2021

P.V.P. READERS EXPLODE TO READER POLL – NOT HAPPY WITH AREA DIRECTION, COUNCILMAN BONIN:

In response to our first Playa Vista People Readers Poll readers exploded with disappointment and anger over key safety and quality of life issues. Over 3,000 readers from Playa Vista, Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Playa Del Rey, and Westchester responded to the reader poll.

The following are the results:

Have you noticed an increase in crime in the last year? An astounding 91% voted: YES.
Have you noticed an increase in homelessness in the last year? An equally high 93% voted: YES.
Have you noticed an increase in graffiti in the last year? 79% voted: YES.
Do you feel less safe than last year? 88% voted: YES.
If you were a school teacher what overall grade would you give Councilman Mike Bonin for meeting the community needs in the last year? The average grade was: D.

Feel free to share your comments on the results by writing to: PlayaVistaPeople@TimeWire.net

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET DANI:

Dani has been living and working in Marina del Rey since March 2009.

· Do you believe in ghosts? HELL, YES!
· Have you ever seen a UFO? NO
· Can cats jump six times their length? MINE CAN.
· Do you like chocolate milkshakes? YES, MORE THAN SEX. WELL, ALMOST.
· Were you in the swamp yesterday? HUH?
· Did you see Bigfoot? NO, BUT THE LAST GUY I DATE MIGHT BE CLOSE.
· Do you know how to swim? YES
· Can you play poker? YES

*PLAYA – NEWS: HONEST CO. FILES FOR IPO

Honest Co. was founded by Brian Lee, Jessica Alba and Christopher Gavigan (not pictured)
– Playa Vista

Jessica Alba’s Honest Co. Inc., the maker of non-toxic and eco-friendly personal and household products, on April 9 filed for an initial public offering. The Playa Vista-based company’s stocks will be listed on Nasdaq under the symbol HNST. In the S-1 form filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Honest Co. said it plans to use the funds for “operating expenses, working capital and capital expenditures for future growth, including marketing and direct-to-consumer advertising investments, innovation and adjacent product category expansion, international growth investment and organizational capabilities investments.” The company said it may also “use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire complementary businesses, products, services or technologies.”
Honest Co., which has 191 employees, reported its 2020 revenue grew 27.6% to $300.5 million in 2020 compared to $235.6 million in 2019. It also reported a net loss of $14.5 million last year. The company’s three product categories — diapers and wipes, skin and personal care, and household and wellness — represented 63%, 26% and 11% of its revenue, respectively. Alba, an actress and Honest Co.’s chief creative officer, co-founded the company in 2011 with Christopher Gavigan and Brian Lee. She owns a 6.7% stake in the company, according to SEC.

“Over a decade ago, when I had the vision for a business that prioritized people and the planet, the world was different,” she wrote in a letter to shareholders. “Building a brand based on conscious consumers was considered niche and not scalable. Transparency and compassion were not the pillars of a successful business. The big businesses and ultimate decision makers for what goes in, on and around us were dominated by a very narrow leadership profile. This may have been the status quo, but I knew it needed to change … We’re just getting started on our journey; by becoming a stockholder, you’re not only part of a business, you’re part of a movement.”

This will be Honest Co.’s third attempt at IPO. The company signaled that it was planning to go public in 2014 and 2016, but did not officially file until now.

*PLAYA PEOPLE: MEET MAGGIE:

Maggie enjoying a pandemic picnic in her kitchen in Culver City.

*PLAYA – NEWS: HOMELESS SHELTERS PROPOSED ACROSS THE WESTSIDE

Homelessness is rapidly increasing across the Westside and Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin has proposed to add more shelters, including “tiny homes” and “safe camping” sites in areas such as Marina del Rey and Pacific Palisades. “To end homelessness and sidewalk encampments, we need more housing, more shelter, and more services. We need all kinds of solutions — and we need them everywhere we can put them,” Bonin announced in a statement to residents via email newsletter Saturday. Additional shelters, including Bridge housing, have been added to the Westside in Venice near Pacific and Sunset Avenue, along with the VA site in West L.A. and on Mitchell Avenue in Mar Vista. Other sites and interim or seasonal housing have been added in the region. The city has also purchased hotel rooms with plans to convert spaces to housing, including the Ramada Inn on Washington Boulevard in Marina del Rey, which is part of Project Roomkey. The Cadillac Hotel in Venice and 9250 Airport Blvd. in Westchester have also been purchased by the city for Project Roomkey. Several emergency shelters have opened in Venice, West Los Angeles and Westchester.

“We have opened safe parking, safe camping, and emergency shelters,” Bonin said. “And there is more supportive housing on the way. But it is not enough. Across the state, the city and the district, homelessness is increasing.” Last week Bonin submitted a motion calling on the city to push to end homelessness and sidewalk encampments. The proposed sites include locations in Pacific Palisades, Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Playa del Rey, Venice, Del Rey, Westchester, and West LA. The city also plans to continue supporting projects in Brentwood at the VA campus, which is located on the grounds of the facility and gives unhoused people access to a campground instead of living on the street.

“We are assessing potential temporary sites for single occupancy “tiny homes” or for “safe camping” at county-owned beach lots at Will Rogers Beach in Pacific Palisades, at Dockweiler Beach in Playa Del Rey, next to Fisherman’s Village in Marina Del Rey, and at a vacant and privately owned lot in Del Rey,” Bonin said. “We are also looking a lot owned by Culver City, for a joint Los Angeles-Culver City program,” he said. “In addition, we are considering potential “safe camping” programs — which sanction camping with onsite security, sanitation, and services — at parts of Westchester Park and Mar Vista Park. Both locations have a large number of tent campers, and safe camping programs there would earmark a section of the park for the program, returning the rest of the space to general public use.”

Permanent supportive housing has been proposed at the following sites:

11950 W. Missouri, West Los Angeles
2454 S. Barry Ave., West Los Angeles
3233 S. Thatcher Ave., Venice
8333 Airport Blvd., Westchester
720 Rose Ave., Venice
2469 Lincoln Blvd., Venice
Veterans Administration Campus, Brentwood
Venice Boulevard and Pacific Avenue, Venice
12901 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista

*PLAYA – NEWS: NEW ROOFTOP BAR OPENS IN CULVER CITY

Bar Bohémien,
– Culver City

Outdoor dining and entertainment options are growing in Culver City with Bar Bohémien opening its rooftop patio this week. The historic location at 9355 Culver Blvd. is part of Culver City’s Citizen Public Market, EaterLA reports.

The food hall downstairs offers tons of dining options that pair well with the new bar’s extensive wine list, beer options and cocktails, including Mezcal, Old Fashioneds or signature drink “Moonchild,” which has scotch, lemon, banana-ginger, orange honey and walnut bitters.

Outdoor capacity is limited to 25% at Bar Bohémien due to pandemic health guidelines. The new spot opens at 4 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m.

*PLAYA – NEWS: SIGHTSEEING CRUISES RETURN TO SET SAIL IN MARINA DEL REY

– Marina del Rey

City Experiences is expanding its sightseeing experiences in Southern California and returning to set sail at Marina del Rey. Charter boats will begin to sail around the marina. The company was formerly known as Hornblower’s Group and is now operating sightseeing, private charter and transportation experiences to show off the coast.

Safety is the number one priority, the company said.

“While guests can expect the same high standards and welcoming service, experiences have been adapted to ensure heightened cleanliness and to maintain social distance onboard,” according to a company statement. “And with expansive decks both inside and out, there is plentiful fresh air and more than enough room on board for everyone to stay safely apart. “

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET LINDSAY:

Lindsay likes chillin’ in Playa Vista.

*PLAYA – NEWS: CULVER CITY TRADER JOE’S ROBBER INDITED

Trader Joe’s
– Culver City

Grand Jury Indicts Huntington Park Man in Alleged Three-Month Robbery Spree Targeting 15 Trader Joe’s Grocery Stores. Last Friday A federal grand jury named a Huntington Park man in a 21-count indictment that accuses him of robbing 15 Trader Joe’s stores throughout Southern California during a three-month crime spree. The Culver City store on Culver Blvd was robbed on November 6 of last year. Gregory Johnson, 43, was named in a superseding indictment charging him with 15 counts of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), five counts of knowingly using and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. His arraignment on the superseding indictment has not been scheduled. A June 22 trial previously was scheduled in this matter.

Johnson previously was charged via a two-count information on February 8 in connection with the robbery of a Trader Joe’s in Chino Hills on December 4, 2020. Today’s indictment charges him with 19 additional felonies. According to the indictment, from August 28 to December 4, 2020, Johnson robbed Trader Joe’s stores in Eagle Rock, Sherman Oaks, Chatsworth, Pasadena, Culver City, Rancho Palos Verdes, Agoura Hills, Brea, Santa Ana, Tustin, and Chino Hills, and attempted to rob Trader Joe’s stores in Simi Valley and Corona. During many of the robberies, Johnson allegedly brandished a handgun. On two occasions, Johnson allegedly robbed stores in Rancho Palos Verdes and Brea, and returned weeks later to rob them again.

On December 4, 2020, Johnson and his son, Gregory Eric Johnson, 20, of South Los Angeles, were arrested after law enforcement learned of the Chino Hills Trader Joe’s robbery. A witness gave law enforcement a description of the Johnsons’ getaway car and its license plate, according to court documents. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted of all charges, Gregory Johnson would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each robbery charge, seven years in prison for each firearms use charge, and 10 years’ imprisonment for the felon-in-possession of a firearms charge.

On March 15, Gregory Eric Johnson pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with interference with commerce by robbery for robbing Trader Joe’s stores in Chatsworth and Chino Hills in December 2020. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 12, at which time he will face a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison. The FBI, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey M. Chemerinsky and Joseph D. Axelrad of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.

*PLAYA – VIDEO: MARINA DEL REY ANGLERS RELEASE BABY SEA BASS OUT TO SEA

Marina Del Rey Anglers successfully raised 3,700 white baby sea bass over the last four years that they released out to see this morning.

WATCH HERE

*PLAYA – BUSINESS: PETALS ‘N’ WAX

Petals N’ Wax
– Marina del Rey

It’s April and Petals ‘N’ Wax is featuring a fun collection of ‘WEED’ referenced mugs, a 420 Candle and an unbelievable CBD line to make your body aches feel sooo much better.

Come and make yourself and your friends feel good!

Monday – Sunday 10 – 6 and remember free gift wrapping on all in store purchases! Don’t forget Mother’s Day is May 9th come in early to buy your Mom and Grandma their gifts while we still have️ Petals N Wax Villa Marina Marketplace Mall 13432 Maxella Ave
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Hours: Mon-Sun 10am- 6pm T: (310) 305-8883

*PLAYA – INVESTIGATES

– Playa del Rey

A Southern California Gas Co. storage field in Playa del Rey may pose a far greater threat than the Aliso Canyon field, site of a record-setting gas leak in 2015, a study has found. Many more people live within a few miles of Playa del Rey than Aliso, meaning the health and economic consequences of a major blowout could be worse.

SoCalGas insists both facilities are safe. But a 2019 study from Harvard University singled out Playa del Rey as especially risky. “If something like Aliso Canyon were to happen there, it really could be quite tragic,” lead author Drew Michanowicz said.

*PLAYA – LENS

Bowlero
– Westchester

Sawyer Livsey, visiting from San Francisco with his family, bowls at Bowlero Los Angeles in Westchester on April 6. Plexiglass divides stations and the bowling alley is operating at 25% capacity.

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET MADDY AND SAMMY:

Maddy Sammy Davidoff, Founders of C.B. Dough
– Marina Del Rey

In 2020, sisters Maddy and Sammy Davidoff of Marina Del Rey launched C.B. Dough, a line of CBD-infused cookie dough.

*PLAYA – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ***Rustic Kitchen, a small wine bar and restaurant in Mar Vista, was in bad shape. A group of sommeliers banded together to save it. —- Harvey K., Culver City.

2. ***”Governor Gavin Newsom is a goner and that is great news for a horribly decayed California.” – Abby M., Playa Vista 3. ***”They now need a hazmat unit to clean the outside of Gold’s Gym in Venice. It is so filthy and decayed from homeless people.” – Dr. Clark Z., Marina Del Rey

4. ***Imagine being on Tinder and finding………your crush in sixth grade. It happened to me, right here in Culver City. —— Nanci P., Culver City.

5. ***If you haven’t had the beet salad at Ritrovo Playa Vista, you haven’t fully lived. —–Gwen P., Playa Vista.
6. ***In just three months, under Joe Biden, southern states have become the doorway for illegal migrants with consequences still unimaginable. —– Retired Culver City Police Officer J.W.

7. ***People sentenced to house arrest last year really lucked out timing wise. —- Carla H., Playa Vista

8. ***To do a proper push-up, you must push down. —- Personal fitness trainer, Abbott W., Marina Del Rey.

9. *** We must do something: https://youtu.be/D4VDCRSA40M —– Nancy D., Santa Monica.

10. ***Welcome to California! Transgender, intersex, and nonbinary inmates now have the right to choose whether to be housed in a male or female prison. —– Gwen P., Culver City.

11. ***We need to elect officials that adhere to the rule of law. —– Monica La, Playa Del Rey.
12. ***Just in case you didn’t think your neighborhood was looking enough like a s—t show, now, Councilman Mike Bonin has proposed a motion that the homeless be temporarily housed at sites on county-owned beaches, including Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey, Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey, and Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades. I honestly think Bonin he is as deranged as many of his homeless friends. —– Dr. Sarah Goldstein, Marina Del Rey.

13. ***The L.A. City Council unanimously approved a resolution calling for the state to close SoCalGas’ Playa del Rey storage facility. Here’s why some say it may pose a far greater threat than Aliso Canyon, site of a record-setting gas leak. Amen! —– Tom and Sally W., Playa Del Rey.

14. ***It’s surprising how much memory is built around things unnoticed at the time. —- Waldo W., Westchester.

15. ***The pastries at Starbucks taste like expensive cardboard. —– Alice Y., Playa Vista.

16. “Ritrovo Playa Vista weekly promotion: Tuesday Pizza, buy 1 16oz pizza and get a 12 inch pizza free. Call 424-289-9327.””Ritrovo Playa Vista weekly promotion: Tuesday Pizza, buy 1 16oz pizza and get a 12 inch pizza free. Call 424-289-9327.”

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 04/08/2021

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET ZOEY: WOULD YOU RATHER…

· Would you rather go into the past and meet your ancestors or go into the future and meet your great-great grandchildren? THE FUTURE. WHAT IS DONE IS DONE.

· Would you rather have more time or more money? LOTS MORE MONEY.

· Would you rather have a rewind button or a pause button on your life? REWIND. THIS WORLD SUCKS.

· Would you rather be able to talk with the animals or speak all foreign languages? I LOVE ALL ANIMALS AND HATE MOST PEOPLE.

· Would you rather win the lottery or live twice as long? A LOTTERY WORTH A MILLION DOLLARS

· Would you feel worse if no one showed up to your wedding or to your funeral? I AM NEVER GOING TO BE STUPID ENOUGH TO MARRY.

· Would you rather be without internet for a week, or without your phone? INTERNET.

· Would you rather meet George Washington or the current President? WASHINGTON. BIDEN IS SENILE.

· Would you rather lose your vision or your hearing? HEARING.

*PLAYA – NEWS: WELCOME TO THE NEW WILD WEST SUSPECT WITH CLOWN MASK ACCUSED OF STEALING PACKAGES OFF PORCHES

A suspect with a clown mask, replica gun and jewelry was accused of stealing packages off of front porches and was arrested Monday, Culver City police said. A resident called 911 to report someone stealing packages off front porches near the area of Northgate Street and Overland Avenue about 6:30 p.m. Monday, police said. Officers located and detained the suspect. He had stolen packages, a replica handgun was hidden in his waistband, drug paraphernalia, a clown mask and miscellaneous jewelry, police said. His name was not immediately released. Police offered tips to help prevent package thefts, including adding motion-activated lights around front porch areas, installing a front door security camera and doorbell and networking with neighbors. People are also urged to call 911 to report these types of thefts.

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET SYDNEY:

Sydney has been living in Playa Vista since February, 2017

*PLAYA – NEWS: SOCAL RE-OPENINGS, GET INFO ON MUSEUMS, AQUARIUMS, THEME PARKS, THEATERS

Annenberg PetSpace
– Playa Vista

After several months of pandemic-related closures, a number of regional cultural destinations, theme parks, aquariums, and other spots are gearing up for reopening, or have already welcomed guests back. The announcements began soon after Los Angeles County entered the less-restrictive Red Tier on March 15, permitting visitors inside a number of places, including museums and aquariums, at a limited capacity.

Important: Do keep in mind that every place on the list below has new safety protocols in place, which could include advance timed tickets. Knowing what to expect and prepare for ahead of time is a solid plan. Reading up on masks, social distancing, and other safety guidelines at each site, before purchasing tickets, is strongly recommended.

Annenberg PetSpace in Playa Vista again began raising the woof on March 31. There’s a “specialized hour-long experience” called the PetSpace Experience that includes a visit to the brand-new Critter Corner and a nifty peek behind the scenes. You’ll need to book in advance; start that process here.
*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET ASH:

Ash likes hangin’ out at night in Culver City.

*PLAYA – NEWS: COMING BACK TO LIFE – BEFORE AND AFTER SCENES FROM THE CINEMARK IN PLAYA VISTA

A birthday movie outing: Aidan, 4, collects candy options to go with a hot dog as his dad, Daniel Curtis of Torrance, holds popcorn and water on reopening day, March 15, at the Cinemark Playa Vista and XD movie theater. Their movie choice: “Tom and Jerry.”

Atta Areqat, general manager at the Cinemark Playa Vista and XD movie theater, demonstrates how the staff will sanitize every morning before opening.

*PLAYA – NEWS: MAN ARRESTED AFTER ROBBING CULVER CITY RESTAURANT AT GUNPOINT

Culver City police recently arrested a man suspected of robbing a Culver City restaurant at gunpoint. According to the Culver City Police Department (CCPD), on March 29 around 2:10 p.m., an armed robbery occurred at a restaurant located at, 3970 Sepulveda Boulevard. Google Maps shows that this is the address of The Taste Kitchen, a Thai restaurant.

“The suspect entered the business, approached an employee at the register, and demanded money while simulating a handgun under his shirt. In fear for his life, the employee handed the suspect the register money,” the CCPD said.

Police say the the suspect then exited the store with the money and ran away northbound on Sepulveda Boulevard and out of sight. Culver City Police Department Detectives investigated this crime and were able to identify the suspect, a 23-year-old male resident of Los Angeles. On March 31, 2021, the suspect was detained by a neighboring agency. Culver City Police Department Detectives responded and took custody of the suspect and transported him to the Culver City Jail. Detectives will be presenting the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

*PLAYA – PLATINUM AWARD:
“BEST PIZZA IN PLAYA VISTA”

Health & safety:
· Mask required
· Temperature check required
· Staff wear masks
· Staff get temperature checks
· Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits

RITROVO PLAYA VISTA
6020 Seabluff,
Dr Playa Vista 90094 Sun-Thu: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Fri-Sat: 11:30am – 9:30pm

Follow Us
Insta
FacebookMenu: places.singleplatform.com
Order: postmates.com, slicelife.com, grubhub.com, ubereats.com
Phone: (424) 289-9327

*PLAYA — IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: SONY EMPLOYEES TO BEGIN RETURNING TO CULVER CITY LOT JUNE 1

Sony Pictures Chairman Tony Vinciquerra,
– Culver City

Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced that it is planning to have employees return the Culver City lot in June. In a memo to staff on Monday, Sony Pictures Chairman Tony Vinciquerra said the phased reopening of the studio offices will begin on June 1, with a goal of having the lot “up to speed” by Labor Day. “As COVID-19 cases continue to decline and the number of vaccinations increase each day, we are starting to see very encouraging signs of recovery,” Vinciquerra said. “With many state and local restrictions being reduced, allowing more businesses to reopen, we can now start moving into the next phases of our Return-to-Office planning.” “In preparation for this next phase, we are putting in place additional safety measures including an enhanced cleaning regimen, upgraded air conditioning filters, UV lighting inside air conditioning equipment where possible, and increased outside air circulation,” he said in the memo.

The chairman said Sony has plans for a phased reopening and different health protocols. “The progress we are seeing worldwide in managing the virus’s spread and life slowly inching back to normal is some of the most exciting news we have seen throughout this difficult year,” said Vinciquerra in the letter. “There is every reason to feel optimistic about the direction things are now headed. That said, please continue to be safe and adhere to CDC guidance and safety protocols.” Sony follows Warner Bros and the Walt Disney Co, both of which plan to have employees gradually returning starting in mid-summer. According to Variety, the Disney Co is gradually bringing back staff with a phased reopening after July 4, while Fox Corp has deferred its reopening date in April to no earlier than Sept. 7

*PLAYA – PARKS:

Playa Vista Dog Park,
-Playa Vista

With Spring in full bloom, make sure to check out some of the beautiful parks that your neighborhood as to offer! Neighborhood parks, sports fields, and regional hiking parks, are in and adjacent to Playa Vista. ·        Playa Vista Dog Park
·        Playa Vista Sports Park
·        Fountain Park At Playa Vista
·        Playa Vista Central Park
·        Ballona Creek bicycle path
·        Ballona Discovery Park
·        Concert Park
·        Steve Soboroff Court Park is a basketball and playground facility next door to the LAClippers training facility
·        Randy Johnson Park is located on Bluff Creek Drive
·        Central Park includes a bandshell and athletic facilities

*PLAYA VISTA PEOPLE:

Rhonda loves showing off her nails in Marina del Dey.

*PLAYA – EATS: CULVER CITY EATERY DONATED ALL SALES FOR A DAY TO CHARITY

Jersey Mike’s Subs,
– Culver City

The Culver City Jersey Mike’s Subs store is among 209 Los Angeles area locations who donated 100 percent of sales to Cancer For College last Wednesday. Cancer For College provides need-based college scholarships and educational experiences to cancer survivors since 1993, it said on its website. The effort is part of the sandwich franchise chain’s Month of Giving, which has raised $32 million for local charities since 2011. Jersey Mike’s hopes to shatter its own record and raise more than $8 million this year, it said in a news release.

Jersey Mike’s has been taking donations all month for selected charities. “All sales from all locations” were donated on Wednesday, the company said. Owners even donated their money to the cause so that every dollar that flowed in on Wednesday went go to charity. Restaurant owners pick the charities and identify organizations “that support local neighborhoods and build a stronger community,” the company said.

Here’s a list of participating locations in and near Culver City:

4114 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City
1447 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica
4020 Lincoln Blvd. Ste. A, Marina Del Rey
1831 S. La Cienega Blvd. Suite A, Los Angeles
279 South Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills
1020 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles
Brentwood Place, 12003 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
912 N Western Ave, San Pedro
5342 Rosecrans Ave. Gateway Center, Hawthorne
24631 Crenshaw Blvd. Suite M, Torrance
561 N Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach

*PLAYA – READER COMMENT:

“Over the last strange and difficult year, I’ve come to thoroughly enjoy your intriguing and inspiring Playa Vista People weekly digital publication. When I first started to receive it I wasn’t sure what it was about. But as the pandemic unfolded it got me an opportunity to learn more about the people places and things in our dynamic community. It as if Playa Vista People has brought the experience of living here from black and white into full technicolor.” —– Bart L., Playa Vista.

*PLAYA – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ***The creepy man staring into home!!!! Last night at about 10 pm a roommate of mine said she heard a man in the backyard right outside her window. She screamed “hello” and no one responded. Not too far later she walked into the living room and the man’s full face was pressed against the window staring into our living room. He was a white male and I am assuming he was pretty tall if he was able to reach his head to the window. The cops were called and they were not able to find anyone in the area. —- Hope Georgiou, Playa Vista

2. ***Hi, I’m Shahe. Nice to meet you. I have been in the neighborhood since 1980. —- Shahe Adourian, Westchester
***The handshake is a gesture that is so culturally fundamental that something important will be lost if it disappears. —- Arthur L., Playa Vista.

3. *** For years, California legislators and judges have tried to reform the state’s money bail system to reduce discrimination against the poor. On Thursday, four months after voters rejected such a reform, the California Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional to require defendants to remain behind bars simply because they cannot afford bail. Translation: we are screwed! —– Sally K., Marina Del Rey.

4. *** We are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention from the sheer idiocy of the charade. —– Gallagher Q., Westchester.

5. ***My name is Lauren Hill and I’m a journalism student at Loyola Marymount University. At last night’s Del Rey Neighborhood Green Council Meeting, the council discussed the possible rehoming of our peacock friend, Tivoli. (It sounds like some people call him Paul, some call him Romeo, but most call him Tivoli.). I’m writing a story about Tivoli and his possible rehoming, and if anyone would like to comment on Tivoli, a story about him, or how he impacted you or your family since he appeared, please email me at: lhill27@lion.lmu.edu. —- Lauren Hill, Westchester.

6. ***Tivoli Relocation. Hello neighbors, My name is Dylan Keville and I have been caring for Tivoli the peacock for a while now and this is what I have to say, Tivoli has brought so much joy to the neighborhood for the past year and I know many people are against him being Relocated but it is in the best interest for Tivoli, I was against him being relocated at first and then I started volunteering to help him cross the street since I have done this I realize how dangerous it is for him to be crossing Maxella every day. I’ve been helping him cross the street but what if someone can’t help him cross one day, I have seen him almost get hit by a car at least 10 times just in one week, it is a miracle that he is survived the whole year in Marina Del Rey. —– Dylan Keville, Mar Vista.

7. ***At least one way of measuring the freedom of any society is the amount of comedy that is permitted. Thanks to the woke mob, we are screwed! —- Joni F., Marina Del Rey

8. ***My daughter (young adult) was out for her evening run and as she was waiting to cross a street a guy was passing her in his van and saw her and stopped his van right next to her. She was running on 77th, near Denrock, and crossing 77th onto Denrock when this happened. As she was running on Denrock near 80th, seconds later, he came up behind her in his van, got out of his van, RAN toward her, and at that point, my daughter started screaming/yelling. The guy sprinted away and got back in his van. —– Debra Huston, Westchester

9. ***This is to all my Playa Vista neighbors. This is an appeal to you. As you know doubt know we have a serious problem with the homeless/RVs/Cars on Jefferson from Lincoln working its way down to Culver. There is trash everyplace and fire pits. The outer trail around the Ballona Freshwater Marsh is dangerous in so many respects. Aside from that these people are coming inside the marsh without permission. There are debris and trash all along the water’s edge. Clothing, beverage containers, and general trash. This is a serious hazard for the wildlife. A few weeks ago I came upon a man fishing. in the marsh. There is no fishing allowed. —– Lynzie Flynn, Playa Vista.

10. ***I love reading your P.V.P. Bulletin Board. Cool s—t! —– Lance H., Culver City

11. ***What does the Playa Vista PD’s stance on the homeless population? The question is on the title: What does the Playa Vista PD’s stance on the homeless population? Has anyone called them, asking to enforce the law equally for everyone and get those illegally parked RVs outta there? I’ve paid multiple parking tickets for parking a car overnight, even just a motorcycle (the latter was in S.F… god help anyone still living there :-D) —- Mike Kababov, Playa Vista.

12. ***I had a delicious dinner at Ritrovo Playa Vista and will definitely be back. The lamb was extraordinary as was the beet salad. —– Renee P., Playa Del Rey.

13. ***Facts are facts! For 20 years we’ve lavished attention and money on fighting human terrorism and forgot that the terrorism of nature is equally deadly, deserving equal preparation. —– Dr. Davis H., Marina Del Rey.

14. ***What wrong with people? In Playa Vista this morning, I saw two elderly ladies were slowly doddering along, minding their own business, when a millennial bike messenger (with earbuds, natch) sped by them on the sidewalk and nearly knocked them over. —– Juliette O., Playa Vista

15. ***To do a proper push-up, you must push down. —- Personal fitness trainer, Abbott W., Marina Del Rey.

Playa Vista People 04/01/2021

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET ZARA:

Zara likes eating cereal in Culver City.

*PLAYA – NEWS: UPSCALE REMODEL FOR PIER 44 MARINA

Bryce Fisher, Bellingham Marines,
– Marina del Rey

Pier 44 Marina, located in Marina del Rey, California, recently completed a redesign and reconstruction project that has resulted in a more accessible and aesthetically pleasing facility for slip holders and the surrounding community. Bellingham Marine, which was responsible for the in-water portion of the project, started work in September 2018. “It was a design/build project. We had to demo the existing marina and put in new floats and fingers for a 141-slip marina,” said Usmita Pokhrel, a junior project engineer. Although that was a reduction from the original 223 slips, it was necessary to accommodate the larger boat slips that are more in demand today.

The new docks do offer some transient slips and places for dinghies. In addition, the marina is able to accommodate up to 60 boats in its new 2,450 square foot dry stack storage facility, which is served by a jib crane. Bellingham Marine’s concrete floating dock system included a 9-foot by 9-foot pier, a 9-foot by 9.5-foot pier and a 2-foot by 9-foot pier for the Jib crane platform. The docks feature wood walers and steel thru rods, and a unique gray, concrete-stamped deck that mimics the appearance of an ashlar-cut stone walkway. To better meet ADA compliancy and federal guidelines for marina accessibility, Bellingham installed 80-foot-wide pedestrian gangways throughout the marina.

The marina’s new pedestal/power centers, with LED lights, can be programmed for white, red, green or blue lighting. Other amenity upgrades include a pump out station, boater restrooms with showers and laundry, a 24-hour controlled access gate and Wi-Fi. Pier 44 Marina underwent a redevelopment on its landside as well. It now features waterfront dining and shopping, including a retailer for boat parts, supplies and accessories, an onsite yacht club, and additional boater services offices.

This landside development did not impact the slip construction. “We are used to building in Marina Del Rey, where we have limited access to landside facilities,” said Bryce Fisher, Bellingham Marines project development manager. “We delivered floats to the site as needed to put them into place, and we do all the construction that we need on the water side based out of either our pile-driving barge or the work boats that we have on site.” Although the permitting for the completely reconstructed marina took two years, the work went smoothly and was completed in November 2020. The marina planned an opening for some time in March 2021.

*PLAYA – NEWS: CULVER CITY AREA HOTEL NEARS COMPLETION

A new hotel near Culver City is nearing completion

WATCH HERE

*PLAYA – NEWS: PARKING ENFORCEMENT RESUMES APRIL 1 IN MARINA DEL REY

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Parking Enforcement Detail will resume enforcing street sweeping and expired registration citations, along with towing vehicles that were warned via “Red Tag,” officials announced this week. Drivers are urged to be mindful of the change beginning April 1, sheriff’s officials said.

Resumed enforcement includes the following:

Street sweeping: All streets with posted signs for street sweeping will be enforced
Expired registration: Vehicles with expired registration will be cited for registrations expired in excess of six months and will be towed
Indigent Payment Plan: Anyone in need of financial assistance to pay citations can make arrangements through the following: Phone: (866) 561-9744
Red tag warnings: Red tag warnings will be issued to vehicles parked within the public right-of-way not displaying signs of movement, such as excessive dirt, spider webs, and debris underneath and around the tires, flat tires, missing parts, and vandalism.

If a vehicle has not been moved after 72 hours’ notice is given, a citation for Abandonment Prohibited will be issued and the vehicle will be towed immediately. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Parking Enforcement Detail will resume enforcing street sweeping and expired registration citations, along with towing vehicles that were warned via “Red Tag,” officials announced this week.

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET TERRELL

Terrell has been living and working in Westchester since September 2018

*PLAYA – VIDEO:

A stroll through the greens at Playa Vista Farmers Market (Part 2)

WATCH HERE

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET TEDDY
YES OR NO QUESTIONS…

Teddy has been living in Culver City since April 2019.

– Do you think men and women are equal? NO

– Have your parents caught a lie of great caliber? YES

– Would you share your last piece of food with me? HELL, NO

– Have you ever got in the car of someone you just met? SADLY, YES.

-Would you be able to forgive the betrayal of a friend? YES

-Are you happy studying what you are studying or working on what you are working on? NO

– Have you ever been arrested? NO

– Do you get along with your parents? YES

– Have you ever fainted from drinking so much? YES

*PLAYA — RESTAURANTS: RITROVO

At Ritrovo, we pride ourselves in offering a great atmosphere for family and friends. Deva and Ivan (the husband and wife team) wanted to offer here in Playa Vista a little piece of Italy and brought wonderful recipes along for their guests to enjoy.

We invite you to come and enjoy a pleasant visit with a wonderful wine selection to go along with your meal and a homey environment.

IVAN KODEH
DEVA AMIACHE, Owners

The couple’s many years of global success as restauranteurs has lead them to their latest adventure in Playa Vista, CA.

Ritrovo is open for outdoor dining, indoor dining and has a great new wine sampler!

RITROVO PLAYA VISTA
6020 Seabluff,
Dr Playa Vista 90094 Sun-Thu: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Fri-Sat: 11:30am – 9:30pm

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*PLAYA – IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
MARINA DEL REY PETS WAITING TO BE ADOPTED

Looking to add a new member to your family and do something good for the world at the same time? Perhaps it’s the right time to adopt a pet! Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many animal shelters in and around Marina Del Rey are still working to find forever homes for dozens of cats, dogs and other adorable critters coming through.

There are thousands of dogs, cats and other animals of all ages without a home throughout California — and many are located within driving distance. For those looking to adopt, a great place to start your search for your new friend is at Wallis Annenberg Petspace, where Milo the dog is waiting patiently, or another local shelter. If you aren’t sure if you have time to take care of a pet year round, many shelters also offer opportunities to foster pets until they are placed.

Need some help in your search? Petfinder have you covered. We create a list each week of all the pets recently put up for adoption in your area. If you’re a dog person, meet Suzette, a Rat Terrier mix up for adoption. If cats are more your thing, there are several great cats available, too. Click on any listing for more information, or to start the adoption process.

Editor’s note: This list was automatically generated using data compiled by Petfinder.

*PLAYA VISTA PEOPLE – MEET FRANK:

Frank has been living and working in Culver City since March 2014.

*PLAYA – HISTORY:

The Expo Line arrives in Culver City, a town that sprang from the barley fields of Rancho La Ballona and grew into “The Heart of Screenland.”

*PLAYA – READER COMMENT:

I think the way this poll is designed is unfair to Councilman Bonin. He’s the only councilmember who has made solving homelessness one of his top priorities, and has had a target on his back because of it. He’s NOT the problem! Our homelessness problem began decades ago, but was basically ignored while the homeless population was focused on skid row and not visible in our communities.. The problems are multifaceted and extremely complicated to solve, and Councilman Bonin is doing everything within his power to find solutions. One size does not fit all, as different segments of the homeless population require different approaches, and none of them are fast or easy. I think it’s a mistake to expect the government to solve all of them, as it will take both governmental support AND community members themselves. Most Bonin-bashers haven’t lifted a finger to do anything for their communities, nor do they have any better ideas on how to humanely solve the problem. Yes, property and personal crime have risen in recent years, especially since the start of the pandemic. But they’ve increased everywhere, not just in our community. Your “People’s Poll” is extremely biased and isn’t helpful. Rather than spend time trying to marshall support against Councilman Bonin, why don’t you use your platform to promote solutions? Replacing Bonin isn’t one of them.

– John Sharpe

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET LINCOLN

Lincoln has been living and working in Culver City since October 2017.

*PLAYA – SEE IT: ‘INTERLOCKING’ BUILDINGS UNDERWAY DOWNTOWN CULVER CITY

– Culver City

A shiny development featuring two “interlocking” buildings is underway in Downtown Culver City. The project, called The Brick and The Machine, is located at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Delmas Terrace. Developers Clarett West Development and DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners are building a three- and four-story structure with 60,000 square feet of offices, 13,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and subterranean parking for 223 vehicles.

Abramson Architects designed the project.

“A new ground-up building in the center of Downtown Culver City engages the creative energy and collaborative spirit of its cutting-edge inhabitants by providing two distinct office environments – The Brick and The Machine,” Abramson Architects writes on their website. “The Brick features a dynamic shift between large, building-scale window openings and a finely textured, human-scale materiality. The exterior façade is a contemporary interpretation of the historic brick landmarks in the area. The Machine features a series of movable exterior screens that offer glare and temperature control.”

Together, the buildings will share expansive vegetated regions including a multi-story courtyard and activated rooftop deck. “The creative office’s fluid indoor/outdoor spaces incorporate natural lighting and ventilation strategies, both known to increase employee engagement and productivity,” Abramson Architects writes. Construction began in January 2020 was set to take 20 months.

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET LAUREN:

Lauren has been living in Playa Del Rey since November 2007

*PLAYA–BULLETIN BOARD:

1. *** “The customer service at the CVS in Playa Vista constantly reminds me of a post office in a bad neighborhood.” – Fay S., Playa Vista.

2. ***I got taken trying to be helpful. A homeless man asked me if I could get him food from Ralphs and I happily obliged only to find out from one of the cashiers that this person does this all the time. People buy him food, and he returns the food to get the cash. I don’t know why I am surprised, I knew better… I have a friend who works for the LA County Department of Heath who has told me many times that the worst thing I can do, that we can do, is give anything to the homeless on the street. By doing so we are making things easy for them to stay where they are. —- Jen Martin, Marina Del Rey

3. ***I wonder if Jerry’s Deli will ever reopen again. —- Arthur L., Marina Del Rey.

4. ***Garbage, Rats, & Bedbugs, Trash, mattress, water heaters, and infested furniture. All this is on THE MOBILE STATION PRIVATE PROPERTY. Several attempts have been made to explore them to have at least the trash removed, if not the homeless persons in residence there responsible. Our surrounding area is now Rat & BEDBUG INFESTED AS A RESULT, not to mention how unsightly our community has become. BOYCOTT, BOYCOTT, BOYCOTT, their gas, and convenience store. BOYCOTT MOBIL @ 8600 Manchester & Emerson. —- Bob Finston, Westchester.

5. ***Honest to God, if Councilman Mike Bonin were paid a dollar a year, he would be grossly over-paid. —– Darlene M., Marina Del Rey.

6. ***Wheels from car stolen overnight. The wheels were stolen overnight (late Friday 3/19 or early Saturday 3/20) from my car parked in front of my house in the “Mar Vista oval” area. They left my car on 4 plastic soft drink crates. My “Ring” system didn’t record the action because the car was too far away and didn’t activate. I am in the process of submitting a crime report. My car didn’t have a catalytic converter or a tailgate to steal so I thought my car was impervious to the recent crime wave. Oops. Be aware, car part thieves are very bold at the moment. —– Doug Smith, Mar Vista

7. ***Dinner for the first time at Dan Chinese in Playa Vista. Not impressed. Seems like basically a take-out place with little attention to the dine-in customer. One waitress (nice) who spent most of her time sanitizing other tables while serving hours. Turn off. —- Loretta Q., Playa Vista.

8. ***Despite a super sales job, my wife and I had a bad experience with Haldon Pardee realtors. Since we fired them I’ve now met 4 different people who’ve also had poor experiences as well. Seems they love bragging about how great they are but after they get a client they failed to deliver. —- Thomas S., Marina Del Rey.

9. ***Two thumbs down to Capri Gelato in Marina del Rel. Poor quality product. Even poorer service. High prices Won’t be back. —– Ash L., Marina Del Rey.

10. ***It sure seems clear to me and my wife that criminals are on the offense, police are on the defense, and people in the area feeling less and less safe. What kind of idiots think it’s a good idea to de-fund the police. —– Jonathan B., Playa Vista.
11. ***Think Freely – Be Independent. Make up your own (damn) mind: www.LBNExaminer.com .

12. ***Simplicity of life here in Playa Vista, even the barest, is not a misery, but the very foundation of refinement. —- William C., Playa Vista.

13. ***In classrooms in all 50 states, our kids and grandkids are the victims of a coordinated attack on our history, our heroes, and our very inheritance. Worse yet, they’re being indoctrinated with toxic theories that divide us by race and gender and reject America’s most defining principle — that we are all individuals created equal by God. —- Benjamin C., Marina Del Rey

14. ***Contractor sent us a bill for an Estimate. We recently gathered bids from contractors for an ADU / Garage Conversion. One of the contractors that we decided not to go with, came back to us a month later and wanted to charge us for his bid, which came in the form of a 3 sentence text. We refused to pay because we never agreed, ahead of time, to pay for a proposal. Today he texts us threatening to put a mechanics lien on our home? I understand bids take time, I have many family members that work in construction, but we did not agree to this charge. —- DJ Creamer, Westchester.

15. ***Honest to God, when I looked at Councilman Mike Bonin’s self-congratulatory newsletter I laughed so hard I almost plotzed. His district is a nightmare and acts like he just won the Super-Bowl. Another radical on the Left completely out of touch with reality.—– Giles C., Playa Vista