2021

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET BEXLEY:

Bexley has been living and working in Marina Del Rey since April 2009

FUN FACT: Won $10,000 in a New Jersey lottery

*PLAYA – NEWS: CHINESE TECH GIANT EXPANDS FOOTPRINT IN PLAYA VISTA

Chinese tech giant Tencent is significantly expanding its footprint in Los Angeles, opening an office in Playa Vista that could house 300 employees. The Shenzhen, China-based developer of games such as “Honor of Kings” previously divided its U.S. division’s L.A. employees across three offices in Santa Monica, Claremont and Century City. The more than 53,000-square-foot Playa Vista office, which opens this week, consolidates the staff into one space. Employees will move into the new building following COVID-19 safety protocols. “Los Angeles is a powerhouse for creativity and innovation, and we are proud to deepen our roots in the community with our long-standing partners in the video game and entertainment industries,” said Brent Irvin, Tencent’s general counsel and president of Tencent America, in a statement. “We see tremendous opportunities to continue to grow our development capabilities and product offerings and to create high-value jobs in Los Angeles.”

Tencent America, the company’s Palo Alto, Calif.-based U.S. division, said it plans to double the size of its 150-person L.A. workforce. Over the next three years, the company says it will hire employees for the new Playa Vista office who work in video game design and development, programming and data engineering. “The neighborhood sits at the intersection of the technology, gaming and entertainment industries and is home to many big tech companies as well as start-ups,” Tencent said in a statement. “There is a diverse and attractive talent pool to draw on.” The Playa Vista facility is located on West Jefferson Boulevard near Facebook’s office. The space includes a fitness center, cafe, production facilities and game rooms. There are also themed spaces that highlight L.A. landmarks such as the Hollywood sign.

Playa Vista has been a popular area for tech companies and is considered part of Silicon Beach — Southern California’s own version of the Silicon Valley. Google in 2018 opened a more than 450,000-square-foot complex at the Spruce Goose hangar; and in 2016 Facebook moved into a larger Playa Vista office. “What makes the location attractive is its proximity to the rest of Silicon Beach, its location near coastal communities, the campus-like configuration of most of the office space, as well as the retail amenities at Playa Vista,” said Ryan Patap, director of market analytics at CoStar, which provides commercial real estate information.

*PLAYA – NEWS: JULY 4 FIREWORKS RETURN TO MARINA DEL REY

Fireworks will be back in Marina del Rey for July 4, organizers to Playa Vista People. The show starts at 9 p.m. July 4 and will run for about 10 minutes. Fireworks will launch from the South Jetty instead of a barge on the channel — where it was launched in previous years. Some of the best viewing spots include:

Anywhere in the marina
Burton Chace Park
Mother’s Beach
Fisherman’s Village
Aubrey Austin Park, along Via Marina, or Marina Peninsula, south of Venice Pier

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET MACKENZIE

Mackenzie eat two (2) bananas a day from Whole Foods in Playa Vista

*PLAYA – NEWS: EYES ON THE STREET – CULVER CITY EXPO BIKE PATH GAP

Streetsblog got a chance to ride the Expo bike path through Culver City recently. As construction is winding down on the Ivy Station transit-oriented development immediately north of the E Line Culver City Station, it is becoming more apparent how the Expo bikeway connects (or mostly doesn’t) through the station area. The Expo Line bikeway parallels the Metro E Line for 12 miles – from USC to Santa Monica. East of La Cienega Boulevard, the Expo bikeway is five miles of on-street bike lanes. West of La Cienega, the path is seven miles of off-street bike/walk path, except for two short gaps. The city of L.A. has plans to complete the path through the Northvale gap in Cheviot Hills. And then there’s a gap at the Culver City station.

This gap is mostly in Culver City, but it is partially in the city of Los Angeles. The Culver/L.A. boundary runs through the middle of Ivy Station; Venice Boulevard is all in the city of Los Angeles. Culver City has generally been a leader in planning for walking, bicycling, transit, and open streets – including pioneering worthwhile new facilities during COVID. There are worthwhile bicycling connections in this area near downtown Culver City, including the Expo bike path connection with the Ballona Creek bike path. The negotiations between Metro’s Expo Construction Authority and Culver City were contentious in regards to teeing up the development that would become Ivy Station.

Unfortunately, Culver City’s treatment of the Expo bike path leaves something to be desired. The path ends, and instead of cyclists having a fairly direct route through the ~0.3-mile gap, they are expected to ride ~0.5-mile on heavily trafficked city streets. The bike path itself is an “8 to 80” facility – great for all ages of riders, including families and the elderly. The dogleg detour through Culver City is unprotected, mostly bike lanes. The lanes go along (and make detoured cyclists cross) four- and six-lane streets. Cyclists are expected to make right and left turns from lanes shared with cars. What is sad is that, even in these spaces – at a light rail station, in the middle of a 7-mile bike path – Culver City and the City of L.A. are prioritizing drivers.

For both Culver City and L.A.:

The current signage wrongly assumes that bicyclists won’t go to the E Line station. There is signage to get cyclists from the eastern part of the bike path to the western part of the bike path, but no signage showing cyclists how to get to the train station. These bike paths serve as first/last mile connections to the station. Add permanent signage to make it clear how cyclists can get to the Culver City E Line station. (Similarly there should be some signage for cyclists arriving by train looking to access the path.)
For the pedestrian area along Ivy Station, assume that bicyclists will use this – including to access the Metro E Line, and to access Ivy Station. Instead of the circle-slash-bike signs I expect will be installed there, how about some kind of shared space notice? Let cyclists know that they are sharing the area with pedestrians. Perhaps some combination of sharrows and slow speed signage would be conducive to the ped/bike space-sharing that will take place there.

*PLAYA – NEWS: AS L.A. REOPENS, CAFES, GYMS, AND RESTAURANTS HOPE OFFICE WORKERS WILL COME BACK

Cafe Ruisseau owner Edward Ackah-Miezah,
– Playa Vista

With California lifting statewide COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday, L.A.’s small businesses are poised to fully reopen. For most businesses, the indoor capacity limits and mask mandates are gone. But does that mean their customers will come back? That’s the big question for many L.A. restaurants, gyms and coffee shops that rely on office workers coming in every day. Office employees have gotten used to working from home during the pandemic. Many would love to ditch their commute permanently. And some companies plan to let them keep working from home full-time. Only about 25% of L.A. area office workers have been keying into their buildings lately, said Eric Willett, director of research at commercial real estate firm CBRE. The loss of foot traffic means “there’s absolutely been an impact … on these ancillary services,” he said.Location, Location, Location.

At Cafe Ruisseau in Playa Vista, barista Daniel Sernas said he’s starting to notice customers trickling in from nearby offices. But business is still nowhere near pre-pandemic levels. “It was pretty slow when we first reopened due to COVID,” Sernas said. “Not a lot of people from the community knew that we were here.” That’s because Cafe Ruisseau isn’t exactly easy to find. It’s tucked away in a business center courtyard, sandwiched between gleaming office buildings and a large concrete parking structure. Cafe owner Edward Ackah-Miezah said when he first moved in five years ago, the location provided plenty of steady customers. “I’d say 85% of the customer base was made up of office workers,” he said. But when COVID-19 struck last year, those customers vanished overnight. Office employees started Zooming into work from their apartments — and brewing their own coffee at home. This pocket of Playa Vista became a ghost town.

Ackah-Miezah had to attract customers from the surrounding community. He put up signs on nearby streets, changed the cafe’s hours and kept it open during weekends. “We’ve really made sure that people know that we’re here,” he said. “We’re a Black-owned business. We’re on different lists of Black-owned coffee shops. So people have been intentional about coming to see us, which has been great.” But sales are still only about one-third of what they used to be. Cafe Ruisseau is one of many small businesses in L.A. that once thrived on catering to office workers. It remains to be seen whether those customers will ever fully come back.

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET MELINDA

Melinda has been working in Playa Vista since August 2019

FUN FACT: Has been skydiving three times.

*PLAYA – LENS:

In time for Father’s Day, actress-producer Abigail Spencer’s County Line Florals flower-delivery service has opened its first retail space at Free Market, a new collective of shops in Playa Vista.

*PLAYA – READER QUESTION:

Should security guards in Playa Vista be watching YouTube videos while they are working?

Send your reply to: PlayaVistaPeople@TimeWire.net

*PLAYA – PEO0PLE INTERVIEW: MEET TOVA

Tova has been living and working in Culver City since January of 2020.

YES OR NO INTERVIEW:

· Do mice really eat cheese? YES
· Is your shoe size 14? NO
· Can you see out the back of your head? NO
· Are Martians really green? YES
· Have elves always live at the North Pole? YES

*PLAYA – PETALS ‘N’ WAX:

Jimmy Steinfeldt Book Signing. Save the date!
Saturday June 19th 2-4pm in person at Petals ‘N’ Wax

INTRODUCTION BY APOLLONIA
The signing will be outdoors at this wonderful store. Everyone who buys a copy of Rock ‘N’ Roll Lens I will take your photograph with my Leica camera and give you a digital copy. Hope to see you there. Next Saturday from 2 pm – 4 pm.

Petals ‘N’ Wax
13432 Maxella Ave
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
310-305-8883 Jimmy https://www.jimmysteinfeldt.com/

*PLAYA – HISTORY:

*PLAYA – SEE IT:

A moment of tranquility and beauty in Playa Del Rey

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET WALT:

Walt has been living in Westchester since December 2009

FUN FACT: Walt is allergic to bananas

*PLAYA – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. *** “If you are thinking of buying a bike in the Playa Vista area, I strongly recommend Bike Attack. Todd the Manager is brilliant. P.S the electric bikes are mega cool.” – Happy Customer, Arland H., Playa Vista

2. ***People glorify all sorts of bravery except the bravery they might show on behalf of their nearest neighbors. —– Devin U., Westchester.

3. ***Homeless sleeps in our car at night. We live in one of these rental apartment buildings in MDR. We have a gated parking structure to park our car inside. Lately. We found out some elder model cars got broken in and taken over by homeless sleeping overnights. Apartment management doesn’t have a camera to catch it nor care. Is there anything we can do to prevent this? They leave such a stinky smell (probably urine and poops) on the seats, a few kinds of stuff got stolen as well. —- Mathilda Wg, Marina Del Rey.

4. ***The dog has supplanted both the spouse and the child to in developed countries and is awkwardly mimicked in countries with a growing bourgeoisie. It’s astonishing how the human family can be replaced by incredibly unintelligent and short-lived animals without anyone giving it a second thought. —- Gloria M., Playa Del Rey.

5.***“It is entirely possible for a fictional character to have more of an impact in reality than a living person. —- Oliva D., Playa Del Rey

6. ***“If we mounted cameras on Ubers or Lyfts we could update Google maps street view every week. —- Jose G., Westchester

7. ***“We figured out how to put a man on the moon before we figured out how to put wheels on luggage. —– Lili Z., Marina Del Rey.

8. ***“Just like children’s cereal, you’d think dog food manufacturers would also include a toy in the bag. —– Pedro P., Playa Del Rey.

9.***“Kids in the future will probably be impressed that some watches don’t need to be charged. —- Rev. Thomas K., Culver City.

10. ***“The voice inside your head never has to stop to take a breath.—- Lisa P., Culver City.

11. ***Radicals in our midst – www.dsa-la.org

12.***People glorify all sorts of bravery except the bravery they might show on behalf of their nearest neighbors. —– Devin U., Westchester.

13. ***Homeless sleeps in our car at night. We live in one of these rental apartment buildings in MDR. We have a gated parking structure to park our car inside. Lately. We found out some elder model cars got broken in and taken over by homeless sleeping overnights. Apartment management doesn’t have a camera to catch it nor care. Is there anything we can do to prevent this? They leave such a stinky smell (probably urine and poops) on the seats, a few kinds of stuff got stolen as well. —- Mathilda Wg, Marina Del Rey.

14. ***The dog has supplanted both the spouse and the child to in developed countries and is awkwardly mimicked in countries with a growing bourgeoisie. It’s astonishing how the human family can be replaced by incredibly unintelligent and short-lived animals without anyone giving it a second thought. —- Gloria M., Playa Del Rey.

15. ***“It is entirely possible for a fictional character to have more of an impact in reality than a living person. —- Oliva D., Playa Del Rey

16. ***“If we mounted cameras on Ubers or Lyfts we could update Google maps street view every week. —- Jose G., Westchester

17. ***“We figured out how to put a man on the moon before we figured out how to put wheels on luggage. —– Lili Z., Marina Del Rey.

18. ***“Just like children’s cereal, you’d think dog food manufacturers would also include a toy in the bag. —– Pedro P., Playa Del Rey.

19. ***“Kids in the future will probably be impressed that some watches don’t need to be charged. —- Rev. Thomas K., Culver City.

20.***“The voice inside your head never has to stop to take a breath.—- Lisa P., Culver City.

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 Vista People 6/10/2021

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET TRISH:

Trish was born and raised in Playa Del Rey

FUN FACT: Drinks milk with dinner

*PLAYA – NEWS: SUMMER DRIVE-IN MOVIES RETURN

You can start planning your fun night out at Marina Drive-In this summer with screenings beginning June 18. The summer series will run through early September and features films every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. at Marina del Rey Lot 2 / Boat Launch, 13477 Fiji Way.

Here are the scheduled 2021 showtimes:

Friday, June 18 at 5 p.m.
Friday, June 18 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 19 at 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 19 at 8 p.m.
Friday, June 25 at 5 p.m.
Friday, June 25 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 26 at 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 26 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20 per car and parking is first-come, first-served. Organizers are still working on the full movie lineup and plan to announce it soon.

Visit the website for your ticket and to learn more.
*PLAYA – NEWS: TENCENT OPENS IN PLAYA VISTA WITH PLANS TO BOLSTER WORKFORCE

Chinese tech giant Tencent will open a Playa Vista office this week. The world’s largest video game publisher aims to consolidate its Los Angeles footprint into a nearby 53,000-square-foot office space to accommodate 300 employees, doubling existing employees in the region. Tencent’s new space is part of Rockwood Capital. Playa Jefferson, 12777 W. A five-building complex on Jefferson Boulevard.

According to Avison Young, the company’s US division, Tencent America, is headquartered in Palo Alto and initially leased space at the end of 2019. The office has a gym, cafe, production facility and game room. The Times will move employees according to the Covid-19 Safety Protocol. Playa Vista is popular with tech and production companies and is part of the larger “Silicon Beach” area, including Santa Monica, Venice, and the surrounding area.

Google Open A 319,000 sq ft office in the former “Spruce Goose” aircraft hangar there in 2018. Facebook Rent In 2019, 260,000 square feet of space on Tishman Speyer’s Brickyard campus, less than a mile from Playa Jefferson. Tencent previously leased office space on several properties in the LA area.The company currently has approximately 150 employees in Los Angeles and 400 employees throughout the United States. We have also invested in several US-based companies, including video game giants Epic Games, Riot Games, and Universal Music Group.

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET OLD TOM:

Old Tom has been living around the Culver City area since January 2019

FUN FACT: His birth name is not Tom.

*PLAYA – NEWS: JULY 4 FIREWORKS RETURN TO MARINA DEL REY

Fireworks will be back in Marina del Rey for July 4, organizers told Patch.

The show starts at 9 p.m. July 4 and will run for about 10 minutes. Fireworks will launch from the South Jetty instead of a barge on the channel — where it was launched in previous years.

Some of the best viewing spots include:

Anywhere in the marina
Burton Chace Park
Mother’s Beach
Fisherman’s Village
Aubrey Austin Park, along Via Marina, or Marina Peninsula, south of Venice Pier

*PLAYA – NEWS: CULVER CITY POLICE SEEK BURGLARY SUSPECTS WHO TOLE $3K IN TOOLS

Culver City police released a video of two men suspected of stealing tools at an apartment last month. (Courtesy of the Culver City Police Department)
Culver City police are asking the public to help identify two men who are suspected of taking about $3,000 worth of tools at a Fox Hills apartment building, authorities announced this week. The incident happened in the 6200 block of Buckingham Parkway, near Kensington Way, May 9 about 4:05 a.m., police said. Video security footage at the apartment shows the suspects walked inside the building and made off with the tools, police said. Anyone with information about the incident or suspects was asked to call the Culver City Police Department at 310-253-6391 or email tips@culvercity.org.

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET HANS

Hans been living and working in Marina Del Rey since August 2020

FUN FACT: Hans was born in German and speaks four languages.

*PLAYA – MOMENT:

Sign Up Here: RUNWAY Fitness Fest

*PLAYA – SEE IT: CULVER CITY LAUNCHES MOBILE RECYCLING PROGRAM

A new mobile recycling program is launching in Culver City, the city announced this week. Culver City is partnering with SoCal Recycling at two locations in Culver City. The new program is under the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) and pilots a new way of collecting recyclables for CRV (California Redemption Value). “This new program is expected to boost consumer access to recycling and could serve as a new model for more convenient and environmentally responsible redemption statewide,” the city said in a statement.

“The City appreciates our partnership with SoCal Recycling to provide this important service to our residents and neighbors,” Culver City Mayor Alex Fisch said in a statement. “I’m pleased to report that SoCal Recycling also partnered with Culver City schools to create a recycling drive during April’s Earth Fest Week and continues to support local school initiatives and the community.” Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, SoCal Recycling’s program has given residents an opportunity to redeem their recycling safely, as an essential service, according to the city. SoCal Recycling staff provide a socially distanced, COVID-safe experience for local residents to be able to redeem their recycling products. The process is contact-free, and both the staff and recyclers wear face coverings. In addition to having COVID-19 safety measures in place, the mobile recycling solution reduces or eliminates some of the issues at a fixed-base recycling center or with large collection bins, the city reports. Additionally, trucks have small footprints and can move to multiple locations within a community, so more people will have convenient access to redemption options.

Here’s where to visit a SoCal Recycling truck in Culver City:

10772 Jefferson Boulevard on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays (behind Ralphs) and
11030 Jefferson Boulevard on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (behind Party City)

All locations are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are closed from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Visit the website for more information about Culver City’s trash and recycling services.

*PLAYA – LENS:

Summertime and the livin’ is easy.
Meet Ashley, a Playa Vista People reader from Playa Del Rey.

*EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT
PLAYA VISTA PEOPLE:

We feature four pool tables, a dart board, and Golden Tee Golf
Mo’s features the best Monday Night Football party in town.

Always a good time at Mo’s! Our fav ladies sporting our new Mo’s hats.
MOE’S PLACE AT THE BEACH
203 Culver Blvd
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

Mon.	11AM–9PM
Tues.	11AM–9PM

Wed.	11AM–9PM
Thur.	11AM–9PM
Fri.	11AM–9PM
Sat.	10AM–10PM
Sun.	9:30AM–9PM

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET RITA

Rita has been living in Marina Del Rey since January 1999

FUN FACT: Has never been married and has no children or pets.

*PLAYA – IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET LAUREN:

Lauren enjoying a cigar in Marina Del Rey.
*PLAYA – BULLETIN BOARD:

1. ***Coyote. Was standing on my front lawn Wednesday nite 6/2 w my neighbor & our two big dogs. Across the street, on the Kinston side across from Whitburn, I thought I saw a lost dog trotting & then it stopped and looked at us. It was a coyote! Around 9:30 pm. So it turned and trotted back up the other side of Whitburn towards Overland & the crest. It seemed very at ease…so make sure all your beloved pets are inside your house at night!! Again this was 9:30 pm! – 10900-10910 Whitburn Street, Culver City, CA —– Judy Levitow, Culver City.

2. ***Handsome 3 yo German Sheppard needs a home. The owners of well-behaved 3 yo German Sheppard have to move and cannot bring their beloved dog. Please contact George at 424-237-0259 if you want to give this dog a new home. —- Gail Jackson, Playa Del Rey

3. ***I really must a kinder way of stating the obvious: The L.A. Times has become pathetic. —– Dr. Serge Y., Playa Vista

4. ***Let all call his office and tell Councilman Mike Bonin what a horrible job he has been doing for this community for years and years. He deserves to know how furious we are at the entire neighborhood being wretched. Call 213-444-3508.

5. ***See the video: https://vimeo.com/559635237 This African American had the nerves to come into my property, take my bicycle seat, and put it on his bike in front of my driveway. He made the mistake to come back again a few minutes later for more, I was able to hold him till the police arrived. —- Franco Zimmerli, Del Rey

6. ***Best Electrician in the area. Mike Packham. Winner “Best of Los Angeles Award – 2020. Serving, Playa Vista, Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Playa Del Rey, Westchester. Boned and licensed. Reason prices. Experienced and trustworthy in the area. —– Call Mike at 310-430-4174.

7. ***Bike Attack in Playa Vista has a cool and helpful manager named Todd. —- Linda B., Playa Vista.

8. ***Now that marijuana is legal, I smell it everywhere. Not only when walking outside, but even when I open my windows, I smell it wafting in from nearby apartments. It seems many people have a mistaken attitude that, while secondhand tobacco smoke is deadly, secondhand “medical marijuana” smoke is neutral or even beneficial. B—l-s—t! —- Abby S., Marina Del Rey.

9. ***Inglewood rezoning will impact Westchester. Inglewood considers new zoning near Crenshaw/LAX and C Line stations The City of Inglewood is moving closer to adopting new zoning rules which would permit the construction of new homes, offices, and retail near passenger rail stops on Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX and C Lines. —- Denny Schneider, Westchester

10. ***The food at Dan’s Modern Chinese at Runway in Playa is good. The service is non-existent. —– Victoria C., Playa Vista.

11. ***Vandalism spree broke store windows at Blink, the Sofa Store, and the Printing Palace on Lincoln Blvd. The Compass office on Main St. in Santa Monica. finally replaced the boarded-up window that had been shattered. —- Craig H., Marina Del Rey.

12. ***When I think about how it is now normal to watch people urinate or smoke crack in public in broad daylight with not a once of fear or shame, my thoughts start to slide through my brain like melting cheese. What a disgrace! —- Grace W., Playa Vista.

13. ***Stop signs at 77th and Arizona. Hello Kentwood Neighbors, For the past 14 months I have been trying to have the west and east stop signs removed at 77th St. & Arizona. I am now asking for your help. Once the schools are fully opened in the fall there will be massive gridlock especially traveling east on 77th St. This street is the main ingress and egress for North Kentwood. The flow of traffic will completely be impeded by the traffic from coming from 3 schools on 77th and overflow from Orville Wright. —- Rebecca Garcia-Prieto, Playa Vista.

14. *** “The service at Hopdoddy restaurant in Playa Vista is slow!” – Darren H., Playa Vista

15. ***”Sadly, tragically, Sammy’s Camera in Culver City has closed permanently. I really loved that place. Sad.” – Harve P., Playa Del Rey.

PLAYA VISTA PEOPLE 6/3/2021

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET DIANA:

Diana Moebius, President of La Bloom Beauty at the Playa Vista Farmers Market

*PLAYA – NEWS: L.A. STARTUPS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BOOMING PET CARE INDUSTRY

Pet training company Zoom Room Inc.
– Culver City.

Owners are increasingly giving their dogs and cats the luxury treatment, which is leading to strong growth for the pet care industry and opportunities for several startups in Los Angeles. Ruhell Amin, sector lead for global retail at Playa Vista-based independent advisory firm William O’Neil and Co., attributes the industry’s growth to premiumization and humanization. Premiumization is the concept of brands appealing to consumers by emphasizing quality and exclusivity, according to Amin, while humanization is the idea that many pet owners have begun thinking of their pets as family members.

That growth has given rise to a wave of pet care-focused startups in L.A. in recent years, with businesses that are dialed into areas such as veterinary services, grooming, products and training. The popularity of pet care startups even led to the creation of Leap Venture Studio. The Mid-City-based accelerator — founded by animal welfare nonprofit Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc., pet technology company Kinship and investment firm R/GA Ventures — has funded more than 25 startups since launching in 2018. “At the end of each year’s cohort, we look at each other and try to figure out if we’re going to do (Leap Venture Studio) again the following year,” said Brett Yates, chief executive of Michelson Found Animals Foundation. “There was zero doubt from any of us this year about it. The space is really rich.”

Though the U.S. economy shrank 4% during the pandemic, spending on pet care products and services has surged. According to Common Thread Collective, pet product revenue grew 63% amid the pandemic.This mirrors the recession of 2008, Amin said, when spending on pet products rose 12% despite decreased consumer spending overall. Pet care products are considered a necessity, making the industry resilient because of regular and frequent consumer purchases, Amin said. “The pet industry is generally one of the most resilient categories during an economic downturn because of the nature of the pet-parent relationship,” Amin said. .

*PLAYA – NEWS: POLICE SEEK HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER WHO SERIOUSLY INJURED PEDESTRIAN IN CULVER CITY

Police this week released a video of a driver in a white Mercedes-Benz involved in a hit-and-run that left a 33-year-old pedestrian seriously injured near the border of Culver City and West Los Angeles. The white car was driving westbound on Venice Boulevard when it crashed into the man crossing Sepulveda Boulevard about 1:25 a.m. May 15, according to the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Traffic Division. The driver did not stop and police are asking the public to help find him.

*WHO READS PLAYA VISTA PEOPLE:

L.A. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.

*PLAYA – NEWS: LA TO EXPLORE CONTROVERSIAL HOMELESS CAMP IN MARINA DEL REY

The Los Angeles City Council voted to move forward with a study on the feasibility of housing homeless people in temporary cabins or camping sites in certain westside parks and beach parking lots despite opposition from neighborhood groups in the area. City Councilman Mike Bonin, who represents the Westside communities affected by the proposal insisted that the action asks only for a “feasibility study,” and was not a final decision. Since proposing the plan to put homeless cabins and campsites in some of the wealthiest and scenic parts of the city, Bonin has faced fierce opposition. Many in the community say they have endured impacts to their quality of life due to the proliferation of homeless encampments in the area. On Wednesday, Bonin described the opposition as vitriolic. “I’ve always said that there are two approaches to homelessness,” Bonin said. “There are those who say there are places where we should look, and there are those that say there are places where we should not look. I am determined to be in that first (group). And as I said. I do not feel it would be appropriate to say we can’t do it in my part of town.”

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET ZELDA:

Zelda has lived in Culver City since September 1994
FUN FACTS: Has invested in the stock market since the age of 20.

*PLAYA – NEWS: MARINA DEL REY COMPANY ACCUSED OF FIRING WORKER FOR GETTING COVID

A home healthcare worker is suing her former employer, alleging she was wrongfully fired earlier this year for contracting the coronavirus and needing time off to deal with her illness. Shana Tucker-Maheia’s Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit allegations against Marina del Rey-based Complete In-Home Care Services include wrongful discharge, discrimination, retaliation, failure to accommodate and various state Labor Code violations. She seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in the suit filed Monday.

Tucker-Maheia was hired in January 2018 and was assigned to work at the home of an elderly Santa Monica woman, the suit states. The plaintiff began having trouble breathing in late December and paramedics came to her home, the suit states. “Believing she may have COVID-19, plaintiff was instructed to self-quarantine,” the suit states. Tucker-Maheia called her company’s owner and told her she would not work her scheduled shift because she may have the coronavirus, but the owner responded that the plaintiff did not have the virus and told her to go to work, according to the suit.

Tucker-Maheia tested positive for the coronavirus on Dec. 30 and told the company owner she needed to take medical leave, the suit states. The plaintiff tried to return to work in January, but management refused to allow her to do so and fired her, the suit states. Complete In-Care Home Services subjected Tucker-Maheia to disparate treatment due to her having the coronavirus, which is defined under state law as a physical disability, according to the suit. She also has suffered both financial losses and emotional distress since losing her job, the suit states.

*PLAYA – INTERVIEW: VIVIAN

Realtor Vivian Lesny
Keller Williams Silicon Beach

Q: Why did you choose to conduct your business affairs in the Silicon Beach area? How did you get there? – I have been living and working in the Silicon Beach area before it was coined Silicon Beach! I was born and raised in Culver City and ventured all the way down Jefferson Blvd. to Playa Vista.
Q: Would you have to say has been the forefront of your success in your career? How did you develop your process in your work?– I attribute my success to my authenticity. I truly want what is best for my clients. I feed off of other people’s happiness.

Q: Do you see yourself going beyond the Silicon Beach area. Where are you from?
– NO! I love it here, I was born here and I will stay here.

Q: In what ways have you seen the area change since you’ve been here?
– Silicon Beach has changed incredibly. I use to ride my bike through Playa Vista before it was developed. Downtown Culver City had nothing other than the Culver Hotel and the structure which was San Gemino’s and is now Akasha.

Q. Where are your favorite places in the Silicon Beach that aren’t well known?– The trails are awesome, I feel like I am out of the big city, high above the hustle and bustle. It’s about a 4 mile loop where you have a small patch of nature and occasionally you cross a friendly neighbor or old friend.

Q. What was your first impression of the Silicon Beach, was it love at first sight or did it take time to adjust?– It did take me a moment to adjust. My first thought was of the Stepford Wives. As we started our family we were drawn more and more that thte community and lifestyle. It was a great move for our family and we are thrilled to be a part of it.

Q. What area would you like to see improved the most?– My dream is one day every dog owner will pick up after their dog so the kids can run in the grass freely.

Q: Are there any scenic routes you like to take when going out for the evening or for a regular trip to work?– I am a point A to point B type of person when navigating to my appointments, but when I’m on my bike, I love to take the Lincoln bridge to the bike path and head to the beach for my regular workouts.

Q: How would you best describe the atmosphere of the Silicon Beach, is there anything that stands out to you?
– Our neighbors are so friendly and helpful. Our kids run around together and it feels as safe as it can be in big city life. It’s truly a community within a community.

Q: What are your favorite restaurants in the area?
Bull & Butterfly Gulp Sol
Vivian Lesny
Keller Williams Silicon Beach
Cell: 323-712-1903
vivian@vivianlesny.com

*PLAYA — HISTORY:

The landmark M.G.M colonnade in 1937. Culver City

*PLAYA – LENS:

A recent Playa Del Rey sunset set in from P.V.P. reader
Oscar L.

*PLAYA – COMMENTARY by Ed Cirino, Marina Del Rey

Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils generally, and the upcoming elections for the Del Rey Neighborhood Council specifically… They have no power to make laws, and are volunteer ADVISORY organizations. I’ll tell you what my main concerns are, and you can post yours. #1 is catalytic converter theft and general vehicle burglary.

How many people (me included) have had to pay big bucks for a new catalytic converter and replacement of broken door locks, or replacement of shattered windows? Anecdotal stories of seeing people walking down the street, pulling on every car door, looking in every car window for something to steal are daily on NEXTDOOR. #2. I believe Homeless encampments are a health and safety issue. They account for 54% of fires per LA Fire Dept in the first 3 months of 2021.

An outbreak of typhus closed down city hall recently. Shigella bacteria and Hepatitis A, are both spread through feces and can easily jump beyond the homeless population. (At least one Los Angeles city staffer said she contracted typhus in City Hall). I think this Del Rey Neighborhood Council election is important insomuch as we have REAL issues that need to be addressed, even if just in an advisory capacity.

*PLAYA – LENS:

Boredom plays all kinda’ tricks on people in Westchester.

The Power of “Broken Windows, Broken Business”

Brand newly revised:

*PLAYA – IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

J.J. Abrams and John Krasinski attend the L.A. screening of A Quiet Place Part II at the Cinemark Playa Vista and XD.

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET SAYO:

Sayo has been living in Playa Vista since August 2019

FUN FACT: Favorite food – Pork chops
*PLAYA –BULLETIN BOARD:

1. ***Just wanted to let you know mail fraud is active in the neighborhood. Just had a check stolen from the community mailbox at the corner of 77th and El Manor. The thief changed the amount on the check, putting my account in the negative. While I don’t write checks very often it’s disturbing our mail system is not safe. —- Chris Urner, Playa Vista

2. ***Is anyone else starting to feel like the walls are closing in a bit on the Silver Strand? I have lived here for 30 years. I am not trying to badmouth anyone or any specific thing….but what with the new apartments by the sailboats, homeless people everywhere (especially a new dude living under the bridge at the end of the canal ?!?!), graffiti all over the bridge (when I was growing up here if there was graffiti it was taken care of immediately), people riding their bikes and scooters on the dog path, and what seems like endless construction and maintenance. —- Alexandra Conner, Marina Del Rey

3. ***Go to change.org to vote NO to homeless shelter in LA beaches, parks, and residential neighborhoods. This is YOUR chance to make a difference! —– Evelio Leon, Playa Vista.

4. ***2 loose German shepherds just attacked my dog and me about 20 min ago. It was a close call as I was able to pull my dog away, and we ran back inside, but the dogs are still roaming around. Apparently, they’ve been roaming for the last 2 hrs. or so. Be careful! 10-20 64th Avenue, Playa del Rey, CA —- Jay Zee, Playa Del Rey

5. ***Hi Everyone, I’m Tom. I’m new to this web site. What inspired me to join you today is we have lost our dear little JD. He is a Black and White American Shorthair who is only one year old. He was lost in the area of 76th street and Sepulveda. If you find him please contact me at 312-613-9226. We will be very grateful! Thanks. —– Tom Lazarevich, Playa Vista

6. ***Life is like a library owned by an author. In it are a few books which he wrote himself, but most of them were written for him. —- Harry K., Culver City.

7. ***Hey everyone. I recently had my car broken into last Friday in the alley by Talbert and Saran. Thanks to one of our PDR neighbors, we got the license plate and I had the police run it. The car was stolen and the person driving it was arrested the next day. A week later, I go to start my Toyota Prius and it sounds like a loud motorcycle under the hood. I did some googling and found out my catalytic converter had been sawed off. I checked under the car and the pipes are just dangling. —– Randy Baublis, Playa Del Rey.

8. ***Homeless encampment Glencoe. So today for the first time I walked to Alla park w my dogs instead of driving. On some parts of Glencoe, there was almost no spot to walk on the sidewalk as the tents have occupied the entire length of the sidewalk. There were like 7-8 men laying there and they were all drunk, drugged, and high out of their mind. Few tried to talk to me and I just got out of there as quickly as I could. I cannot believe that this is accepted in our neighborhood. How is this a safe environment for children or even adults? Are we going to continue accepting and enabling these types of incidents in our neighborhood w the excuse that these are unhoused people? —- Sarah Fanai, Culver City.
9. ***Very sad to see what a disgrace and how lawlessness has become a dominant theme in Venice ,what used to be a place of recreation and art, it’s now filth and litter and characters from horror shows. Thanks, Councilman Bonin! —– Lily T., Marina Del Rey

10. ***Laqui, the new taco place in the Runway Shopping Center, has a fancy name but it feels more like McDonald’s for tacos. —– Lucy Z., Playa Vista.

11. ***I am heartsick that Samy’s Camera in Culver City closed forever! Tragic. —– Devon Y., Culver City.

12. ***Why is a health restaurant like Urban Plates serving fried Chicken Tenders? —- Clarence C., Playa Vista.

13. ***Send your FREE 25-word Bulletin Board ad to us for posting in Playa Vista People. It will be read by 25,000 of your neighbors. *Hire *Sell *Promote *Trade *Comment. Send to: PlayaVistaPeople@TimeWire.net

14. ***”The Ralph’s on Lincoln and Westchester is starting to look much more like a homeless shelter than a grocery store. I no longer shop here.” – Carla K., Playa Del Rey.

15. ***My allergies in Playa Vista in the spring are predictable. When trees, weeds or grasses release pollen, it floats through the air and eventually settles on the mast cells. The second grains of pollen deliver the finishing blow: they follow their polliniferous cousins and release a protein that causes inflammation of the blood vessels. In plain English, “yuck!” —— Dr. Stanford B., Playa Vista.