Playa Vista Direct - March/April 2022

Playa Vista MARCH / APRIL 2022

Direct

Style

and Function Nicole Longo of NEAT Method Los Angeles South Bay offers luxury home organizing services

WOMEN IN BUSINESS ISSUE

#CRUISE//ALUCOLLECTION D ES IGN ED BY LU D OVICA + ROB ERTO PALO M B A

STUDIO47 1 47 1 N. Rober tson Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 9004 8 Phone: 310 -274 -2461 info@studio47 1.la- www. studio47 1.la

www.ta l e nti s pa .com

c us tom e rs e r vi ce @ t a le n t ispa .co m

MARCH / APRIL 2022

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TABLE of CONTENTS

Women in Business

March \ April 2022

Departments EDITOR’S NOTE

6

Inspiring Women

COMMUNITY

8

Girl Scout Troop 6715 makes a difference

PEOPLE

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26

Rittu Kumar of Kumar Law loves to serve her community

27

Michelle Martino’s finesse brings real estate success

28

30

Nicole Longo offers luxury organizing services with NEAT Method

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The Velasco sisters opened EWC in honor of their mother

33

PetSpace’s Gabrielle Amster is committed to animal welfare

Rudi Behdad and Sam Araghi are a mother and son real estate team

Real estate expert Kelly Myers has a deep knowledge of LA’s market

Tami Humphrey helps clients find their dream homes

29

Playa Vista MARCH / APRIL 2022

Direct

Style

and Function Nicole Longo of NEAT Method Los Angeles South Bay offers luxury home organizing services

34

ON THE COVER: Nicole Longo of NEAT Method Los Angeles South Bay offers luxury home organizing services to clients across the South Bay and Silicon Beach.

Photo by Chris Mortenson Design by Arman Olivares

HOA director Dawn Suskin celebrates 20 years

SHOPPING

18

Create a relaxing ambiance with luxury candles

HEALTH

22

Thrive Market revolutionizes access to healthy food

TASTE

38

Winter Fate Bakes creates handcrafted treats for people and dogs

42

Lemon Zest Swiss rolls are refreshing to the palate

44

Salty and sweet cookies create the perfect balance of flavor

PET ADOPTIONS

43

Meet Zo, a lovable cat who is good with kids

CALENDAR WOMEN IN BUSINESS ISSUE

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Check out fun local events including Puppy Yoga and an Easter egg hunt PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2022

JE S S E WE INBE RG

COMING SOON

COMING SOON - CORNER UNIT OVERLOOKING CONCERT PARK The Lofts - 13020 Pacific Promenade #217 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,480 Sq.Ft. $1,149,000

127 Via Marina, Marina Del Rey 4 Bed + 6 Bath + 4,588 Sq.Ft. + 600 Sq.Ft. 3 car garage + 719 Sq.Ft. of deck/patio space Dramatic architectural designed by Michael Lee Architects $8,999,000 127ViaMarina.com

COMING SOON 7330 Trask Ave., Playa del Rey 4 Bed | 4 Bath | 3,294 Sq.Ft. $Call for Price

COMING SOON

SOLD

Metro - 5625 Crescent Park #301 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1,630 Sq.Ft. $4,600/Month

Asher - 5816 Seaglass Circle 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,695 Sq.Ft. $2,400,000

JUST SOLD Waterstone - 6400 Crescent Park #305 1 Bed | 1 Bath + Den | 900 Sq.Ft. $748,000

JUST LEASED Primera Terra - 12920 Runway Rd. #310 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,500 Sq.Ft. $5,500/Month

COMING SOON 13082 Mindanao Way #20, Marina Del Rey 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 2,295 Sq.Ft. $1,749,000

JUST SOLD OVER ASKING W/ MULTIPLE OFFERS Waterstone - 6400 Crescent Park #416 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,000 Sq. Ft. $805,000

LEASED Villa d’Este- 5935 Playa Vista Dr. #102 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,362 Sq. Ft. $4,200/Month

JESSE WEINBERG AND ASSOCIATES DRE #01435805 This is not intended as a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another broker/agent. Based on information from the CLAW MLS as of March 16, 2022. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources2022 and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.

MARCH / APRIL PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

5

FROM the EDITOR

Inspiring Women

I

’m excited to share that our second annual Women in Business issue is here, and I’ve enjoyed connecting with some of the inspiring female business owners and entrepreneurs who live and work in Playa Vista. From attorneys and realtors to professional organizers and animal welfare leaders, each has her own unique story and accomplishments, and is serving the community in a different way.

Nicole Longo transitioned from her career as a successful executive in entertainment marketing and turned her passion for organizing into a career; now she runs NEAT Method Los Angeles South Bay and offers her clients a variety of luxury home organizing services to help them reduce stress and improve their well-being.

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace director, Gabrielle Amster, has been dedicated to animal welfare throughout her life and career, and enjoys being of service to pet owners in the community and collaborating with others who care about the future and well-being of animals.

Realtor Tami Humphrey has been an expert on Playa Vista for over 16 years and loves to educate her clients and help them achieve their real estate goals, in addition to giving back to the community. And attorney Rittu Kumar works with families and individuals through estate planning services, as well as serving businesses with a focus on employment law, business law, and contract disputes and negotiations.

Other highlights from our March/April issue include Winter Morvant, who specializes in handcrafted treats for people and their dogs, bringing Southern flair and hospitality to her baked goods that reflect her Louisiana roots. Dawn Suskin, executive director for the homeowner’s association of Playa Vista Parks and Landscape, recently reached her 20-year milestone for serving the community.

And Playa Vista’s very own Girl Scout Troop 6715 has dedicated members who are constantly finding new ways to give back to their local community and are working hard to earn the Silver Award, the second highest award in Girl Scouting and the highest award for a Girl Scout Cadette.

Read on to learn more these amazing #girlbosses along with other ambitious women in Playa Vista who are finding success on their own terms and continue to inspire others.

Kamala Kirk Editor • kkirk@timespublications.com

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski EDITOR Kamala Kirk GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Arman Olivares CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Mortenson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Chavez, Sara Edwards, Bridgette Redman, Marin Heinritz, Srianthi Perera, Michele Robinson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Peter Lymbertos plymbertos@timespublications.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rebecca Bermudez rbermudez@timespublications.com

CONTACT US EDITORIAL christina@timespublications.com kkirk@timespublications.com

(310) 822-1629

PO Box 1349 South Pasadena, CA 91031 Playa Vista Direct is direct-mailed every other month to homes and businesses in the 90094 area code, with additional distribution to multiple office and retail locations throughout the Playa Vista area.

VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Hiatt PRESIDENT: Steve Strickbine

PlayaVistaDirect.com

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MARCH / APRIL 2022

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COMMUNITY Based in Playa Vista, Girl Scout Troop 6715 consists of members Alina Miranda, Daniya Williams, Chelsea Sargent and Alia Jackson.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

Going for the Silver Playa Vista’s Girl Scout Troop 6715 makes a difference in the community

B

BY MICHELE ROBINSON

ased in Playa Vista, Girl Scout Troop 6715 consists of four dedicated members: Alia Jackson, Alina Miranda, Chelsea Sargent and Daniya Williams. Although this seventh-grade troop is small, together they are mighty. All four members are working hard to earn their Silver Award, the second highest award in Girl Scouting and the highest award for a Girl Scout

8

Cadette.

To earn a Silver Award, a limited number of Girl Scouts can work together to create a service project. The project has very specific guidelines, which include a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service from each participant to help the community. As a component of earning their Silver Award, the troop needs to complete a journey beforehand and find outlets to spread their

words to the public.

Troop 6715 is currently working on their MEdia Journey and chose to focus their mission on the negative effects of the media and social media on teenage girls.

Together they wrote an essay that will be featured in The Argonaut’s Op-Ed section in April.

An excerpt from their essay: “Young teen girls are quite vulnerable when it comes to their exposure to social media.

This group is so early in their development that when they are exposed to images from others who may be experiencing life in different ways, in terms of body image or life experiences, it can cause feelings of insecurities or inadequacies.”

The origins of Troop 6715 stem way back to when the girls were first-graders at Playa Vista Elementary School. Sargent’s and Miranda’s moms, Dameka Phelps and Diana Duque-Miranda, were instrumental in creating the troop and volunteering as Continued on page 10 PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2022

MARCH / APRIL 2022

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COMMUNITY Continued from page 8

co-troop leaders. Their goal was to keep them together and support them as they became more responsible.

“Alina and Chelsea have been good friends since kindergarten, so we wanted a way to keep that going,” Phelps says. “We started it when they were in first grade. At one point we had 12 girls in the troop, but many of the girls went to different middle schools.”

Over the years, the troop has been very active in the Playa Vista community.

“All of the girls attended Playa Vista Elementary School, which is where the troop began, and continue to work on many projects in the community including a fundraising carnival and a Community Love Rocks project supported by PVPal,” Duque-Miranda says.

What is remarkable about Troop 6715 is that each troop member takes an active role in leading a community service event. During the height of the pandemic, Jackson spearheaded a project to help the unhoused in Los Angeles. In December 2020, she planned and organized a “care package” project.

Under her leadership, each troop member created around 20 to 25 bags containing essential items like food, water, toothpaste and socks, and donated them to people living in tents on the streets and eventually to a shelter in Westchester.

Jackson and her fellow troop members are proud of their efforts to help those in need.

“It makes you happy inside,” Jackson says.

Williams led the troop in a green project that helped restore the Ballona Wetlands habitat. For the project, the girls got their hands dirty by cleaning up the area and restoring it. During the outing, they spent time removing overgrown weeds that ruined native plants. They also spent two to three hours planting new crops and removing trash around the area.

“We wanted to make a difference in our community and help the environment,” Williams says.

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Troop members are working hard to earn their Silver Award, the second highest award in Girl Scouting.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

Miranda chose to create a fun event for her community service project. In October 2017, she led the troop in creating a festival to raise money for schools in both Puerto Rico and Houston. Both schools were in need of school supplies after being impacted by hurricanes.

Her inspiration to help the school in Puerto Rico came from two important reasons: one was Hurricane Maria, which caused unprecedented destruction in Puerto Rico the prior month.

The other was more personal—two of her cousins attended one of the impacted schools, so she knew help was needed. The troop pooled their resources together and offered face painting, a jumper and bake sale for people to enjoy for a nominal fee.

The event was a success and the troop raised $1,000. All the proceeds were used to purchase school supplies for students of The Julia de Burgos Elementary in Puerto Rico and Kolter Elementary in Houston, which had suffered losses from Hurricane Harvey in August 2017. The students from the schools were thrilled and sent the troop signed cards and pictures.

“It’s important to give back to people, a little change makes a big difference,” Miranda says. “Our troop hopes to make people’s lives a little better.”

Under Sargent’s leadership, the troop obtained their Bronze Award. The goal

for her project was to help spread love, kindness and joy by creating “Love Rocks.”

The troop used around 300 to 350 river rocks donated by BrightView Landscape Services, the landscape company servicing Playa Vista. To obtain the rocks, Sargent led a meeting where the entire troop presented their proposal, as well as a request for rock donations, to Dawn Suskin, executive director of Playa Vista Parks and Landscape Corporation.

Suskin approved the placement of the rocks throughout the Playa Vista community and arranged the rock donations for the project from BrightView Landscaping.

On the rocks, they painted lovely inspirational messages like “I Am Bold” and “I Am Amazing.” The beautifully decorated rocks were then placed around the Playa Vista community in random locations for people to find.

“Our goal was to uplift the community and bring a smile to their faces,” Sargent says.

Troop 6715 also sells Girl Scout cookies, sang Christmas carols at Playa Vista’s Sunrise Home for Seniors, and continues to plan other volunteer opportunities to help the community.

“We hope the girls will reach the finish line and meet the goal of getting the Gold Award,” Phelps says. “It is a badge of honor to carry forever.”

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PEOPLE

The Woman Everyone Knows Playa Vista’s HOA director celebrates 20 years of building community

D

(Courtesy photo)

awn Suskin didn’t really plan to be where she is—the executive director for the homeowner’s association of Playa Vista Parks and Landscape—a woman sometimes called “the mayor of Playa Vista” because she knows everyone and everyone knows her.

In fact, she suspects that few people actually choose property management as a career, that everyone sort of falls into it.

In high school, swimming was her thing and she went to college on a swimming scholarship. It wasn’t a great fit and she bounced around to several places before landing in Del Rey as an innkeeper. One of her corporate clients happened to be the marketing director for the community of Playa Vista, staying with them one night a week because he lived in Orange County. He began to mentor Suskin.

“We’d sit in the kitchen and have these conversations, sometimes random, mostly about Playa Vista,” Suskin says.

Then, at the beginning of 2002, she asked him a life-changing question.

“I loved what I was doing, but I didn’t have a lot of growth opportunity,” Suskin says. “I said, ‘Hey, Ken, do you think there is a job for me at Playa Vista?’ He said he’d been waiting for years for me to ask and that it was important to do it in my own time.”

12

BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN

She made the switch and has been with Playa Vista ever since. She started out her first year in the information center, which is where she got to know many of the original homeowners who would come into the sales office. She said it allowed her to learn a lot about the community before moving over to the homeowner’s association side in June 2003.

Suskin describes her job as a unique experience. She worked at the front desk as a concierge and served in many different roles along the way to executive director. Each one gave her a new perspective and helped her serve the community more.

“I was here for the first home close, the first homeowner to move in, and this past September, we had our last home built and closed,” Suskin says.

“I was here pretty much for the entire development. I love this community. I love what we do. I love the fact that we have the ability to enhance not just the experience our residents have, but also improve the value of their homes. And where else are you going to meet people from all over the world in one community?”

Having sustained a role in Playa Vista for 20 years, Suskin says she has grown with the community; that as the community developed, so did she.

“I feel like I’ve grown into myself

here,” Suskin says. “I feel like I still have more that I can do, so I hope that I am here for many more years to come. I truly do love this community and I want to continue to make a difference.”

Playa Vista has 420 acres and 6,000plus residential units. There are 29 community parks, two club houses and they hope to have their beach shuttle returning Memorial Day Weekend.

Suskin likes that they have created a community that is similar to the one in Ventura County that she grew up in. She lived in a neighborhood where people didn’t just know their next-door neighbor, they knew their neighbors three to four blocks away. While that was a different time, she has been able to recreate some of that sense of community.

“I really do feel Playa Vista encompasses that old-school community neighborhood feel,” Suskin says.

Now, 20 years into the job, Suskin says every day is still different. She’s always kept on her toes and the job is always interesting. She’s also surrounded by people she knows.

“I like to pride myself on being pretty approachable and available for people,” Suskin says. “I like the fact that I can make a difference. I enjoy driving or walking through the community and having simple conversations with people.

Continued on page 14 PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2022

Dawn Suskin is the executive director for the homeowner’s association of Playa Vista Parks and Landscape and has held numerous roles in the community for the past 20 years.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson) MARCH / APRIL 2022

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PEOPLE Suskin remains committed to making sure they provide the services that the community has learned to expect and enjoy.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

Continued from page 12

It’s nice to connect.”

The past two years in particular have brought new challenges as they worked their way through the pandemic. Playa Vista is not its own city, it is part of the City of Los Angeles. In mid-2020, they had to close down their clubhouses, pools and parks. People had a hard time understanding why they couldn’t play in the parks.

“We’re part of the city and the county of LA, and we’re bound by the same laws,” Suskin says. “It was hard having to explain that even though our parks are privately maintained and owned, they are open to the public, which means we

14

are bound by the same park closures that the rest of the city is. That was hard.”

Even while their facilities were closed, they still had their jobs to do. The pools and facilities had to be maintained. The landscapers still came out and had to be paid. The expenses of the community still existed even though the residents couldn’t use many of the things they were paying for.

“Residents were certainly more scrutinizing of the work we do,” Suskin says. “Why do I have to pay even though I can’t use the clubhouse or the parks?

We had to explain that we cut back as much as possible, we cut out all the ancillary costs, but we still had to pay

the landscaper, the community patrol officers and the janitors. There was still work to be done even though the services normally available were not there.

That was challenging.”

She remains committed to making sure that they provide the services that the community has learned to expect and enjoy. She wants to see the parks and greenery kept as attractive as they can, keep the facilities and equipment up to date, and make sure they stay on par with technology.

While the career isn’t one Suskin planned on having, it’s one she is glad that she fell into and looks forward to continuing to serve Playa Vista and its residents.

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DRE License #02014153. material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is commaterial presented herein is intended forAll informational purposes only and is coms deemed reliable but is subjectAll to rights errors, omission, or withdrawal withoutpresented notice. If herein your property is for currently listed purposes with another Highland Premiere. reserved.

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SHOPPING

Elevate Your Space Transform your home or office into a sanctuary with these luxury candles

BY KAMALA KIRK (All photos courtesy)

• The White Barn Laundry Day 3-Wick Candle from Bath & Body Works smells like a fresh basket of laundry with notes of fresh air, crisp eucalyptus and soft lavender. The patented soy wax blend with natural essential oils and lead-free wicks delivers an amazing fragrance experience and includes a decorative lid. $16.50, bathandbodyworks.com

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• Part of Boheme Fragrances’ Wanderlust Collection, the Arabia Candle transports you on a sensory adventure with top notes of cassis, thyme and bergamot; middle notes of cypress, violet and sandalwood; and base notes of oud, amber, saffron, labdanum and musk. The clean, all-natural candle is vegan, formulated with sustainable natural wax and is free of phthalates. $49, bohemefragrances.com

• Brooklyn Candle Studio’s Hawaii Rain Minimalist Candle features notes of coconut water, bitter orange, river jasmine and raindrops. Just close your eyes and imagine yourself sheltering from the rain underneath the tree canopies in the Hawaiian mountains while surrounded by beautiful blooms and fragrant plants.

Made with 100% soy wax for an ecofriendly clean burn. Vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free and petroleum-free. $28, brooklyncandlestudio.com

• The iconic Figuier Candle by Diptyque captures the woody scent of fig trees stretching endlessly across a Mediterranean landscape accompanied by delicately fruity accents of a handful of figs on the cusp of ripening. Made in France with a burn time of 60 hours, the candle comes in an elegant vessel that can be reused as a decorative accent or storage container that would look great anywhere. $70, diptyqueparis.com

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SHOPPING

• Infused with essential oils and featuring notes of teakwood, citrus and sandalwood, L’or de Seraphine Float Candle is soothing and awakening. One of four candles in the Lori Weitzner collection, it is inspired by Turks and Caicos and the healing power of water. The candle’s intricate pattern helps to calm the mind and creates a meditative state. It comes in a beautifully packaged and recyclable gift box. Sustainably sourced, free from phthalates and parabens, and made with a 100% organic cotton wick. $48, lordeseraphine.com

• Start your day with the fresh aroma of Milan Candles’ 222 Coffee & Cinnamon Candle, the perfect go-to scent that captures your favorite cup of coffee in a candle. Founded

by U.S. army combat veteran, Luis Garcia, and named after his youngest daughter, each candle features a unique angel number and represents warmth, comfort and hope. A portion of proceeds go towards Garcia’s nonprofit, Milan’s Mission, which was created to help make the world a safer place and to end sex trafficking. $65, milancandles.com

• Maison Margiela’s ‘REPLICA’ Beach Vibes Candle fills any room with a warm and fresh beachy scent. Inspired by salty air and rays of sun, it fuses fragrant lemon with bergamot and pink pepper, which are blended atop a warm mix of heliotrope, coconut milk and musk. $65, sephora.com

• Prepare your mind and body for a restful slumber with NEST New York’s Driftwood & Chamomile 3-Wick Candle that features a calming and tranquil blend of chamomile, driftwood, sandalwood and vanilla bean. It’s meticulously crafted with a proprietary premium wax formulated so the candle burns cleanly and evenly as it infuses your space with an exquisite scent. $74, nestnewyork.com

Continued on page 20 MARCH / APRIL 2022

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SHOPPING Continued from page 19

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• SAINT Candles’ Saint Joseph Saint of Fathers and Real Estate Candle comes with a prayer to the patron saint, holy oil as part of the wax and a prayer coin embedded into the candle. Housed in a stunning black vessel with a gold decorative lid, once the wax has burned all the way down, keep the coin at the bottom in your purse, car or wallet – or bury it in your yard to bless your entire household. $65, saintcandles.com

• Wander along a deserted beach on a faraway island with Skylar’s Coconut Cove Candle, which is made with sustainable soy coconut wax and hand-poured in Los Angeles. Experience tranquility with notes of creamy coconut milk, dreamy jasmine and gardenia floras, which blend together to create a soothing scent. $45, skylar.com.

• Transform your home into a luxury resort with world-famous Vacation Brand’s Home Resort Three Candle Set. Made in conjunction with ARQUISTE Parfumeur, the collection includes High Ceiling Resort Lobby (fresh cut flowers), Partial Ocean View Suite (crisp white linen), and Well-Tipped Pool Boy (coconut sunscreen). $96, vacation.inc

• Tocca’s Montauk Candela whisks you away to a beachside retreat where the sound meets the sea. Breathe in the salt air, cucumber and sea grass while enjoying this beautiful accessory that comes in custom-made thick frosted glass. Featuring 60 hours of burn time, the luxurious hand-poured candle can also be used as a jewelry holder or as décor after the candle is done. $42, tocca.com

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4900 W 147th St Hawthorne

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HEALTH

Conscious Living Thrive Market revolutionizes access to healthy food

BY MICHELE ROBINSON

N

Thrive Market is a Playa Vista-based online platform that offers the highest-quality healthy and sustainable products through a shopping experience purpose-built for conscious living.

(Photo Courtesy of Thrive Market)

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ick Green, co-founder and CEO of Thrive Market, envisioned a better way to shop for healthy food with a platform that is completely online.

With this ingenuity, Thrive Market has revolutionized how customers can access a wide range of healthy and organic foods.

“Thrive Market is the first online platform offering the highest-quality healthy and sustainable products through a shopping experience purpose-built for conscious living,” Green says.

Located on Alla Road in the heart of Playa Vista, Thrive Market chose their office headquarters on the Westside of Los Angeles. They wanted to be near popular spots like the Venice boardwalk, because it is close to their roots.

They offer great perks for employees, too. The office is dog-friendly, supports a casual atmosphere and has a kitchen stocked with Thrive Market products. Employees enjoy free Thrive Market membership and a discount on Thrive Market–branded products. Outside of the facilities, they offer their employees fully remote work, inclusive growth opportunities and other benefits.

“Today, Thrive Market is becoming the leading platform of the rapidly-growing conscious living movement based in LA—a broad based shift in consumer lifestyle toward health and wellness, environmental sustainability and social impact,” Green says.

Growing up in the Midwest in the ‘90s, Green saw first-hand how hard it was for his mom to put healthy food on their table. Thirty years later, PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2022

HEALTH while many things may have changed he realized it was still hard to find a trusted, convenient and affordable way to shop for healthy food. He knew there had to be a better solution, so he built it.

“We are the answer for our members,” Green says.

Launched in 2014, Thrive Market is different from other shopping experiences because, “we bring our members the best products at affordable prices – a concept that’s somehow radical in the industry, but fundamental to who we are,” according to Green.

Green knows what his customers are looking for.

“Consumers aspiring toward more conscious living seek the most innovative and trusted brands, not an ‘endless aisle’ of products of varying quality,” he says.

A yearly membership to Thrive Market costs $60; however, potential customers can try it for $5 for 30 days. In exchange for the annual fee, members gain exclusive access to more than 5,000 better-for-you staples and more than 600 sustainably-sourced Thrive Marketbranded products, all at member-only prices.

Examples of items that members can have delivered right to their front door include an assortment of high-quality organic products, pantry food, vitamins, home and personal care, frozen food and wine and pet food.

“As an online, health-first membership, we make healthy living accessible and affordable to the lower 48 American states,” Green says.

The proof of the success is in their numbers. Since 2014, Thrive Market has delivered more than 10 million orders and generated more than $1 billion in revenue. Their online company employs more than 1,000 staff members and their customer base has grown to a community of more than one million paid members.

Continued on page 36 MARCH / APRIL 2022

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Founded by Nick Green, Thrive Market delivers high-quality products straight to members’ doors.

(Photo Courtesy of Thrive Market)

23

compass.com

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate.

13065 Bluff Creek Drive

kriszacuto.com

4 BD

KRIS Z ACUTO

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One of the most exclusive lease opportunities in the Vista. Completely renovated throughout, this rare of design with stunning bluff views & a grand floor pla Inquire for details.

e highly sought after Icon neighborhood in Playa ffering combines modern luxuries & contemporary an that attracts so many to the Icon Community.

Luxury Lease | Playa Vista

Women in BUSINESS

Rittu Kumar

(Photo Courtesy of Rittu Kumar)

A Lawyer Who Loves to Serve Her Community Kumar Law fulfills its vision five years on

BY MARIN HEINRITZ

W

hen Rittu Kumar founded Kumar Law in October 2017, she visualized where she hoped the firm would be after her first five years. Though she couldn’t have anticipated the global pandemic or other major shifts and changes that would impact her business and her clients, she feels proud of how far she’s come in serving the communities that matter most to her.

“I do see myself where I anticipated being from the start,” Kumar says. “I have the loveliest clients I could possibly ask for. It’s been such a rewarding experience to continue to serve the community.”

Kumar Law largely focuses on working with families and individuals through estate planning services.

“For my estate planning clients it’s so satisfying and rewarding for me to ensure families’ assets are protected should something happen to them,” Kumar says.

“Especially clients with children—that there are guardians in place for the children should something happen to the parents.”

A single mother of two daughters, Kumar feels a special affinity for working with families

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and enjoys giving educational presentations to moms’ groups and a variety of professional organizations, in addition to working hand in hand with financial advisors.

“I’m a mom myself, so with the hustle and bustle of parenthood in general, sometimes things seem to fall through the cracks,” Kumar says. “I like to be there as a reminder to take a step back. We’re doing all this for our children, so what better way to go through life than having your assets in place for them in case something happens to you.”

This part of Kumar’s business saw growth, especially through the pandemic.

“A lot more people in general want their estate planning done – COVID-19 didn’t discriminate,” she says. “I just keep reiterating to people no matter the circumstances, it’s important to have your trust in place.”

COVID-19 also influenced the other half of Kumar Law’s work serving businesses with a focus on employment law, business law, and contract disputes and negotiations.

“The pandemic affected everyone,” Kumar says. “I saw a shift in what the needs were of my clients. There was a pause in growth [for

many businesses] and it was more about how we were going to navigate so the businesses could operate.”

In response, Kumar gave a lot of advice about the rapidly changing COVID-19 laws and offered many consultations “to make sure these businesses were protected and still able to operate pending all these transitions,” she says.

And toward the end of 2021 Kumar noted a rapid uptick for most businesses overall.

“Things are reopening now, people are having more confidence going out and about,” she says. “Things have been extremely busy since January 2022.”

Kumar says that many of her clients who were working out of their living rooms in 2017 “are now established businesses with office space and employees and they continue to grow,” she shares. “I love being able to help companies from the ground up.”

Kumar also loves living in Playa Vista, which she’s called home since 2007. She appreciates being able to take the kids to the park, walking to the grocery store and restaurants, and running into friends.

“I love the community and I love that it is a walking community,” Kumar says. “After a busy day you come home and you don’t have to take your car out again. It’s a very nice lifestyle to have.”

Kumar is also pleased to have been appointed to the board of trustees for the South Asian Bar Association of North America Foundation last year. It’s a group of lawyers who do pro bono work for the South Asian community in the United States and Canada, focusing on issues of discrimination, hate crimes, domestic violence, immigration rights, and community access to justice. They also provide grants to community-based organizations who work hands on in the South Asian communities across the United States and Canada “so we know there’s direct support for the amazing work they’re doing,” she says.

“I’m just so grateful to be part of the board,” Kumar adds. “This position has been very transformative for me.”

In some ways it’s just one more benchmark signifying in yet one more way she’s arrived at the place she’d hoped.

“After working in the profession for 19 years now it’s nice to be at a place where I can devote time for the work I do through the foundation,” Kumar says.

Kumar Law kumarlaw.net PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2022

Women in BUSINESS

A Story of Success Michelle Martino’s finesse brings real estate success

BY PLAYA VISTA DIRECT STAFF

M

ichelle Martino is a superstar.

In her first career in the creative arts, she amassed numerous awards for her work as a writer, radio and TV commercial producer and as a creative director.

As a testament to Martino’s career, Jay Chiat of the renown TBWA\Chiat\Day advertising agency personally held a seat for her as creative director whenever she wanted it.

When the financial crisis hit, she parlayed her creative talents, strategic thinking and super smarts into real estate.

Long inspired by her family’s legacy — where their custom homes were built from dirt lots and a commitment to extraordinary standards, to her two sisters who are stars themselves at The Agency in Beverly Hills and Sotheby’s in Montecito — Martino jumped in.

Martino was on fire from the time she landed her first client. Even though she switched careers just as the market crashed, she relied on her innate ability to outthink, outservice and outperform for every single client, regardless if they were looking to purchase, sell or lease.

The results have been remarkable.

For example, she listed a home on a Saturday, held an open house on a Sunday and, in record time, had it closed on Monday. At that time, it was not only the highest-priced home in the area, but it closed in the fastest time.

Subsequently, she was recognized as one of the California Association of Realtors’ top 15 agents — topping 275,000 others.

Her skills at negotiation are surpassed only by her notoriety at achieving near 100% buyer success, the first time out.

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That’s including the ultracompetitive world of multiple offers.

Now, she works as the executive director of luxury homes at KW Advisors in the Marina. The key to Martino’s success is her genuine honesty, strategic thinking and sheer tenacity to make every deal a spectacular success.

As her sales grew, so did her reputation for knowing the markets, the neighborhoods and the most effective way to negotiate a deal.

Martino, who graduated from Loyola Marymount University with four majors and was quickly was invited to become a Mensa member, continues to be awarded and recognized by The Argonaut — the sister publication of Playa Vista Direct — as well as several trade organizations for her incredible talents.

She also elevated client care to an elite status by offering her clients staging, concierge estate services and chauffeured neighborhood tours.

Her success is an amalgamation of her family’s rich traditions and ingrained values. And yet, even growing up in Beverly Hills didn’t affect her down-toearth style and graceful approach that captivates all who meet her.

It’s that easy approach that clients and peers find so refreshing and memorable.

“Clients often tell me, ‘Michelle, you always make us feel like we’re the most important and dearest clients you’ve ever worked with — and you always answer our calls and give us your undivided attention.’ I think it’s because I consistently strive to deliver beyond their dreams.”

Martino adds, “In the end, I follow a

Michelle Martino.

(Photo Courtesy of Michelle Martino)

passion to be my best and win for my clients, while also remembering to be gracious, tenacious and absolutely unforgettable.”

Michelle Martino KW Advisors Silicon Beach/Marina del Rey 310-880-0789 marinadelreylistings.com Special Advertising

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Women in BUSINESS

Leader of the Pack

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace director Gabrielle Amster is committed to the welfare of animals

BY KAMALA KIRK

T

hroughout her life and career, Gabrielle Amster has been dedicated to animal welfare. Prior to joining Wallis Annenberg PetSpace as director in 2021, she was the executive director of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and previously held leadership positions with the Santa Fe Animal Shelter in New Mexico, Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo, and Animal Trustees in Austin, Texas.

“Like many in this field, working with animals has always been a part of my life’s focus,” Amster says. “I grew up on a small farm and volunteered at a local rescue as a child.”

One of the things that drew Amster to Annenberg PetSpace was Wallis Annenberg’s innovative approach to philanthropy and her commitment to animals and their environment.

“I appreciate the idea of being a community resource in the areas of humane education and immersive animal experiences around the human animal bond,” Amster says. “We are now beginning to understand that providing support to pet owners is equally as important as caring for pets, and finding solutions and resources for both is incredibly meaningful to me.”

In her role as director, Amster’s goals include focusing on identifying the needs of PetSpace partner animal agencies by finding ways to help shoulder the burden of care for the thousands of animals they are tasked with housing every year, as well as increasing training and education opportunities for animal welfare professionals.

“In the short term, our focus is to join our city and our nation in cautiously and safely returning to a new normal,” Amster says.

“Inviting the public back to PetSpace, reestablishing our vibrant community events, humane education programs, and of course, helping more homeless pets than ever before find loving homes in our community.”

Amster and her team at Annenberg PetSpace are excited to welcome the community back this spring with a series of

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exciting events and experiences including two Spring Break sessions of PetSpace Kids Camp for young animal lovers, workshops, lectures and training classes.

PetSpace also offers weekly programs such as grooming demos, facility tours, pet encounters, as well as Paws & Pages: an in-person experience on Saturdays and Sundays that helps young readers build communication skills by participating in a story time session with adoptable animals.

“We are focusing on more weekend activities for the entire family to enjoy, including recurring PetSpace Give Back hours where people of all ages can help make and donate essential items for our shelter partners,” Amster says. “We are working on bringing in more animals than ever from our community partners to help save as many lives as possible, which means even more adoption events. Last, but certainly not least, we have our five-year AnniFURsary celebration coming up this June. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with everyone.”

For those interested in getting involved, Amster says there are many ways to be part of the PetSpace community, such as their robust volunteer program where people can help with everything from walking dogs and socializing shy animals to helping with kids programming and special events.

“We launched our Extraordinary Care Fund, which specifically supports our work with high-risk medical and behavioral cases,” Amster says. “These are animals whose lives are most vulnerable in shelter environments.

Donations to this fund directly cover the costs associated with the specialized care needed to help save their lives and help them find a home. Those interested in supporting this effort can donate online through our website.”

When asked what she enjoys about working in the animal welfare industry, Amster shares that she loves being of service to pet owners in the community, collaborating with animal industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and others who care about the future and

Gabrielle Amster

(Photo credit: Samantha Gonzalez, Wallis Annenberg PetSpace)

well-being of animals.

“I also enjoy having amazing animal agency partners, particularly in California and here in the Los Angeles area,” Amster says. “I’m endlessly inspired by how progressive and committed our partners are to the welfare of pets. I’m lucky to be able to work alongside them.”

A New Mexico native, Amster is now a resident of nearby Westchester and has been exploring Playa Vista and the LA area, which she describes as “an amazingly rich and vibrant place to be.” She also enjoys spending time with her four dogs.

“I’m one of those people who just loves all creatures and appreciates being able to share the planet with them,” Amster says. “It’s truly an honor to be a part of the Annenberg legacy and be trusted with supporting Wallis’ vision for promoting the human animal bond. I’m incredibly proud to have joined a team of creative, committed and highly skilled professionals who give so much to the animals of our community.”

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace 12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista 424-384-1801 annenbergpetspace.com PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2022

Women in BUSINESS

Real Estate Pro

Kelly Myers is a top agent with a deep knowledge of LA

BY PLAYA VISTA DIRECT STAFF

A

native Angeleno, Kelly Myers knows Los Angeles like the back of her hand. She grew up in the Miracle Mile and Beverly Center area, then lived in the Valley, Culver City and Pasadena prior to making Playa Vista her home.

Living across LA has helped her gain an intuitive knowledge of the local real estate market and make accurate predictions—unique tools that prove invaluable when helping her clients buy a home.

“One of the things people like about me is I know the beach cities really well,” Kelly Myers

(Photo Courtesy of Kelly Myers)

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Myers says. “I sell properties all over LA, including Pasadena, Hancock Park, Palos Verdes, South Central and so forth. I work with clients of all budgets and areas, which sets me apart from other agents. It’s really important to know LA Proper and to not limit one’s self to any one specific area.”

Since 2007, Myers has worked in real estate and established herself as one of California’s top 10% of agents by sales volume. She was at Coldwell Banker for 12 years before joining Compass in 2019.

Prior to her career as a realtor, she spent 25 years in sales and marketing with a corporate background in information technology. She also worked in mortgage banking for several years, and bought and sold properties as investments, which ultimately led to earning her real estate license.

“When I worked in information technology, I met with CEOs to discuss strategies for connecting their different offices,” Myers shares. “Over the years, I saw everything transition from phone lines to data and video. Having that background and understanding made my transition into real estate easy.”

With a strong background in business, Myers offers clients a formidable edge for strategically using the latest technology and marketing tools for buying, selling or investing. Because she understands both sides of the business, Myers knows how to work with everyone from executives and investors to first-time buyers.

“I’ve had a lot of experience buying and selling properties,” she points out. “I understand the lending side of things as well as the underwriting process. I call myself a ‘closer’ who knows how to

bridge the gap, whether dealing with title companies or escrow. I’m having my best year in real estate at the moment.”

During the buying or selling process, Myers strives to make each experience the best possible for her clients. She brings together integrity, imagination, and a strong work ethic while managing expectations with honesty and sincerity.

Friendly and approachable, Myers has been labeled a “super connector” by friends and colleagues due to her deep network of clients and connections. She offers a big-picture ability to help clients zero in on that exceptional combination of community and lifestyle to discover the perfect home.

“Clients enjoy working with me because I’m a strong negotiator and a businesswoman before everything else,” Myers says. “They feel comfortable and confident that I’m going to get things done. I make sure that my clients are going to get the best value.”

Outside of work, Myers is passionate about giving back and is involved in organizations focused on childhood development and leadership. As a mother of two, she does volunteer work at schools, and belongs to an organization for mothers and children.

“Whether they’re my clients or other members of the community, I love helping people achieve their dreams,” says Myers.

Kelly Myers, Agent 626-676-5778 kelly.myers@compass.com compass.com/agents/kelly-myers Special Advertising

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Women in BUSINESS

Style and Function

“Organizing your pantry can be lifechanging,” Longo says. “Just by knowing everything that you have will prevent you from overbuying products. It makes putting away groceries so much easier, and if you have kids they can find their Nicole Longo of NEAT Method Los Angeles South Bay snacks on their own. Lately, clients have wanted to organize their garages because offers luxury home organizing services as we get into the summer months, they’re spending more time outdoors and

BY KAMALA KIRK are using their sports equipment.”

In addition to home organizing services, Longo also helps clients move into new homes, which includes getting them unpacked and set up.

“When they come home that first day, everything is put away and they’re ready to go with all the right systems,” Longo says.

“Another service that NEAT Method offers is sprucing up everyday spaces in people’s homes. We help organize the places you touch the most like bathrooms, kids’ rooms, closets and garages, and we make all of those spaces neat and functional. It’s not just about making a space look pretty and clean, we’re thinking about how each household uses that space and what is the best system to set up so they can maintain it.”

Prior to starting an organization project, Longo meets with clients for an in-person consultation where she asks them Nicole Longo questions to figure out their goals and (Photo by Chris Mortenson) needs. Then she’ll bring in a team of organizers to help her complete the rowing up in a military family, ing services to more than 95 markets project, followed by a grand reveal at the Nicole Longo developed a passion across the United States and Canada. Now end. for organizing at a young age. Due Longo runs NEAT Method Los Angeles “We walk through spaces that bother or to her father’s career in the Air Force, they South Bay and serves clients across the overwhelm them and I ask what their moved frequently so she became experiSouth Bay and Silicon Beach. vision is for the space, how they would like enced with the process of packing and “NEAT Method was founded 11 years ago to use it, and what their goals and getting organized in new spaces.

by Ashley Murphy and Molly Graves, two priorities are,” Longo says. “I ask all of “Organizing is something I was naturally women who were passionate about those questions upfront so that once I drawn to,” Longo says. “I learned how to organizing, made a business out of it and come in and start organizing, the client effectively purge items, pack up a house, taught other women how to run their own can be hands off and go about their day move into a new space and figure out how businesses,” Longo says. “During COwhile I handle everything. I’ll check in with to fit things into different configurations.”

VID-19, I started diving into my passion them to get their thoughts on things along Last year, Longo transitioned from her more and that’s how I discovered NEAT the way, but my goal is to take the stress career as a successful executive in Method. It’s really great to be part of that off their hands. I also shop for the storage entertainment marketing and turned her network and tribe of women who support products that will contain their items and passion for organizing into a full-time job. and empower each other.” bring those with me to their home.”

In 2021, she joined NEAT Method, a Longo says that kitchens and pantries are NEAT Method also has its own line of female-founded and owned company that two of the most popular areas in a home high-quality storage and organization provides a variety of luxury home organiz- that clients want organized. products that are sustainable and

G

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MARCH / APRIL 2022

Women in BUSINESS (Photo credit: Martin Vecchio)

Organization 101

Tips for tackling clutter in your home

designed with elevated-looking materials to complement the interior design of clients’ homes. The products are available on their website and at Bloomingdale’s.

“Our products are intended to be multipurpose,” Longo says. “For instance, we have baskets that can be used in the pantry, laundry room or closet. As you move to different spaces or your lifestyle changes, you can keep the products and just change where they’re used in your home. We also have a patented magnetic label system that you can adhere to just about any surface. A lot of thought has been put into every item, and in addition to being functional, it adds style to make your home look nicer.”

During the pandemic, Longo saw a huge growth in her business because more clients were working from home.

“When you’re spending more time at home and you’re surrounded by clutter and disorganization, that can really affect your mental health,” Longo says. “I started getting a lot of calls from people who were ready to get organized. It’s life-changing because it creates a sense of calm and peace. You’re eliminating that extra layer of stress when you don’t have to look at clutter in your house.”

Getting organized offers numerous benefits, from increasing productivity to reducing stress.

“When you know where everything is in your home, it makes it much easier to find things and to keep your house clean so you’re less stressed,” Longo says. “Having a clean and organized home that funcMARCH / APRIL 2022

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tions exactly how you need it to improves your well-being, and people are happier when they are in a clean environment.”

One of the things that Longo loves most about her job is the ability to change others’ lives in a positive way.

“It gives me a sense of purpose because I’m improving someone’s life for the better,” Longo says. “I love the instant gratification I get when I hear directly from my clients how happy they are and how I’ve made their life so much easier. That really fulfills my sense of purpose.”

Longo and her husband moved to Playa Vista 11 years ago and always knew it was where they wanted to live.

“Playa Vista was our dream,” Longo says.

“We were living in Santa Monica at the time and would always drive here on weekends to go to the farmers market and be part of the community. We moved here the year we got married and have lived in different parts of Playa Vista over the years. We have two kids now and we just love it here. Our older son is in the first grade at Playa Vista Elementary School and it’s nice to be able to walk him to school in the morning. I’m also part of the Playa Vista Moms Group and we’ve made so many friends here. I know we’ll never leave Playa Vista, it’s such a great community to be part of.”

NEAT Method South Bay neatmethod.com Instagram: @lasouthbayneat

• Start small. Don’t try to attack an entire space in one day, it can be overwhelming with everything else that you have going on. For example, pick one drawer in your house. Pull everything out, sort by category, and figure out what you need and don’t need. Put the items you’re keeping into containers to keep them separate, then put them back into the drawer.

• Pick a category. For example, if you’re overrun with appliances in different parts of your home, bring them all out and put them together so you can see what you have. What are you using and what are you not using?

Donate the items you’re not using and then find one area where the items you’re keeping can be stored together so that you’re not running around looking for them.

• Let things go. If your goal is to minimize and create more space in your home, it’s OK to let go of certain things. If you were gifted an item and you feel a personal obligation to keep it but you don’t like it or use it, let it go. If you own multiple versions of the same item, ask yourself if you really need all of them and then only keep two or three items.

•Use felt hangers. One of the easiest things to do is switch out your hangers for slim felt hangers because they create much more space in your closet.

They do a great job at making items like bulky sweaters and jackets fit onto a hanging rack and prevent them from slipping off the hanger.

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Women in BUSINESS

Memorial Project Sisters open European Wax Center in honor of mother

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Andee, Chanel and Bianca Velasco (Photo by Chris Mortenson)

T

he Velasco family sought to open a European Wax franchise as a family project. When their matriarch, Dr. Lisa Velasco, passed away of pancreatic cancer at age 52, the mission took on a greater cause.

“We always had a love for the beauty industry,” Chanel, the oldest sister, says.

“Our mother’s diagnosis devastated our entire family.”

“We decided to continue this venture of building our European Wax Center presence in her honor. We wanted to do it for ourselves and for her. That led us to

32 Special Advertising

where we are today.”

Lisa and her husband, Dr. Xavier Velasco, wanted to lay the groundwork for the future of their daughters, Chanel, Andee and Bianca. In June 2014, they purchased licenses for European Wax and relocated to Westchester in August 2015.

“With our mom’s illness, the trajectory of our plans and our vision of how our EWC would develop changed,” Chanel says.

“Once Andee and Bianca graduated from LMU in 2019, we set our sights on opening European Wax Center at HHLA.” Bianca — who, with Andee, played

basketball at LMU — was always drawn to the beauty industry, something the three sisters inherited from their mother.

Delayed opening The sisters picked up the keys to their European Wax location on March 5, 2020 — just before the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. European Wax Center at HHLA officially opened in September 2021.

“We’re incredibly grateful to be open now and have our name out there,” Chanel says.

“This is the opportunity for us, as women, to pave the way for other young women who have visions of making an impact in the beauty community and also, within our peer group.”

Bianca says she enjoys being in business with her sisters and other women.

“At EWC we have a team of wonderful and strong women, and I love empowering all women,” Bianca says. “I think this is an amazing space.”

“I am the youngest of the three sisters. As a young woman entrepreneur, I couldn’t be more proud and happier to be in the position I am today. I want women to have a place they can call home, feel comfortable and be themselves. We want our guests to leave our EWC with unapologetic confidence.”

The store’s opening was inspirational to Bianca as well.

“We could have just let the licenses expire and go our own ways,” Bianca says. “The fact that we were doing this in real life and not just talking about it was very special.

We are continuing our mother’s legacy. I know she’s definitely smiling down on us, knowing we fulfilled her dream.”

Chanel adds, “On our opening day, there was a butterfly that landed on our storefront window and never left. We felt like our mom was with us the entire day.”

European Wax Center 6081 W. Center Drive, Suite 106, Westchester waxcenter.com PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2022

Women in BUSINESS

Dynamic Duo Rudi Behdad and Sam Araghi are a successful mother and son real estate team

BY SRIANTHI PERERA

R

udi Behdad’s real estate career has grown in tandem with Playa Vista.

She bought a condominium there in 2003, when the planned community established itself in the land formerly owned by the Hughes Aircraft Company.

“It was just a piece of land,” Behdad says. “I saw the advertisement that they were building a community here. I saw the vision. I was one of the first homeowners in Playa Vista.”

Behdad was transitioning to a new life after a divorce. She had held a real estate license for many years, but was not using it actively. When she settled in Playa Vista, that changed. Selling homes became her focus and new passion.

Teamed with her son, Sam Araghi, since 2011, the duo has been successful.

After college, Araghi had been managing public works projects for his father’s construction company. He holds a construction license, which helps him envision and help with their clients’ remodels when the need arises. Behdad reflects on her 18-year career with fulfillment. She has been ranked annually among Coldwell Banker’s top international realtors, was awarded Coldwell Banker’s President’s Elite Top 3% internationally, and most recently, she and her son were included in WSJ Best Real Estate Professionals List.

Behdad’s older son, Sina Araghi, is a professional photographer who brings his photography and marketing skills to the mix. Both sons are married and have children of their own.

“I love working with my son – we make a great team,” Behdad says. “I think our MARCH / APRIL 2022

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Sam Araghi and Rudi Behdad (Photo credit: Sina Araghi)

clients appreciate the unique set of skills the two of us bring to the team. I have the experience, but Sam has the vision.”

Their age disparity is a plus in their profession because, between the two of them, they offer better relatability to clients, Behdad notes. She has her life experience to share and he is more in touch with the issues that young families face.

“Real estate is very unique,” Behdad says. “You become very involved with your client, with their family life; they need to trust you, you need to connect with them and they need to connect with you. Together, I think we are a very good team because we can relate to

people of different ages and different phases.”

Their specialization is another asset.

Because Behdad has lived in Playa Vista since its inception and has a thorough knowledge of the buildings, the layouts, floorplans and the other aspects of the planned community, it’s been immensely helpful for clients. Overall, business has been good and they have been consistently growing over the years.

Behdad came to the United States as an international student after finishing high school in Iran. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, then later studied for an MBA. Back in Iran, she had a job in development banking, specializing in banking in developing countries.

After marriage and the birth of her sons, the family moved to the U.S. The sons grew up in Westwood and Behdad gave up her career to raise them. She obtained a real estate license but used it only sparingly.

Behdad found that her experience settling in a new place and transitioning from one life stage to another was directly relatable to her new profession.

“In real estate, you help people go through transitions,” Behdad says.

She’s built such incredible, long-lasting relationships that many of her clients have become lifelong clients, and Behdad is there to help them through each phase of life.

“We help them through these stages of their transition because home is the center of every family,” Behdad says.

“We help people and this is what I like about it.”

Over the years, Behdad has had many clients and they have also transitioned into lifelong friendships.

“This is so rewarding,” she says. “You connect with people and help them with their life story.”

Rudi Behdad & Sam Araghi compass.com/agents/sam-and-rudi Special Advertising

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Women in BUSINESS

Local Market Expert Tami Humphrey helps clients find their dream homes in Playa Vista

BY SARA EDWARDS

R

eal estate has been a big part of Tami Humphrey’s life since she was a child. Her parents were real estate partners who owned a brokerage, and family conversations at the dinner table were often centered around new clients, interesting escrows and solving real estate problems.

Initially, Humphrey didn’t intend to follow in her family’s footsteps. She knew that she wanted to help people, but at the time she didn’t know what career path she wanted to pursue.

“I helped my parents along the way, but I never felt like I was going to work in real estate until I received my license at 24,” Humphrey says. “I fell in love with helping people on their real estate journeys and that set me on my path to where I am now.”

Humphrey has been a real estate agent in Playa Vista and its surrounding areas for over 16 years. She grew up in Thousand Oaks and moved to Playa Vista when she was 24. Humphrey truly knows and loves the area, and has watched it evolve over time. In 2015, she wrote “Your Guide to Buying, Selling and Living in Playa Vista,” a book that lays out everything potential buyers and renters need to know about the community from floor plans to shopping and amenities. She was also previously featured on an episode of the HGTV series “House Hunters” in 2013.

“One of the reasons I wanted to do the episode was because not everyone knew about the community, people would drive by and think it was just apartment complexes,” Humphrey says. “Playa Vista is so different from the rest of Los Angeles.”

Seven years ago, her husband, Chad Aronson, joined her in real estate and they officially started their team, Team Tami, with Palm Realty Boutique. Humphrey has since

34 Special Advertising

grown the team to nine people with an office manager, marketing manager, a leasing agent and four buyers agents, allowing the couple to focus on helping people sell their homes. During the Great Recession, much of Humphrey’s business consisted of short sales and helping people avoid foreclosure by negotiating with banks.

Now her business serves a much different purpose.

“Housing inventory is so low within the community,” Humphrey says. “Playa Vista is a special place and people are just out there waiting for that right property.”

Humphrey says it’s the trust she has established with the community plus her experience and repeat clientele that keeps her in Playa Vista. From helping people find their first home to working with savvy investors, she prides herself on educating her clients and helping them achieve their real estate goals.

She and her husband also give back to the community through sponsorships and community outreach like music in the park with ice cream sundaes or hosting a block party for everyone in the area.

“Playa Vista is where we do business, it’s where we’re trusted and we’re super grateful for that,” Humphrey says. “It’s great to see the communities grow and we love to give back as much as possible so we’re constantly looking for ways to continue doing that.”

When Humphrey sits down with new or returning clients looking to sell their homes or move to the area, she makes it a point to learn what their goals are and find out what’s most important to them. For buyers, she also shares what makes Playa Vista so unique and explains the different complexes and floor plans.

Humphrey also teaches clients about past

Tami Humphrey

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

sales and walks them through the process so that when the right house becomes available, they will be prepared and ready.

“We want buyers to feel more confident in their choices because there’s so little housing inventory right now,” Humphrey says. “We’ve had so many first-time buyers and first-time sellers, and we try to do as much as possible to make it an enjoyable experience.”

For people looking to buy or rent in the area, Humphrey says they should have a feel for what’s important to them, as well as what they want and don’t want in their new home.

“It’s such a huge milestone,” Humphrey says. “It’s amazing to be able to experience the excitement of our clients’ successes.”

Tami Humphrey Team Tami playavistaliving.com PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2022

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HEALTH Thrive Market is an environmentallyconscious company that works to support climate action and gives back to the community..

(Photo Courtesy of Thrive Market)

Continued from page 23

Thrive Market is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Since their inception in 2014, with every new paid annual membership they donate to one family in need, student, teacher, veteran or first responder. In 2021 alone, member donations helped support over 32,000 people in need.

“Through Thrive Market’s community outreach arm, Thrive Gives, our community has raised more than $6 million toward food access causes to date,” Green says.

They also partner with outside nonprofit organizations like Baby2Baby, FoodCorps and FoodCycle LA. Through Baby2Baby they supported 5,000 families with healthy groceries. Similarly through FoodCorps, they donated 10,000 memberships for families to

36

access healthy groceries and funded food education for 8,000 kids in Mississippi.

In 2020, they launched their Food Equality Now campaign with a goal to raise $10 million in healthy groceries by 2025. In January 2022, they began a partnership with FoodCycle LA which reroutes excess food away from landfills and distributes it to people experiencing food insecurity.

Thrive Market is also an environmentally-conscious company working to support climate action. They were recently awarded TRUE Zero Waste Certification.

“Two of our three warehouses are now TRUE certified, meaning we recycle, compost or reuse more than 90% of materials that enter our buildings,” Green says. “Our third is on track to be certified by the end of the year.”

Additionally, they’re working to be carbon negative by 2025.

“We’re well on our way and carbonneutral today thanks to ground-only shipping, investments in regenerative agriculture, and matching 100% of our facilities’ electricity use with purchases of renewable energy certificates,” Green says.

By 2023, Thrive Market’s private-label lines will be sent with plastic-neutral packaging and shipping materials.

“We’ve started by measuring and offsetting all plastic associated with our packaging, and we’ll move onto shipping materials next,” Green says. “We’re also developing smarter packaging alternatives and exploring end-of-life recycling solutions for members.”

Thrive Market thrivemarket.com PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2022

Advertising Works!

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Your advertisement will reach a community with a median income of $121,000! And with so many families staying closer to home, our readers are closely paying attention to each issue.

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E-visits, telephone, and video appointments are quick, simple, and secure ways to get care. You can also schedule an in-person appointment at: Playa Vista Medical Offices 5300 McConnell Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90066

kp.org/westlosangeles MARCH / APRIL 2022

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TASTE Winter Fate Bakes is a one-woman, small batch bakery founded by Playa Vista resident, Winter Morvant, who specializes in handcrafted treats for people and their dogs.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

Sweet Success Winter Fate Bakes specializes in handcrafted treats for people and their dogs

W

BY KAMALA KIRK

inter Morvant has enjoyed baking her entire life and would always give her creations away to others as gifts and for birthdays, but five years ago she finally decided to turn her hobby into a side business.

“I baked my entire life and am selftaught,” Morvant says. “My partner, Geoff, and several of my close friends said,

38

‘You’re really good at this and you need to turn it into a business.’ I listened to them and here I am. Los Angeles has a lot of famous bake shops, but I feel that I do a good job at bringing Southern flair and hospitality to my baked goods with flavors and combinations that aren’t common out here.”

Winter Fate Bakes offers an extensive menu of sweet treats including custom

cakes, Southern desserts, cookies, vegan tarts and cheesecakes, among others.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Morvant also lived in New Orleans before moving to California just over seven years ago. Many of her baked goods are inspired by her Southern roots including her signature 7-Up Cake, which is served at Chef Keith Corbin’s LA restaurant, Alta Adams.

“My most adored and beloved item on the menu is my 7-Up Cake, it’s what I’m known for,” Morvant says. “Typically, 7-Up Cake is made by adding 7-Up to a box of cake mix and calling it a day. I took something that’s known across the South and added my own twist by using top-quality, organic ingredients. It’s a bundt cake that comes in a beautiful circular shape and it’s very light, airy and moist. It’s absolutely delicious and is loved by many of my celebrity clients. I can also make a glutenPLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

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TASTE free or vegan version upon request.”

Customers also love Morvant’s Cereal Milk Cupcakes, which feature toppings such as Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

“Cereal milk gives this really unique flavor to things,” Morvant says. “The milk has this rich depth of flavor and I’ll work it into buttercream frosting, cake or cookies.”

One of Morvant’s favorite items is her Hummingbird Cake, another traditional Southern treat.

“It’s a spiced cake with fresh organic pineapple, banana and toasted pecans with a silky cream cheese buttercream,” Morvant says. “People flock to it like hummingbirds because it’s so sweet. It’s what I make for my birthday every year.”

Delivery is available throughout Playa Vista, and Morvant also offers in-person pick-up for clients who live outside of the area. Many of her customers drive from as far away as Orange County to pick up her baked goods.

“I also welcome people to ask me to make things that I don’t have on my menu,” Morvant says. “Even if I’ve never made something before, I love to challenge myself by trying new things in the kitchen.”

While Morvant can accommodate a wide variety of requests and caters to certain dietary restrictions, the one thing she can’t accommodate is nut allergies.

“Whenever someone places an order, I always ask if they or anyone that will be eating the items have food allergies,” Morvant says. “Because I work with nuts in my kitchen, I’m probably not the baker for someone if they or someone in their family has a nut allergy. I want to make sure that everyone is safe.”

Morvant also books up far in advance, especially around the holidays, so she recommends ordering several months before a birthday or special occasion. Her baked goods are typically made to order by

Morvant offers a variety of unique and traditional Southern desserts including 7-Up Cake, Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes, Kitchen Sink Cookies and Mississippi Mud Pie, among others.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

Continued on page 40 MARCH / APRIL 2022

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TASTE Continued from page 39

batch and she also holds weekly bake sales where she’ll feature a treat of the week, along with any other items that she’ll sell individually. All information about current treats and upcoming sales can be found via her Instagram page (@winterfatebakes).

Cajun food is another passion of Morvant’s and she also sells her own homemade Cajun Seasoning. Inspired by her dad’s cooking, it features freshly hand ground herbs, spices and rock salt, and can be used as a marinade, dry seasoning salt or dry rub.

Aside from baking, the other love of Morvant’s life is her dog, Deuce. The American Pit Bull Terrier mix rescue who Morvant has had since he was a baby helped to inspire the other part of her business.

“Deuce is 14½ years old and he’s just incredible and perfect in every way,” Morvant says. “A lot of the dog treats out there contain sugar, corn, soy and all these additives that I don’t want him to eat. If I could bake beautiful and healthy desserts for people, I was going to do the same for him. I’ve been baking for him his entire life and when I started my business, I knew I was going to have a bakery that served people and their dogs.”

Morvant offers a wide variety of dog treats including birthday cakes, cookies and biscuits, ice cream and Smoothie Snacks. All of her dog treats are organic and free from unnatural sugar, preservatives and color additives. They’re also human grade so that dogs and their owners can share treats.

All of the Smoothie Snacks on Morvant’s menu are named after Deuce’s dog friends and her website includes a section with photos of the different pups next to their favorite flavors. The frozen bite-size treats are made with fresh, local organic, dog-safe fruit and vegetables from the Playa Vista farmers market; vegan options are also available. The Deuce features her dog’s favorite flavor combination of peanut butter, banana, local honey and coconut

40

All dog treats are tasted and approved by Morvant’s dog, Deuce.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

yogurt.

“Deuce has always collected friends, especially puppies,” Morvant says. “He’s the grandpa of the neighborhood. He taught them all how to act and be part of a pack. He’s shaped so many dog’s lives for the better. I worked with each dog to figure out what they liked so every flavor is for a specific dog. I named them all after Deuce’s friends.”

Charitable giving is another important aspect of Morvant’s business and she loves doing various fundraisers to raise money for important causes and nonprofit organizations.

“I’ve been lucky enough to raise a lot of money for animal rescues, organizations that help children in underserved communities, victims of domestic abuse, and helping to feed the homeless,” Morvant says. “Anyone who wants to use my baked goods to raise money for a good cause is welcome to reach out to me and I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

Despite the success of her baking business, Morvant also has a day job as a program manager for an electric vehicle company, so she spends the early morn-

ings, evenings and weekends baking.

“I never want baking to lose its therapeutic quality,” Morvant says. “I feel like if it was my full-time job, it would become more stressful. And whenever I’m feeling stressed out or upset, I like to go and bake it out. I love creating and making people happy. I enjoy coming up with new things and taking inspiration from art or things I come across in life.”

A resident of Playa Vista since last October, Morvant loves how safe the neighborhood is and that she can walk her dog anytime, even at night.

“I love how clean it is here and how safe I feel,” Morvant say. “Deuce is a social butterfly so we love that there are so many dogs in the neighborhood. It’s also very peaceful. Geoff and I always joke that the loudest it gets in the neighborhood is the sound of kids laughing on their way home from school.”

Winter Fate Bakes winterfate.com Instagram: @winterfatebakes PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2022

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TASTE

A (Lemon) Zest for Life

BY EMILY CHAVEZ (Photo by Luis Chavez)

S

wiss rolls are visually impressive and incredibly simple to make. But they can be intimidating for a first-timer who may fear the cake may break while rolling. Cracks will not form if the cake is gently rolled while warm. Let it cool down as the filling is made. That creates a memory in the sponge that makes the final roll easier. The soft yellow sponge contrasts strikingly with the creamy purple filling for a dessert as pleasing to the eye as it is refreshing to the palate. A mildly sweet and zesty lemon cake with blackberry jelly filling is tempered with cream cheese to make a perfectly balanced bite.

Lemon blackberry swiss roll Active time: 20 minutes Total time: 2 hours, 40 minutes Yields: 8 servings 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 4 eggs 2/3 cup sugar 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice zest from one lemon 1 teaspoon vanilla

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons milk 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 2 cups powdered sugar, more to sprinkle during the cake rolling step 1 tablespoon blackberry jelly 1/4 cup heavy cream

INSTRUCTIONS Beat together eggs and sugar with Turn out baked cake onto the prean electric mixer on high for 2 to 3 pared towel, gently remove parchminutes. ment paper, and sprinkle powdered Beat in vegetable oil, lemon juice sugar on top. and zest, vanilla, milk, flour and Roll the cake up around the towel baking powder until smooth. and set aside to cool.

Pour cake batter into a parchment- Beat together cream cheese, powlined and nonstick sprayed baking dered sugar, blackberry jelly and pan and smooth out with a spatula. heavy cream.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 Once the cake has cooled, unroll degrees for 15 to 17 minutes or the cake, spread the filling, and until the edges start to golden. gently roll the cake back up.

Lay a clean dish towel on the Wrap roll up in foil and chill in the countertop and generously sprinkle refrigerator for 2 hours. powdered sugar until fully covered.

Cut into slices when ready to serve.

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PET ADOPTION

Adoptable Pets FROM ANNENBERG PETSPACE The coolest buddies in Playa Vista are waiting for their new forever homes

Lily

Sammy Sammy is quite the sight! His looks may seem big and bold, especially with his tongue constantly out, but he’s actually nervous by the busy world around him. Sammy is in search of a patient pet parent who will give him gentle guidance and let him truly become his fully charming self.

Zo Zo is a super lovable cat that loves to greet you when you come home. He loves playing with toys and cuddling in bed with his humans. He’s good with kids and dogs of all sizes!

Lily is a sporty girl who can fetch, sit, stay and come when called the perfect outgoing companion for an active home, all while on three legs! Lily can spend hours playing fetch in the yard and cannot get enough of spending time with her favorite people. A true best friend, Lily is waiting to please her new people and would love a guardian who is ready to continue the training that has made Lily such an incredible young girl!

Preparing Your Pup to Be a Good Citizen KATIE MCGUIRE, CDBC, CPDT-KA WALLIS ANNENBERG PETSPACE

For dog parents looking for a way to build better communication with their pup, the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program is a great way to deepen your bond. CGC is a 10-skill training program that’s open to all dogs and focuses on testing the basics of good manners and obedience

while at home and in the community. Interested participants can visit akc.org for more information and training resources. Once you and your pup have mastered the 10 skills in the program, you can search for a local AKC CGC test evaluation to certify your sidekick as an official Canine Good Citizen!

To learn more about pet adoption, or to see other available pets, visit annenbergpetspace.org MARCH / APRIL 2022

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TASTE

Sweet, salty and nutty can get along

BY EMILY CHAVEZ (Photo by Luis Chavez)

T

he famous chocolate chip cookie will always be loved.

However, I appreciate complex complementary flavor profiles, instead of a one-note confection. Mixing semi-sweet and dark chocolate lays a base for a more balanced sugar content. Adding walnuts creates a multidimensional earthy undertone. And, finally, coarse pink Himalayan salt further tempers any lingering sweetness.

In a way, the flavor balance has become dangerous for me because I’m not satisfied by the sugar content five cookies in, so I keep eating.

For a moister cookie, I recommend chopping the walnuts right before adding into the batter so the oils release at that moment. To further enhance the cookie, chill the dough for at least an hour and up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Note that if you chill the dough, your baking times may need to extend a few minutes.

Salty and Sweet Cookies Active time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Yields about 50 cookies INGREDIENTS 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon table salt 2 large eggs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels or chips

44

1 cup dark chocolate chips 1 cup chopped walnuts (add 1-2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, if you don’t want nuts) Coarsely ground pink Himalayan salt for topping INSTRUCTIONS Combine flour, baking soda and table salt in a small bowl.

In another bowl, beat together butter, both sugars and vanilla extract until creamy.

One at a time, and beating again after each addition, add eggs to the butter sugar mixture.

Gradually beat in dry ingredient mixture.

Stir in chocolate, morsels and nuts by hand.

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookies batter onto ungreased or parchment lined baking sheets.

Sprinkle pink Himalayan salt on each cookie according to taste preference.

Bake in for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown in A preheated oven at 375 degrees.

Cool on baking sheets for at least 1 minute before cooling completely on wire racks.

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EVENTS CALENDAR

— Compiled by Kamala Kirk

Wild Child Gym in Platform Park Mondays & Wednesdays Wild Child Gym hosts weekly socially distanced, kids’ play classes designed to spark imagination, wonder and strength. Class is best for kids under age 7. Guardians stay and play. Spaces are limited.

Please book at least two hours in advance.

Platform Park, 9715 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, 10:30 a.m., $25, platformlosangeles.com Sunrise Sound Bath on the Beach Saturday, April 2 Join Bloom Holistic Healing at Lifeguard Tower 14 for a blissful transformative sound bath. Dress comfortably, this class includes light movement. Bring a blanket, pillow, yoga mat and jacket in case it gets chilly. Optional: sunscreen, crystals and journal.

Arrive 10 to 20 minutes early for parking and for a short walk to the beach.

2 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, 9 to 10:30 a.m., $30-$40, bloomholistichealing.org

On May 1, practice yoga with cute puppies while supporting a great cause at Marine Park from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

(Courtesy photo)

International Children’s Book Day Saturday, April 2 Join Sender One for a book exchange and crafts as they celebrate International Children’s Book Day, followed by a reading of “How to Solve a Problem,” a children’s picture book written by professional climber Ashima Shiraishi. The book exchange and reading will take place on the lawn just outside of the Sender One backdoor. Please bring a book

On April 6 from 3 to 5 p.m., CSJ Center’s Justice and Spirituality on Screen series at LMU will engage questions of faith and culture through the lens of modern cinema.

(Courtesy photo)

MARCH / APRIL 2022

to donate or exchange for another. All leftover books will be donated to a local nonprofit.

RSVP online.

12775 W. Millennium Suite 4-140A, Playa Vista, Noon to 2:30 p.m., sender.one/playavista Paws & Pages at Annenberg PetSpace April 2 & 3, 9 & 10 Visit Annenberg PetSpace for a socially-distance story time, pet encounter and takehome craft. Help your young reader build communication skills and self-confidence by reading with adoptable pets or listening to a story. This in-space experience includes a book reading, opportunity to meet an adoptable pet or critter ambassador, and craft demonstration with materials to take home and complete.

Register online. Tickets start at $3. Please contact programs@ annenbergpetspace.org if you need to cancel your registration.

12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista, 12 to 12:30 p.m., annenbergpetspace.org

Justice and Spirituality on Screen: “Real Women Have Curves” Wednesday, April 6 The CSJ Center’s Justice and Spirituality on Screen series engages questions of faith and culture through the lens of modern cinema. It is cosponsored by the LMU School of Film and Television, Center for Religion and Spirituality, and William H. Hannon Library. The 2021-2022 series them echoes that of the CSJ Center’s annual symposium, Faces of Justice.

LMU Campus, 12105 West Waterfront Drive, Playa Vista, 3 to 5 p.m., bit.ly/3LdeZ4B Marina Culture Jam Sunday, April 10 Don’t miss the first-ever Marina Culture Jam series presented by The Music Center at Burton Chace Park. This special three-part series is free and features live performances, arts and crafts, cultural learning activities and much more. Part I on April 10 features INCA, The Peruvian Ensemble and The Alley Cats. Part II on May 15 features Ballet Folclorico Do Brasil and Pacifico Dance Company.

Continued on page 46

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EVENTS CALENDAR

— Compiled by Kamala Kirk

Continued from page 45 Part III on June 12 features TAIKOPROJECT and Diavolo.

Free admission.

13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., marinadelrey.lacounty.gov Easter Egg Hunt + Story Time Sunday, April 10 Enjoy a hunt for over 6,000 eggs hidden all throughout RUNWAY and find the golden eggs for special prizes. Please meet at the new Spring photo installation on Town Center Drive.

The egg hunt will begin at 10 a.m. sharp.

12775 W. Millennium, Playa Vista, 10 to 11 a.m., runwayplayavista.com Spring Break Comedy Bash Saturday, April 16 Celebrate Spring Break with a massive beach comedy bash in Playa del Rey featuring major headliners from Netflix and Comedy Central. The 90-minute outdoor standup comedy show will take place at a gorgeous beachfront house in Playa del Rey. Lineup includes Amy Miller (Comedy Central), JC Currais (Conan) and Garrick Bernard (Single Drunk Female).

On Mondays and Wednesdays, Wild Child Gym at Platform Park hosts weekly kids’ play classes designed to spark imagination, wonder and strength.

(Courtesy photo)

Seating will be limited. You are encouraged to bring your own beach blanket or chair. There will be seating in the patio area of the beach house, but overflow will spill onto the beach. Plan accordingly.

Feel free to bring food, drinks, coolers, picnic baskets, blankets, etc. Tickets cost $20. Email for more information and with any questions.

7053 Trolleyway South, Los Angeles, 8 p.m., seanlearypress@gmail.com

On April 20 at 6 p.m., join Sacred Woman Collective for a Sunset Circle on the beach for guided meditation, breathwork, a sound bath, and sharing and listening from the heart.

(Courtesy photo)

46

Sacred Woman Collective Sunset Circle Wednesday, April 20 Join Sacred Woman Collective for a Sunset Circle on the beach at Lifeguard Tower 26 at Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica. Sit in a circle and enjoy guided meditation, breathwork, a magnificent sound bath, and sharing and listening from the heart. Each Sunset Circle is $25. Payments can be made via Venmo to stacilevine-1 or via PayPal. Once you register, details will be provided prior to the event including where to park and what to bring.

Lifeguard Tower 26 at Ocean Park Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, 6 p.m., $25, sacredwomancollective.com RUNWAY x Creative Communal Makers Market Saturday, April 23 The family-friendly and petfriendly event will feature local makers, live music, photo ops and fun kids activities including face painting. Free admission.

12760 W. Millennium, Playa Vista, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m

Virtual Speed Dating for Professional Singles Sunday, April 23 Virtual speed dating follows a combination of traditional speed dating rules and conventional mix and match etiquette. With Monday at 8’s Virtual Speed Dating platform, you can have the opportunity to meet other like-minded and active singles from across the country, even state by state. Mix it up a little by trying a new avenue and potentially meet someone great from a new region. All of the virtual speed dating events are hosted exclusively by a Monday at 8 Matchmaker. Cost $5.

Tickets available online.

123 Main Street, Playa Vista, 6 to 7:30 p.m., bit.ly/3wEFZG7 Puppy Yoga in the Park Sunday, May 1 Come practice yoga with man’s best friend while supporting a great cause.

Laughing Frog Yoga is the only yoga studio in LA offering puppy yoga classes and their adorable friends can’t wait to meet you. They typically bring five to six puppies and small dogs to their events and many of them are looking for their forever homes. Puppy yoga classes are catered towards all levels and ages. Children are welcome to attend class.

All minors below 18 will need a legal guardian to fill out a liability waiver form on their behalf to attend class. The last 30 minutes of class is reserved for hangout/selfie time with the pups. $5 from each ticket will be donated to the Paws for Life Animal Rescue. Located at Marine Park next to the tennis courts.

1406 Marine Street, Santa Monica, 10 to 11:30 a.m., laughingfrogyoga.com

PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2022

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www.marinadentistry.com MARCH / APRIL 2022

PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

4900 FREE

CLEANING SPECIAL

INVISALIGN $

$2,999 WITH THIS AD. NOW THROUGH 4-30-22

TEETH WHITENING SPECIAL

99

$

ONLY

00

NEW PATIENTS ONLY!

Periodontal Root Planning Not Included • With Coupon Only • Insurance Programs Billed At Regular Fees • Exp. 4-30-22

AS SEEN ON ABC’S “EXTREME MAKEOVER” INCLUDES X-RAYS & EXAM

Cannot Be Combined With Any Other Offer

CONSULTATION INCLUDING FULL MOUTH X-RAYS & EXAMINATION NEW PATIENTS ONLY EXP 4-30-22

DEEP CLEANING

Regular $749

ONE HOUR IN-OFFICE ZOOM! WHITENING

Regular $149

X-Rays, Exams, Cleaning, Oral Cancer Screening, TMJ Evaluation, Diagnosis & Treatment Plan

SPECIAL

100

$

PER QUAD

REG $499

NEW PATIENTS ONLY WITH THIS AD EXP 4-30-22

310-305-9600 47

A B OU T THE A SS I L E Y E I NSTI TU TE • The Assil Eye Institute is nationally recognized for its compassionate patient-centric care, its commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology and its dedication to supporting the health and well-being of not just its patients, but also of their community.

• Dr. Assil’s life-long commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology is evident in his body of work developing new surgical techniques and advances in laser surgery.

• Dr. Assil lectures internationally and has taught state-of-the art surgical skills to well over 10,000 thousand ophthalmologists worldwide.

Dr. John May, Dr. Avneet K. Sodhi Gaur, Dr. Kerry Assil, Dr. Lindsay Harris

• The Assil Eye Institute has participated in dozens of FDA clinical trials, either as lead investigator or as a member of a multi-center team, testing new ophthalmological devices and surgical techniques.

A B O U T DR. AVN EET K. SOD H I G A U R • Dr. Sodhi Gaur is a Board Certified, Fellowship trained Cataract, Refractive, and Glaucoma Specialist, with training and experience developed at nationally renowned ophthalmic institutions. She serves as the Director of the Glaucoma Service at Assil Eye Institute.

• She has performed thousands of glaucoma, refractive (LASIK, PRK, ICL), and cataract surgeries including implantation of the latest premium intraocular lenses with Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) system and Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.

• She has been featured in Angeleno Magazine 2019 Los Angeles Power Players section as one of the top extraordinary inspiring individuals and she is highly regarded among her patients and peers leading her to be voted multiple times as one of Los Angeles Top Doctors and Super Doctor Rising Stars.

• She is a local Playa Vista resident and enjoys working out, cooking, traveling and spending quality time with her husband and two boys.

G OO G L E R E VI EWS: “I just got my lasik completed and I cannot tell you how excited and happy I am with the result.

I was told Dr. Sodhi Gaur was the best and that I would not be disappointed, and they were

right. From the consultation to having 20/15 vision, only took 1 week. I never dreamed I would be able to see clearly so quickly and without much pain or discomfort! “

“Professional staff as well as elegant waiting rooms, with all safety protocols in place during these challenging times.”

“I was wearing ‘Readers’ and my distance vision was starting to

assileye.com

fade so I went to Assil Eye for a consultation, and thanks to Dr. Gaur and the phenomenal team at Assil Eye, I’m now glasses free in my early 50’s! Couldn’t be happier!”

450 N. Roxbury Dr., 3rd Floor | Beverly Hills, CA | 90210 | 310-651-2300 2222 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 107 | Santa Monica, CA | 90404 | 310-382-5050

@avneetsodhigaurmd @assileye