan Park.  Over the last several months groups of kids from St A’s and Visitation gather almost every day at the little LMU park on Altavan. Many of them ride their bikes around recklessly (no helmets, no masks, cell phones in hand), some ride electric scooters – sometimes 2 kids to a scooter (again no helmets/masks). I’ve now witnessed 2 kids running into cars, 3 fights, and tons of trash being tossed around. Many of these kids have no respect for safety, the environment, and unfortunately their neighbors. Parents where are you, and why is it your kids are so entitled?!?! —- Lynne McCoy, Loyola Village

13. ***Candy’s Meat Market at Robert’s Market. Wow, I just grabbed some Tomahawk Steaks at Candy’s in Robert’s Market. I went to get some of their famous carne asada (they have it seasoned) but when the Candy mam showed me those tomahawk steaks @ $24.99 lbs I had to grab some. This man has been in the meat business for 40 years!! He knows his stuff. On weekends you’ll catch him BBQ in the parking lot, ready to go ribs, sausage, and chicken. Candy’s is bringing QUALITY meats to us in Westchester. —- John Reyes, Westchester.

14. ***Raise your profile. Low cost. High impact. – www.PRPrime.net

15. ***I helped my parents secure appts for their vaccinations, and was wondering if people know of any neighbors who may not be internet or smartphone savvy (or even users). Wondering if there is a group doing this, or if people know someone who needs help. I have some extra time so hopping online to book would be easy to do. Some sites require a good deal of health info as you book, but otherwise, it’s not a ton of info. And with 65+, all they need is their ID and appt QR code. And if anyone is looking for themselves, online, Thursday seemed to show a lot for the upcoming weekend, as well as checking in the afternoon around 4-5 pm, probably when cancellations for the next day roll in. —– Mel Der, Playa Del Rey

Playa Vista People Edited By: Aurora DeRose  

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