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Playa Vista People 7/22/2021

*PLAYA – READER POLL RESULTS:

DO YOU APPROVE OF THE RECALL OF COUNCILMAN MIKE BONIN?

– 88% OF THE VOTES WERE IN FAVOR OF A RECALL

*PLAYA – NEWS: ‘WE’RE LOSING OUR FREEDOM BECAUSE THEY WANT THEIR FREEDOM'” BUSINESS OWNERS DEFLATED BY RETURN OF INDOOR MASKS:

Put away your lipstick and mustache wax, at least if you have to run errands or plan to grab a bite out in Los Angeles County. Masks are back, indoors at least. The rising number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths — chiefly among the unvaccinated — has moved the Department of Public Health to require everyone to wear masks indoors, even if you’re fully vaccinated. The change goes into effect just before midnight Saturday. The previous rule, asking unvaccinated people to mask up in public, has so far been self-enforced. Now, health officials aren’t taking any chances. More than 1,900 new coronavirus cases in the county were announced Friday. That number has gone up every day for the past week. And a month after the state’s June 15 reopening, which included the phasing out of face coverings, officials say the case positivity rate is reaching “substantial” transmission levels again.Edward Ackah-Miezah owns Cafe Ruisseau with locations in Santa Monica and Playa Vista. He said he’ll follow whatever public health officials recommend, but that he feels deflated. “We just recently got back to being able to see each other’s faces and feel a little bit of a connection in that way, but I think people have only really been comfortable doing that in the last couple of weeks,” Ackah-Miezah said. “Now we’re going to go back to wearing masks, which is discouraging as staff, but also discouraging for customers as well. It just feels like we’re going backwards.”

Gym owner Gina Baski said while public safety is paramount, the financial stakes are pretty high for the fitness industry. She owns TriFit Club & Studios in Santa Monica and said that some customers have already mentioned they’ll go work out in Orange County instead, where they don’t have to wear masks while exercising indoors.

*PLAYA – NEWS: LA COFFEE SHOP GO GET EM TIGER SERVES THE FAMOUS BISCUITS FROM TED LASSO THIS WEEK

– Culver City

Ted Lasso’s second season comes out on July 23, and local cafe Go Get Em Tiger has officially collaborated with Apple TV+ to give away cookies, also known as biscuits, this week, plus free coffee only beginning at 10 a.m. From today until Friday, customers at GGET’s Santa Monica, Larchmont, Los Feliz, and Culver City locations will get a pink box of three free biscuits with their order, and if using Apple Pay, all coffee and tea drinks are $1 (sorry Android users).

The shortbread cookies were developed by GGET’s culinary team and will be placed in the same pink box as it appears on the show. Those that didn’t watch Ted Lasso will have to catch up on one of the funniest and most endearing television shows of the past year, and understand what the big deal about those biscuits, er, cookies, are all about. Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudekis as the namesake soccer, er, football coach, and Hannah Waddington as the team owner Rebecca.

*PLAYA – NEWS: CULVER CITY NONPROFIT STRUGGLES WITH CHALLENGES OF RISING FOOD INSECURITY

– Culver City

After serving the community for over a decade, a local nonprofit is at risk of no longer being able to offer meals to the food insecure in Culver City. Nearly 200 food-insecure locals are served free hot meals and fresh produce every weekday courtesy of Grace Diner, a nonprofit run out of Grace Lutheran Church. “Our demographics changed dramatically during COVID,” said Program Director Lisa Skelley. She noted that the diner saw an increase in recently unemployed millennials, families with young children, seniors and the unhoused. “Many unhoused people who saw their lives change very drastically and that they couldn’t go to fast-food restaurants or the deli section at Ralphs to get hor food to eat,” Skelly said.

Because of the pandemic, Grace Diner had to adapt from indoor dining style to outdoor service. With demand for meals increasing, Grace Diner partnered with Feed Culver, a nonprofit organization formed in the advent of COVID-19 to support restaurant employees. Feed Culver sources 160 meals from Culver City restaurants and donates them to Grace Diner two days a week to be distributed to those in need. For the other three days, Skelley and her team are on their own. But, thanks to community partnerships, Grace Diner has stayed operational for the last 14 months, serving hot meals every day of the week — take-out style. “People would just line up six feet apart wearing masks and they would get their hot meal,” Skelly said.

“Everyone here in line has their own story and part of volunteering here is getting to know everyone and getting to know their story,” Brownlow said. “It helps us get to know the extent of the problem in Culver City and how we can solve it more.” Culver City Mayor Alex Fisch commended Grace Diner for serving the unhoused and food insecure — something he says the city has taken too long to do. “Grace Diner is literally saving lives and I couldn’t be more grateful for them and other small organizations,” Fisch said. “It is a very difficult task because the resources at the local level are limited.” Skelly says this is the only place that provides free quality food every weekday in Culver City, but without more funding, they’re at risk of shutting down.

To support Grace Diner and other organizations, visit feedculver.org

*PLAYA – NEWS: HIHO CHEESEBURGER OPENS IN MARINA DEL REY

– Culver City
HiHo Cheeseburger is now open in Marina del Rey, bringing its signature wagyu burgers to the new harbor location. The chain offers classics and expanded to three locations in Southern California, including Santa Monica and Mid-Wilshire—Crescent Heights. “We’re excited to open the doors of our new waterfront location,” co-founder Matt Levin said in a statement. “We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from our guests on the Westside since opening HiHo in Santa Monica and we look forward to serving the Marina community at Pier 44.”

*PLAYA – INTERVIEW: MEET LENNY

Writer / Dancer / Performer / Model
Q: Why did you choose to conduct your business affairs in the Silicon Beach area? How did you get there?
– I love that it’s peaceful and coastal and filled with sunshine. It’s basically a writer’s dream! I’m big on beaching and being surrounded by babely people while I get some writing done at the shore.

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?
– It’s always been about the people I meet. Within a week of arriving in Playa Vista, I met Lori Hoeft. We immediately started a community-based free writer’s support group, and now we are debuting our first duo show in a theater in August.

Q: Do you see yourself going beyond the Silicon Beach area. Where are you from?
– I foresee our show to be a huge success and travel will be in store to bring our show to future festivals around the globe! We’ll be performing in a theater in Hollywood but each show will also be broadcast on livestream for a global audience –all because of Youtube, which is based here. We’ve got our sights set on festivals like Sundance in Utah, Fringe in Edinburgh, and OffBroadway in New York City, which is where I’m originally from. But who knows what else might be in store if the right person in the right place views our show online!

Q: In what ways have you seen the area change since you’ve been here?
– I was very happy to see all the shops and theaters open up from the covid lockdown and to see everything come back to life.

Q: Where are your favorite places in the Silicon Beach that aren’t well known?
– The sneaky entry to the beach behind Mo’s is one of my favorite spots!

Q: What was your first impression of the Silicon Beach, was it love at first sight or did it take time to adjust?
– Love at first sight.

Q: What area would you like to see improved the most?
– I would love a karaoke bar anywhere nearby! I have so many songs I need to sing for all of you….

Q: Are there any scenic routes you like to take when going out for the evening or for a regular trip to work?
– I love driving down Jefferson to the edge of the ccean.

Q: How would you best describe the atmosphere of the Silicon Beach, is there anything that stands out to you?
– It reminds me of Cheers, where everybody knows your name. There’s a familiarity and neighborliness here that’s really nice when coming from one big city to another.

Q: What are your favorite restaurants in the area?
– I’m almost exclusively found eating at Mo’s, Maxwell’s, Cafe Collage, The Cow’s End, Flake The Butcher’s Daughter, Sweetgreen, Rainbow Acres, Erewhon

*PLAYA — RESTAURANTS:

Enjoy this delicious, exquisite sea food dish! A beautifully baked, Fresh Sea Bass Fillet topped with a savory moscato sauce and figs. Served with steamed asparagus and mashed potatoes. Ritrovo
6020 Seabluff Dr
Playa Vista, CA, 90094
(424) 289-9326

PLAYA – COMMENTARY by Mercedes Gonzalez, Palms

An incident last night. At about 11 pm or a little before I heard some noises outside it was a girl crying and begging for someone to stop. At first, it sounded like she was drunk crying or something and I got worried so I started to pay close attention. She wouldn’t stop crying and I heard she was talking to men and I gathered my kids (teenagers actually) and we went outside to check it out. 3 or 4 men were beating up a guy badly so we yelled for them to stop. I called the police the guys and the girl ended up leaving this poor guy all beat up before any help arrived. He was badly bleeding all over and they also pulled his hair out and took his wallet :(.This makes me so sad!! But the fact that no one came out to help make me wonder, what if it was me or my kids or any one of our family members out there getting mugged? No one else came out to help !! No one!! I truly hope this guy is okay just wanted to share my thoughts.- 3620-3630 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

*PLAYA – LENS:

A family enjoying themselves at Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey.

*PLAYA – SPORTS: LAKERS’ KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE SHOOTING FOR SALE OF $5M PLAYA VISTA HOME:

The Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has tossed his modern mansion in Playa Vista, CA, onto the market. The property is now available for $4.95 million. He picked up the brand-new build in 2019 for $4 million, and is now likely to be looking for a home with more security. In June, TMZ reported that the Lakers star and some friends were robbed at gunpoint in the driveway of his home. Although the TMZ article doesn’t mention the address, this Playa Vista residence is the only place in California currently owned by Caldwell-Pope. The thieves reportedly got away with $150,000 of stolen goods, including a Rolex watch, jewelry, and an iPhone, but Caldwell-Pope wasn’t harmed.

A month after the incident, this gorgeous home is now on the market. The boxy build in what’s known as Silicon Beach is within walking distance of both YouTube and Google campuses. With five bedrooms and seven bathrooms on 4,544 square feet, the listing describes the residence as the “premier modern home” in Playa Vista.

*PLAYA – IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: DON’T MISS THIS SATURDAY!

2 pm – 4 pm.
SATURDAY, JULY 24
Outdoor Book Signing

LIVE AND IN-PERSON:
Meet Michael Levine, the author of the best-selling business book “Broken Windows, Broken Business”

Celebrating the new, revived edition. 25% new material.
“One of the most influential business books of the last decade”

Taught in all 25 of the best business schools in America.

Petals N Wax
13432 Maxella Ave
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET GREGORY:

Gregory has been living and working in Marina Del Rey since October 2015

YES OR NOT INTERVIEW:
Have you ever gotten scared about flying on a plane? NO

· Have you ever gotten called out at school because you were wearing something embarrassing? NO

· Have you ever done something so bad at school that you got suspended for it? NO

· Have you ever been involved in a car accident that was your fault? NO

· Have you ever tried to pole dance at a club before? NO

· Have you ever been so upset about something that happened that day that you cried yourself to sleep that night? YES

*PLAYA – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ***The staff at N’ice Cream sure look unhappy. I’ve now been three times and each time it seems worse. —– Lenny F., Playa Vista

2. ***I love the Marina Shell Station on Lincoln Blvd. They are honest and helpful consistently. —– Nate W., Marina Del Rey.

3. ***How more many miserable months till we get rid of disaster City Councilman, Mike Bonin? —– Jennifer P., Playa Vista.

4. ***The P.R. Revolution is underway. Witness here: www.PRPrime.net .

5. ***”I went to Beach Pizza on Sunday at 6pm to order a meatball sandwich. The owner told me it would be a 30-minute wait without any apology. I walked out and won’t be back.” – Laura N., Westchester

6. *** “I noticed that the Runway Shopping Center in Playa Vista, there were no patriotic celebration on the 4th of July. You have to ask yourself, ‘What are they thinking?’ – Former Sergeant First Class, Reynold G. (disabled veteran), Culver City

7. ***Car break-in on Centinela. Condos on Centinela/Ballona Creek/90-Freeway. On 7/8/21 around 5 AM, two men came and broke into my car. They checked other cars in the area. They stole a handful of items Description of the person involved – Hair: Bald, Top: Black shirt with graphic, Bottom: Black pants, Age: 35-45, Build: Big and tall, Race: unknown, Sex: male, Other details: Smoker, places cigarette on the left ear. —– Wendy Liu, Del Rey.

8. ***Can you imagine the nerve of Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin is criticizing Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s move this week to begin clearing homeless encampments in Venice? “The presence of LASD in Venice is disruptive & counter-productive,” Bonin said in a Twitter thread Thursday. “Villanueva should leave outreach & housing to the professionals. It’s harmful to strut in & interfere with the work of service providers who are trying to house people, quietly, diligently, and in good faith.” What an arrogant, delusional idiot! Bonin and his “professionals” have completely and totally ruined the area and now he wants to lecture us on how to improve it. Bonin must go NOW! Look at Venice. Do you need any more evidence? —- Arthur P., Marina Del Rey.

9. ***EURO SOCCER USA WEEKEND SOCCER Professional Soccer Training -For 18 months to 14 years
PLUS: Camps for ages 2-14 Learning Pods Birthdays & Events Private Training & More! ENROLL ONLINE OR AT (424) 228-5305
PLAYA VISTA SOCCER – Year-round for ages 18 months – 14 years. REGISTER ONLINE OR BY PHONE (424) 228-5305
eurosoccerusa.com.

10. ***New. Church in the Marina! – Reimagine Church’s first in-person gathering is happening this Sunday at Mother’s Beach! Would love to have you join us and meet some folks as we continue to ramp to our fall weekly launch! See 1-minute video invite here: https://vimeo.com/566145884. Email me at David@ReimagineChurch.church if you’d like to join in for an informal breakfast with some neighbors. —– David Cobia, Marina Del Rey.

11. ***Mike Bonin’s homeless musical chairs: A bus that was parked on Rose Avenue in front of Whole Foods in Venice has relocated to Ocean Park Beach in Santa Monica. —— Rick S., Santa Monica.

12. **I despise the people who are looking at their phones and walk into people. I let them get within 3 feet and yell “heads up” real loud. —– Mike Y., Playa Vista.

13. ***Approx. 5:50 pm today July 18, a 25 to 33 yo, male Hispanic, 6’ tall, black/brown long curly hair (shoulder length), White, maybe Honda, CA plates w about 7 digits looked like 8NB??…. This lame saw my neighbor unpacking car on 83rd St. Made a U-turn on Emerson – jumped out & grabbed a large black box of work equipment & turned North on Dunbarton – any other footage appreciated- neighbors please be mindful- these intentional crimes in broad daylight are troubling —– Rebecca Raymond, Westchester.

14. ***Have you ever considered that if you call for a bookstore not to stock your enemy’s book or rejoice when a problematic classic is taken out of print, your enemy will do the same. —– Oliva R., Culver City.

15. ***America’s elite class assumes that its social and cultural capital are valued and coveted by all. They’re not. —- Dr. Harvey Z., Playa Vista.

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 7/15/2021

*91% OF PLAYA VISTA PEOPLE READERS SLAM SECURITY GUARDS FOR WATCHING YOUTUBE VIDEOS WHILE WORKING:

Safety seems to be a top concern of Playa Vista People readers and 91% responded negatively to security guards watching YouTube videos while working according to a recent reader poll.

Almost 800 Play Vista People readers wrote in, many complaining about security guards constantly and consistently watching YouTube videos while they’re supposedly working.

One of the comments included – “where do I get a job where I get paid to watch cat videos on YouTube?” said Melinda Greene of Culver City.

Many readers expressed concern about safety in the area given the explosion of crime in the general Los Angeles, Southern California area. “The security guards are supposed to be working not playing on their phones,” said Darrell Quinn, a former retired Culver City police officer.

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET GRAMERCY

Gramercy has been living in Playa Vista since June, 2017

FUN FACT: Turned down centerfold offer from Playboy.

*PLAYA – MOMENT: CULVER CITY MAN TICKETED $500 FOR JAYWALKING

The veteran was on his way back from a medical appointment and simply wanted to catch the bus. He told Crime Report he looked both ways before he crossed the street, but that didn’t stop two officers from turning on their flashing lights and issuing the citation.“It was embarrassing to be stopped in public and treated like I had just committed a serious crime,” Milton told the Crime Report.

A 66-year-old black man was given a nearly $200 ticket for walking across the street. Richard Milton of Culver City, California was recently fined $198 by two officers for jaywalking. After late fees including civil assessments given when he couldn’t pay, Milton was left with a bill of $500.

Milton’s story is one that is modeled by several men and women of color across the region. According to statistics from the California Racial Identity and Profiling Act analyzed by the California Bicycle Coalition, while Black people only make up 9 percent of the population, 31 percent of jaywalking citations are given to African American individuals. In response to experiences like Milton and others, several are showing their support for the Freedom to Walk Act, Assembly Bill 1238 which would repeal California’s jaywalking laws. Written by state Assemblymember Phil Ting, a Democrat from San Francisco, the bill would legalize crossing the street at places other than a crosswalk or walk cycle of a traffic signal as long as its done in a commonsense, safe way.

The bill was passed by the Senate in June, but does have to undergo amendments before being made into law.
*PLAYA – NEWS: EXPLORERS PROGRAM SEEKS APPLICANTS IN CULVER CITY

The Culver City Police Department is seeking teen applicants, age 14 to 19, for its Explorers Program, that begins in September.

During the 12-week Basic Explorer Academy, enrollees learn life and leadership skills and gain opportunities for future law enforcement careers.

Upon graduation, explorers have the opportunity to work alongside Culver City officers during special events, assist with station duties, participate in ride-alongs, field trips, and potentially earn community service credit.

Sessions are held at the El Camino Community College in Torrance, with transportation provided from the Culver City police.

Youth qualifications include: at least a “C” school average (GPA: 2.0 or better); good moral character without any serious arrest record; good physical health; and passing background investigations and oral interviews.

*PLAYA – PEOPLE:

Sondra from Playa Del Rey driving free during the Summer of 2021.

*PLAYA – NEWS: TRACI PARK ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR LOS ANGELES COUNCIL DISTRICT 11

Local attorney and community leader Traci Park officially launched her campaign for Los Angeles City Council District 11. Park, a Venice resident, made the following statement as she kicked off a listening tour of the 11th District. “Our community is in a crisis, and it is a crisis of leadership. Los Angeles is failing in its basic task to maintain a safe, livable city – let alone tackling tough problems like homelessness, our housing crisis, climate change and struggling small businesses,” said Park. “LA has the highest poverty rate in California, and some of the highest housing costs anywhere in the country. Our homeless crisis has exploded, our City Hall has been beset by corruption scandals, and for the first time in a century, people are leaving Los Angeles. “Park said the City’s own data show that our District lost more jobs than almost any other area of Los Angeles. “Our homeless issues have made Venice and the Westside synonymous with encampments and a symbol of the City’s inability to act on critical issues.”

“If our community wants progress and change on these issues, if we want a City that delivers on the issues that matter, we have to have new leadership. I have spent my whole career working with cities and public officials getting things done – and I intend to listen, lead and give the people of CD 11 the representation they deserve. “Park is running for CD 11 and to unseat incumbent Mike Bonin. She is kicking off a listening tour of Council District 11, which covers the neighborhoods of Brentwood, Del Rey, Ladera, Mar Vista, Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Venice, Westchester and other sections of West LA, according to her campaign release announcement.

*PLAYA – LENS:

Lola is stretching her life in many directions in Culver City.

*PLAYA – PEOPLE:

An intriguing look at an intriguing community.

*PLAYA – COMMENTARY: BY EVELYN TAPLIN

Owner, Petals n Wax Gift Store, Marina Del Rey:

As a local retailer in Marina Del Rey. I’ve tried hard to put more smiles on our customer’s faces when they come to buy or see what Petals n Wax is all about! Provided gloves to customers when they came into the store wearing their masks! Even when customers told us they were not going to touch anything we made them smile again when we explained our merchandise was trained to jump into theirs and it did!! Kept the store stocked with the Major Candle Brands. Our customers love and were burning so much more being home so much more. Still offering free gift wrapping on all in-store purchases! Started our new trend of Book Signings with top book writers with another one coming up on July 24 from 2.00 – 4.00 pm with Michael Levine’s Broken Windows Broken Business!

*PLAYA – RESTAURANTS: MODERN INDIAN RESTAURANT OPENS IN HEART OF CULVER CITY:

A modern Indian restaurant has come to a Culver City space that has housed a number of eateries over the years.

As reported by Toddrickallen, Arth Kitchen + Bar has opened at 9531 Culver Boulevard. Over the years the space has housed a number of restaurants, including Sambar, AR Cucina, and Ford’s Filling Station.

“Located in the heart of Culver City, Arth Bar + Kitchen invites guests to experience Indian cuisine in a completely new way with its contemporary atmosphere, eclectic dishes and innovative cocktails,” reads the restaurant’s website.The menu includes a range of eclectic small plates, a hearty selection of tandoori options, sauce-centric main plates alongside cocktails (including zero-proof offerings), wine and beer. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Sagar Ghosh who attended the Indus Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts.

The restaurant’s hours are Monday – Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information visit https://www.arthla.com/.

*PLAYA – MEMORY LANE PHOTO:

The Playa Vista development looking northeast from Lincoln Blvd., with Bluff Creek at right. 2006 photo.

*USE OUR FREE P.V.P. BULLETIN BOARD AND SPEAK TO 25,000 OF YOUR NEIGHBORS

Our incredible P.V.P. Bulletin Board is a unique one-of-a-kind community service. Now you can speak directly to 25,000 of your neighbors for FREE by simply posting it in the Playa Vista people Bulletin Board.

Reach your neighbors in Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Culver City, Playa del Rey, and Westchester all for FREE!

Send your free bulletin board post (50 words or less) to PlayaVistaPeople@TimeWire.net

Sell. Promote. Buy. Trade. Hire. Comment. Question. All FREE!

*PLAYA – PEOPLE: MEET EMILIO

Emilio has been working in Marina Del Rey since February 2017

YES OR NO INTERVIEW:
· Do you play hockey? HELL, NO.

· Can you bowl? YES, POORLY BUT YES

· Were you watching the game last night? WHAT GAME? NO

· Do you like to play badminton? NO. SISSY GAME.

· Did baseball influence your life? HELL, YES BUT WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL.

· Can a quarterback get a scholarship? A GOOD ONE CAN.

· Do you know any baseball players’ names? MANY

· Is the Super Bowl your favorite game? NOT NECESSARILY.

· Were you on the basketball team? NO, NOT TALL ENOUGH.

· Did you find a golf ball in your yard? I DON’T HAVE A YARD.

*PLAYA – EATS: URBAN PLATES

Costs $10 per month. Exclusively as part of the Urban Plates app. Only available thru the Urban Plates app for dine-in & takeout orders (not valid for delivery)

PLATE PASS OVERVIEW:
Plate Pass is a membership subscription available exclusively on the Urban Plates app. It makes all individual entrees purchased on our app for dine-in and takeout $10 (or less) for the duration of the monthly membership. Plate Pass is for dine-in and takeout orders only and is not valid for delivery orders. Plate Pass memberships are valid for a month from the date of purchase and automatically renew unless canceled.

HOW PLATE PASS WORKS:
The Plate Pass price for entrees will be applied to the member’s order when they checkout with the app. The prices you see in the app while you shop will be the regular menu price, but will be adjusted to $10 during your checkout. You do not need to apply a promotion code, the Plate Pass discount will automatically be applied if you have a membership.

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

*PLAYA – PLATINUM SPOTLIGHT:

Nancy Pelegrino, Acclaimed Realtor, Wins Best of Los Angeles Award- “Best Real Estate Agent (Marina Del Rey) – 2021”

The “Best of Los Angeles Award” community was formed five years ago and consists of over 7,400 professional members living and working in Southern California. It celebrates the best people, places, and things in Los Angeles with the slogan “No Ads. No B.S. Only the Best.” “The mission of the community is to celebrate the best of Los Angeles, and allow its community members to connect with other members who share the highest standards of quality and integrity,” expresses DeRose. “We’re honored to include Nancy Pelegrino into our BoLAA family.”

Nancy Pelegrino, acclaimed realtor, wins Best of Los Angeles Award – “Best Real Estate Agent (Marina Del Rey) – 2021”, according to Aurora DeRose, award coordinator for the Best of Los Angeles Award community.

A native of Chicago, Nancy Pelegrino is a former high school English and History teacher. In the 1980s, she moved to California and started her real estate career, applying the same straight talking, clear thinking to her business that she had learned as a teacher. A licensed broker, Nancy Pelegrino is today one of the stars of the highly competitive Westside real estate market. She knows what’s going on in the real estate market and how to help her clients get what they want.

Nancy Pelegrino is gutsy, smart, decisive, and straightforward. So is her business. She doesn’t have time to waste, and she doesn’t waste her clients’ time. She has built her business to meet her clients’ needs. That means days, nights, weekends. That means all types of properties, anywhere in Southern California. If you want honest, hardworking successful real estate representation without all the fuss and fluff, call Nancy Pelegrino today.

Nancy Pelegrino
Pelegrino Properties
http://www.pelegrinoproperties.com/default.asp.f-aboutme

310-245-9790 Mobile
Nancy@PelegrinoProperties.com
310-306-8286

*PLAYA – EVENTS:

*PLAYA–BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ***The most disappointing service at Butterfly & Bull. We’d made reservations and were told clearly that we only had our table for 90 minutes, which is fine if service is responsive. However, the cocktail we ordered when we sat down was not delivered until well after our entrees (despite the fact we mentioned twice we’d never received it). We asked for a box at the end, and our server then disappeared for 30 minutes. When he finally returned we let him know we needed to leave and asked again for a box. It took ten more minutes and another 15 to get our bill. The food was fine, and if the service had been even average, we’d probably go back. —– Brooke H., Hermosa Beach.

2. ***Like the job Councilman Mike Bonin job is doing to devastate our neighbor. Call his office at 213-444-3508 and tell him what you think! —– Gaylor L., Marina Del Rey.

3. ***This FREE P.V.P Bulletin Board is here for you! – Reach 25,000 of your neighborhoods in Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Culver City Playa del Rey, and Westchester all for free! Maximum 25 words. Hire. Sell. Buy. Rent. Barter. Comment. Question. Meet up. This is your free community billboard. Enjoy! Send your free postings to: PlayaVistaPeople@TimeWire.net

4. ***”I noticed that the Runway Shopping Center in Playa Vista, there were no patriotic celebration on the 4th of July. You have to ask yourself, ‘What are they thinking?’ – Former Sergeant First Class, Reynold G. (disabled veteran), Culver City

5. ***2 suspects explode open Chase Bank ATM. Chase Bank ATM at Manchester and Fordham was exploded open last by what looks like two men last night was caught by our security cameras. – 7140-7150 West Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA —– Ashley Edwards, Westchester.

6. ***Santa Monica’s City manager Lane Dilg’s leadership was exactly what you would expect from an A.C.L.U attorney. Fortunately, she is leaving soon and of course, the City is s crime-ridden, decayed disaster. Surprised? Hardly. —— Mitchell G., Marina Del Rey.Great Photography at Great Prices, 7. ***Satisfaction Guaranteed See www.ar310.com YourSoulShots
8. ***Help the area is awful, the 90 freeway filthy, off-ramp, also land along 90 homeless living in the vacant land behind Nursey. Why? How can this get corrected before a fire is started? Drunk lady sleeping outside on the ground in front of the old Jerry’s deli. Where is security? Marina is going to hell! If someone does not step up! Jefferson is pathetic. Cops need to be present. —- Cheryl McMichael, Marina Del Rey.

9. ***The staff and owner of Casa Modena Ristorante have a warmth that would make Frigidaire proud. —– Alice Y., Culver City.

10. ***LAX Lyft Experience. We arrived back in LAX from our first vacation in a very long time on Saturday, May 28th about 8:30 pm. We ordered a Lyft for the 2.5-mile drive to our home in North Kentwood. The final cost? $48.00! Our trip to the airport on Lyft was $14.00. I’ve heard of surge pricing but that seems excessive. —– Jack Nelson, Playa Vista

Playa Vista People 7/08/21

*PLAYA – READER POLL:

DO YOU APPROVE OF THE RECALL OF COUNCILMAN MIKE BONIN?
Send your vote to: PlayaVistaPeople@TimeWire.net

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET SLIM:

Slim has been working in Westchester since August 2015

FUN FACT: Was born at midnight (exactly).

*PLAYA – NEWS: EX-BLIZZARD DEVELOPERS PARTNER WITH TENCENT TO FORM UNCAPPED GAMES, WORKING ON AN RTS TITLE

Game developers, David Kim and Jason Hughes
– Playa Vista

Yet another group of Blizzard veterans are forming their own studio, this time with the support of Tencent. The new group is called Uncapped Games Studio, and it’s being led by David Kim and Jason Hughes. Uncapped will be working on a new RTS title for PC, to be revealed at a later date. No further details have been revealed for now. Kim and Hughes both recently worked on Diablo 4, with Kim also having credits on Starcraft 2: Legacy of the Void and Hughes having worked on Diablo 3 and Hawken (with Adhesive Games). Both also having prior experience at THQ. Zhongshan Zhang is also on board as lead engineer after experiences at Blizzard, Ubisoft, Foundation 9, Magic Leap, and co-founding Boxi Interactive.

Uncapped is located in Playa Vista, California, and is currently in the process of hiring for a number of roles. It falls under the group of studios owned by Tencent called Lightspeed and Quantum Studios Group, which also includes Quantum, Anyplay, Tiki, and Lightspeed LA. “Making the next great PC RTS has been my goal for almost a decade now, and Lightspeed and Quantum is giving us an awesome shot at making that,” said Kim. “Putting together a team of great developers with lots of experience and being backed by the right people who also believe in RTS as much as we do, is our first big step in getting there.”

Uncapped comes as another in a growing crowd of studios recently formed by Blizzard veterans during a period where the company is also undergoing a wave of high-profile departures. These companies include Mike Morhaime’s Dreamhaven and its subsidiaries, Moonshot and Secret Door, Warchief Gaming from Chris Metzen, Second Dinner from Ben Brode, Lightforge Games, and several more.

*PLAYA – NEWS: MARINA DEL REY FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Hundreds of independent films will screen this summer at the Marina del Rey Film Festival, which returns for its 10-year anniversary. The milestone event happens July 16 through July 22 at Cinemark 18 and XD at The Promenade at Howard Hughes Center, 6081 Center Drive, Los Angeles. “We are very excited to have this festival in-person, and we want to welcome back filmmakers to the best festival experience,” Festival Director, Jon Gursha, said in a statement. “We will be screening hundreds of films from around the world.” It’s been more than a year since the festival gathered for in-person screenings.

“All of us at the Marina del Rey Film Festival are excited about bringing this year’s festival back to the theater,” Festival Program Director Peter Greene said. “There is nothing like the theatrical experience for films. It’s the way filmmakers imagine their film to be screened,” Greene said. “At the same time, during the pandemic, we launched ShortsDaily a streaming element to the festival that allows us and filmmakers to reach an even wider audience as not everyone can get to see all the films in person.”

The festival was dubbed a “Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals” by FilmFreeway. In 2020, it was virtual due to the pandemic. Film streaming offerings are also still available through the ShortsDaily Roku channel. Gursha and Greene introduced the festival after visiting Europe and exploring the film markets and festivals. In 2012, they brought together the first Marina del Rey Film Festival held in Los Angeles, celebrating the artistry and spirit of the independent film industry. Festival organizers are still accepting submissions for films and screenplays. Contact organizers to submit a film or screenplay for submission, and for more information via the website.

*PLAYA – COMMENTARY: BY COURTNEY PAULSON

WEAR A HELMET – Pretty Please? My husband just witnessed a horrible accident that severely injured one person and traumatized all who saw it happen. A car hit a woman on an electric bike in Playa Vista. I see a lot of LMU students and other riders zooming around the neighborhood with no helmets. PLEASE encourage and/or beg your friends, partners, and kids to wear a helmet. Nobody expects what happened to this young woman today to happen to them. It pains me to think how things could have been different if she was wearing one. My heart goes out to her and her family. I hope she can recover.

*PLAYA – NEWS: AFTER FLORIDA COLLAPSE, MARINA DEL REY CONDOS FOUND TO BE SAFE BUT IN NEED OF REPAIR

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn brought county building inspectors to the 600-unit Marina City Club Thursday to survey the multi-structure condo complex. “My concerns are that we don’t have something happen here that we’ve been watching in Florida,” she said. The deadly building collapse in Florida certainly prompted the county to take a look at the condos, but the inspection did not happen until after Goldstein’s investigation aired.

But not everyone was happy to welcome Goldstein back to the property, with security officers asking him and his team to leave before calling the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Goldstein’s previous investigation uncovered a report from 2018 that called the complex an “aging property.” That report included photos of waterproofing cracking on the deck and leaking pipes below. Another report, prepared in April of this year, found that “nearly all of the waterproofing throughout the property on the recreation decks and tennis courts is failing in some way, with water penetrating the structure.”

The report went on to say that, over time, the issues could cause “significant damage to the building’s structural integrity.” When asked why the county didn’t do something earlier in response to those troubling reports, Hahn said, “That’s a good question.” The buildings sit on land leased from the county, and earlier this year the county threatened to red tag the property if millions of dollars in repairs were not made. The county has since convinced the property owner to conduct a structural engineering study, which will take time to complete. But, on Thursday, county building inspectors were on hand to take their first hard look at the conditions.

“Some signs of aging are routine, and others may be of more concern,” Steven Frasner, with the L.A. County Department of Public Works, said. “So our engineers will take a look at that.” Hahn also met with residents and tried to address their concerns, telling them that the county was going to get to the bottom of the issue, but some homeowners came away more worried. “I’m scared, actually,” one woman said. “After hearing it from her right now, I’m pretty scared.”

*PLAYA – NEWS: POPULAR MEXICAN RESTAURANT WILL SOON BE MAKING A HOME IN CULVER CITY:

A sign hanging in the window at 10601 Washington Blvd. #103 (corner of Overland) has signaled the arrival of Teddy’s Tacos restaurant. The taco spot already has locations in both Pasadena and Industry. “Culver City is so amazing,” said Adriana Aljurdi, Co-Owner of Teddy’s. “The reason why we chose Culver City is because it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. It’s right next to the Sony studios and in a great location.” Like it’s namesake, the menu includes a wide range of tacos with a variety of meats such as: Asada, Al Pastor, Chicken, Carnitas, Barbacoa, Tinga, and Chorizo. The restaurant also offers potato and mahi-mahi tacos as well as their specialty tacos with fun ingredients like stuffed jalapeños, bell peppers and even raisins.

“We’ve taken your regular taqueria and upgraded it to the next level,” said Aljurdi. “We call them gourmet tacos. They’re not your typical street tacos. A lot of them are recipes from my mom in Mexico with our own take. We’re really proud of what we serve.” If you’re not in the mood for a taco, Teddy’s also has other menu options like their take on a grilled cheese which comes on a tortilla and features coleslaw, and carne asada. While the menu at the Culver City location will be the same, the restaurant owner says they did have to make renovations to the location. “It used to be a sandwich shop so we had to do construction to turn it into a taco shop, like adding a hood and a grill.”

The restaurant will open September 2021. To see the full menu, find out more about their other locations, you can visit https://www.teddystacos.com.

*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET: MISSY

Missy has been living and working in Culver City since August 2016

FUN FACT: Loves Norah Jones and Diana Krall

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*PLAYA – SPOTTED:

Jessica Alba’s clean brand recently went public with an astonishing $412million IPO and was valued at $1.4billion.

And she looked every inch a beauty boss as she headed into her Honest Company offices on Thursday in Playa Vista.

The 39-year-old actress sported a stylish silk skirt with an oversized shirt as she chatted away on her phone before heading upstairs to work.

*PLAYA – VIDEO:

Local woman makes her baking dreams a reality with new Culver City shop. Dr. Sika Little always enjoys the small bakery business as a fun side project and ships products nationwide, but recently she was able to make her dream come true with her first opening. I did. Official Dr. Shica’s Bakery in Westfield Culver City

WATCH HERE

*PLAYA – EVENTS:

Rose is a waitress at Bull & Butterfly in Playa Vista.

*PLAYA – IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

IMAX Headquarters Playa Vista.

*PLAYA – LENS:

Ritrovo Playa Vista — Summer is for eating delicious food and drinking spectacular wine with great company. Come soak up the sun this summer on our spacious patio.
*PLAYA PEOPLE – MEET PETE:

Pete has been living and working in Playa Del Rey since February 2009.

Fun Fact: He does know how to drive a car or a bike.

*PLAYA – BULLETIN BOARD:

1. ***Casing the Neighborhood. A young man (possibly a gang member) went up and down Calabar Avenue between 3 and 4 yesterday afternoon ringing doorbells where no cars were present. When I answered the door it surprised him and he quickly left. He was picked up by a car with multiple occupants at the end of the street. Stay alert! —– Brian O’Rourke, Playa Del Rey

2. ***Let’s be honest. The City is NOT safe. Criminals are brazenly on offense and police, who have been totally and completely demoralized have largest stopped doing their job. Do you blame them? We have elected crack-pot prosecutors who let dangerous criminals out without bail and we have a complete out-of-control Southern Border. We are f—ked! —–Dr. Sharon W., Playa Vista

3. ***As a group, realtors are not the smartest bunch and I am being kind. —– Davies H., Culver City, (Former realtor)

4. ***Not a single 4^th of July decoration at Runway Shopping Center in Playa Vista during the holiday! WTF? —— Oliva B., Playa Vista. 5. ***”I wouldn’t hire Mike Bonin to drive cards in a car wash on a hot day even if I were desperate. Not smart enough.” – Marylin D., Culver City
6. ***”A new local restaurant is coming to the Playa Vista Runway Shopping Center called Neighbors. It should open in August. Stay tuned.” – Larry S., Playa Vista
7. ***“Book covers are the original clickbait.”

8. ***In publishing, a generational conflict rages between the under-40s and the over-40s. At stake: the relationship between art and artist. —- Lance H., Marina Del Rey.
9. ***”I am not sure who is more inconsiderate, parents of screaming children or pet owners obsessed with their animals.” – Hillary P., Culver City 10. ***”I really wonder why some people act like all text messages are an emergency.” Ronaldo G., Marina Del Rey

11. ***My good friend Martha from Westchester is always envious, but she was a stalwart friend, and mordantly funny about women’s plight. —– Lauren E., Westchester.

12. ***The Los Angeles City Council voted to draft new rules barring homeless people from camping near schools, parks, libraries, and other “sensitive” facilities, a sudden change in direction for a city struggling to address a humanitarian crisis while also restoring access to its public spaces. This is only say five years too late but what the hell! —- Roberto G., Culver City.

13. ***My name is Shaye and I just recently moved into the neighborhood as I am going into my sophomore year at Loyola Marymount University! I am currently looking for a job and I have a wide variety of positions I can fill! I am looking for nannying, babysitting, mother’s helper, errand runner, dog walking, or sitting! I am available M-F and my times are flexible. I have a reliable car and can pick it up or drop it off. My number is 714-341-9065 if you are interested!

14. ***86th & Emerson. FYI I was walking my dog home this morning and a man that is sleeping on a couch in front of the townhomes started to follow me home. I pretended to live at the nearest home to me to make sure he would stop I went up to the pathway so I would be out of his sight and I looked back and he was circling the area waiting for me to come out then finally went back. Be careful while walking around that area. —– Briana Acuna, Westchester.

15. ***Santa Monica’s City manager Lane Dilg’s leadership was exactly what you would expect from an A.C.L.U attorney. Fortunately, she is leaving soon and of course, the City is s crime-ridden, decayed disaster. Surprised? Hardly. —— Mitchell G., Marina Del Rey.

Playa Vista People Edited By: Aurora DeRose