Playa Vista Direct : December 2019 — January 2020

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RECORD SALE SERENADE - 13031 VILLOSA PL. #421 3 BD & 3 BA + LOFT 3,020 SQ.FT. $1,410,000

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SOLD SEABLUFF FLATTS - 6030 S. SEABLUFF DR. #114 3 BD & 3 BA $1,400,000

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SOLD TAPESTRY I - 5700 SEAWALK DR. #10 2 BD & 2.5 BA 1,640 SQ.FT. $1,191,000 www.5700Seawalk.com

FOR LEASE CORONADO- 7100 PLAYA VISTA DR. #403 3 BD & 2.5 BA + DEN 1,892 SQ.FT. $5,500/MONTH

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Contents

Vol. 4 | No. 3

EDITOR’S NOTE

HEALTH

6 The Roaring Twenties

26 Peachy Keen Swim promotes body positivity

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 8 Musical dad Tony Tennyson 10 Horse and real estate whisperer Sierra Fischer 12 TV editor Tato Maizza

PET ADOPTION

COMMUNITY

32 Interior designer Julia Newman specializes in accessible design for all

30 Slow things down with Mai, a composed and peaceful kitty HOME

14 Boo Fest @ Playa Vista Elementary School 16 Monster Dash 5K @ Runway

FOOD

PEOPLE

36 Sweet Fish’s new Chef Taka fuses tradition with creativity

18 Flutist Gina Luciani traveled the world with Kanye West

EVENTS

22 Meet the founders of Brella, Runway’s new drop-in childcare space

40 Like, totally spend New Year’s Eve at Gulp’s 80s party

4 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

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36 ON THE COVER: When Kanye West needed a flutist, Playa Vista resident Gina Luciani answered the call.

Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner. Design by Michael Kraxenberger

EDITOR’S NOTE

The Roaring Twenties

T

he year 2020 is upon us. Gone are the aughts, tens and teens of the third millennium. For someone who still occasionally writes 19 when I go to date a form, getting my head around 2020 is a big deal.

When I was a little girl I’d often wonder what life would be like after the year 2000. Though my fantasies were mostly stolen from episodes of “The Jetsons,” I could not have predicted how technology like smart phones, the internet and GPS would play such a huge role in our lives.

Nor could I have predicted that I’d be the editor of a magazine that celebrates the technological hub that is Silicon Beach.

When we look back a century ago, we think of the Roaring Twenties with the prohibition of alcohol, the Jazz Age and women getting the vote. Americans were keen to adopt new technologies like electricity, telephones and automobiles.

More locally, in 1923 the order of nuns known as the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary began teaching academics to young women in Los Angeles. The efforts of these sisters eventually evolved into the creation of Loyola Marymount University on the bluffs above us. The area we call Playa Vista sat undeveloped until the 1940s, when Howard Hughes famously created Hughes Airport (now the Runway retail space) as part of the Hughes Aircraft Company. A lot has changed, but progress continues.

As Playa Vista transitions into the next decade, it’s fair to say technology will still factor greatly in our lives, but so do our families.

Our community will continue to value the same things our predecessors valued 100 years ago: education, safety, women’s rights, great music and technological innovation.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Playa Vista Direct; it was a pleasure to put together. I wish all of you the happiest of holidays and dream-filled new decade. Working together we can continue to build community over the next 10 years and beyond.

Shanee Edwards Managing Editor · shanee@playavistadirect.com

6 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

MANAGING EDITOR Shanee Edwards ART DIRECTOR Michael Kraxenberger CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christina Campodonico · Kellie Chudzinski Christina Fuoco-Karasinski · Jessica Koslow Brian Marks · Robyn Paris Angela Matano CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Courtnay Robbins · Maria Martin · Shilah Montiel · Zsuszi Steiner GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kate Doll ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Renee Baldwin Kay Christy Rocki Davidson David Maury SENIOR EDITOR Joe Piasecki ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rebecca Bermudez

CONTACT US EDITORIAL editor@playavistadirect.com ADVERTISING info@playavistadirect.com

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MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

TONY TENNYSON, Musical Dad Tony Tennyson moved from Chicago to L.A. three years ago and loves living in Playa Vista. His daughter is a first grader at Playa Vista Elementary School, where his four-year old son is headed next year.

A talented music composer, Tennyson has worked on several movies and webseries, but it’s his music program for kids in Los Angeles and Compton public schools — called Music Counts — that inspires him most.

“I teach percussion, recorder and piano. A lot of schools don’t have arts education anymore, so it’s important for me to spread that,” he says.

8 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

Growing up, Tennyson loved music more than anything and longed to create his own compositions. His parents didn’t have money for music lessons, but that didn’t stop Tennyson. He learned to play by ear.

If there’s one kernel of wisdom he’d like to share, it’s to never underestimate the power of the arts.

“It helps with math, with social skills, with building confidence. It’s so much more than just learning to play an instrument, but that’s good too,” he says. “I get emails from kids all the time thanking me for giving them a sense of direction. It’s very fulfilling.”

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SIERRA FISCHER, Horse Whisperer Real estate agent Sierra Fischer was three years old the first time she rode a horse. At first she shared a pony with a friend, but when the friend didn’t want to share anymore, “that’s when my dad bought me my first pony,” she recalls.

“From there it all escalated.”

Fischer began riding competitively and started a horse import business when she was just 15-years old. The horses came mostly from Europe, but she also had clients in Mexico and Venezuela. As an adult, her keen communication skills and dealings with people from various backgrounds helped her ease into a career in real estate.

“The way I communicated made people feel comfortable,” she explains.

“I’d buy [horses] at an early age, and I had a vision of what I wanted them to become. Now, I’m able to fulfill the vision a home buyer might have, or translate the seller’s passion for a home into me selling or buying for people.”

Fischer currently works with the Douglas Elliman real estate brokerage in Beverly Hills.

“I have connections there,” she says, “but with me living in Playa Vista and understanding the beach cities, this is where I’m focusing.”

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MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

TATO MAIZZA,

Dad & TV Editor A native of Brazil, Tato Maizza is one of many South American transplants loving the Playa Vista community. But there was one thing in particular that made him really want to move here: Playa Vista Elementary School.

“My son is in third grade, and it’s rare to find a good public school like this one. It attracts parents for sure,” he acknowledges.

Maizza appreciates not only the convenience Playa Vista offers, but also the openness of its residents.

“It’s diverse. People here are trying to build relationships with each other, and everyone is very intelligent,” he says.

When he was younger, Maizza dreamed of becoming a movie director but found his niche as an editor. His work includes the medical docuseries “Diagnosis” for Netflix, “The Apprentice” (starring our current president), and the wildly popular dating show “The Bachelor.”

But if you run into Maizza at Whole Foods, don’t ask him for clues on the next winner of Bachelor Nation: “I’ve signed a nondisclosure agreement!” he says with a laugh.

Considering the penalty of prematurely revealing a winner is a whopping $5 million fine, he’s likely to keep his mouth shut.

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w Michelle Martino • 310-880-0789 • www.marinadelreylistings.com 12 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

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COMMUNITY PHOTOS BY ZSUZSI STEINER

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BOO FEST @ PLAYA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL There was something fun for every ghoul and goblin during this year’s Boo Fest at Playa Vista Elementary School. Some enjoyed sampling chili from five local chefs, and others munched on fall-themed sweet treats like cupcakes adorned with chocolate spiders and brownies topped with candy corn.

Principal Rebecca Johnson greeted guests dressed as a stylish good witch.

Aquaman reigned supreme, raising his trident over the crowd, while other popular costumes included characters from Disney’s “Descendants,” “Harry Potter” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

The highlight of the event was the pumpkin decorating contest, with entries ranging from Frankenstein’s head to Pac-Man. Some kids also chose to explore science-related activities, which included racing remote-controlled cars provided by local middle school Katherine Johnson STEM Academy.

Amanda Goldman, president of the Playa Vista Moms Group, reports the event raised more than $18,000 for enrichment programs, staffing and resources not funded by LAUSD. — Shanee Edwards 14 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

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Principal Rebecca Johnson in costume surrounded by her students Boo Fest is an annual fundraising event

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A student impeccably dressed for dios de la muerte

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The best kind of fishing scheme

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A proud queen with her two princesses

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A pumpkin masterfully decorated as our beautiful Earth The pumpkin decorating contest inspired young and old

COMMUNITY PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELEVATION CORPORATE FITNESS

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MONSTER DASH 5K @ RUNWAY

If there’s one thing Playa Vistans love, it’s an active lifestyle. Throw in some costumes and, hey, it’s a party.

On Oct. 27, Elevation Corporate Fitness held its inaugural Monster Dash, a 5K run/walk race for the entire family. The race concluded with a yoga class, free pumpkin pancakes and a costume contest.

Rob Hardin (Anderson), fitness and wellness manager for Elevation Corporate Health and assistant fitness program manager at The Resort, said the goal of Monster Dash is to create a fun sense of community.

“Playa Vista is a special place,” he said, “and events like the Monster Dash are a great opportunity for folks to reconnect and come together. We hope that all race participants felt a sense of accomplishment and pride as they crossed the finish line at Runway.”

The event raised more than $8,000 for The People Concern and Vista del Mar Family and Child Services.

— Shanee Edwards 16 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

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From a creepy old house to a couple kids looking for the beach, there was a wide variety of costumes

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A festive balloon bridge floated over the finish line at Runway

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The event raised over $8K for charity

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Excited kids cross the finish line

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All participants received a swag bag full of fun goodies

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Robin, Batman and a couple of sheep pose on the step-and-repeat

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Even for those who didn’t race, there was a variety of fun activities

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Gina Luciani got the gig with Kanye West through an app for musicians for hire

18 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

ye n ans

PEOPLE

A Classical Flutist

GOES HIP HOP

Year-long Sunday Service gig with rapper Kanye West kept Gina Luciani on her toes STORY BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI | PHOTOS BY ZSUZSI STEINER

P

laya Vista flutist Gina Luciani performed with rapper Kayne West at Coachella and his Sunday Service dates throughout the last year. She learned something most people would expect from the controversial West: Be prepared for anything.

“Literally, during the Coachella set, he was rewriting the setlist in the middle of it,” Luciani says with a laugh. “If you watch the video they posted, you can see him rewriting the list.”

“Obviously, coming from a classical background, you’re taught to practice one thing over and over until it’s perfect. This is an entirely different thing. You have to go with whatever is happening around you.”

She landed the job with the “Jesus is King” rapper through an app for professional musicians looking for placement. She was entering an influential music conference when she received a call about a prospective gig.

“I was on my way into NAMM [National Association of Music Merchants], and that was a Friday,” she says. “I had literally just gone through security and I got a call from a music director saying there’s this gig this weekend with Kanye West — am I available? I was supposed to be at NAMM on Saturday and Sunday, but obviously I changed things.”

West was a hands-on performer, and she enjoyed watching his vision come to life.

Luciani loves to play her flute on TV, film and video game soundtracks

“He’s involved in the entire process,” she says. “He’s not like other artists, where they show up and perform and let the music director do most of the work. It’s definitely all him.”

Hailing from Utah, Luciani began pursuing music at age 4 after seeing her favorite movie, “The Little Mermaid,” which featured a character playing the recorder.

“I asked my mom and she said it was a flute,” she says. “When I was about 13, I decided to go into music and play for films.”

She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance from the

Colburn Conservatory of Music and her Master of Music degree from USC. Soon, she started working in the industry.

“The Kanye West gig was a little different from what I normally do,” she says. “I usually do one-offs with artists. I also record for a lot of TV, films and videogame soundtracks.

I get a big variety.”

With her work, Luciani has garnered more than 83,000 followers across her social media platforms. She also works as a studio musician, having recorded (Continued on page 20) PLAYA PLAYAVISTA VISTADIRECT DIRECT || DECEMBER DECEMBER2019 2019··JANUARY JANUARY2020 2020 19

PEOPLE

(Continued from page 19)

for projects like “Lady and the Tramp,” “The Simpsons,” “The Nun,” “Maniac,” “Planet Earth 2,” “Halo Wars 2,” “Chef ’s Table,” “Straight Outta Compton” and “The Middle.” Luciani has also performed with Ariana Grande, Josh Groban, Billy Idol, DMX, Kid Cudi, Chance the Rapper, Ty Dolla $ign, Pentatonix and Weird Al. “A big aspect of my career is playing for TV, film and videogames,” says Luciani, whose two albums are available on iTunes and her website, ginaluciani. com. “I’m really excited. I just played on the ‘Lady and the Tramp’ soundtrack on Disney Plus.”

“I also do remote recordings from the house. I have a home studio, so I’m able to work with composers all over the world. A lot of musicians have found me through my social media accounts, and I’ve gotten to work with them. It’s truly incredible what you can do with the

Luciani has two albums available on iTunes

internet. The Kanye West thing wouldn’t have happened without the internet.”

West recently switched up the instrumentation in his songs and no longer needed a flutist.

“It was just a blast to play,” she says.

“I’m excited about my career. Just because you live in Los Angeles and go to certain schools, it doesn’t guarantee anything. I’m thrilled I can actually be doing this. My dream actually came true.”

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Founders Melanie Wolff and Darien Williams met in New York three years ago

PEOPLE

CHILDCARE

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Brella offers working (or just exhausted) parents an exciting new resource STORY BY BY JESSICA KOSLOW | PHOTOS BY BRELLA

E

verything is available ondemand these days. So why should childcare be any different? That’s the concept behind Brella, a new childcare model launched in Playa Vista in November.

Say you and your friend are new mothers strolling with your babies down Runway. You’re both struggling with the huge, life-altering changes that come with this new stage of life.

You’re desperate to connect and chat about your issues, and maybe leave with a few ideas and solutions. But your babies are crying. They need to be held, fed and changed. And all you want to do is stop, sit, breathe and hear your friend’s comforting voice.

That’s the beauty of Brella. Pop into the brightly colored open space at Runway (or better yet, check online on the app) to see if there’s room for two … toddlers. Leave your babies with qualified, credentialed care and score the quiet, uninterrupted time you need.

“We’re seeing how families use our service on demand,” says Melanie Wolff, who co-founded Brella with Darien Williams. “You can book 60 days in advance, but we’re seeing that half of the kids are booked the same day.”

It’s the third week of November, on a Thursday evening — Brella opened its doors just about two weeks ago — and Wolff and Williams are already seeing their vision become a reality.

Located on the east end of Runway, Brella is open seven days a week

The two moms mentioned above — that scenario happened today.

“A lot of parents are going through first-time separation,” Williams says.

“50% of the people who have come in have never been separated from their child before. They’re thinking about going back to work or working from home, and they’re more trusting with a licensed facility than a caregiver coming to their home. We have credentialed staff and accountability. This is a huge life transition moment. And the trust is already there. This was a conversation we had a lot: How do we establish trust?”

At Brella, you can book and pay by the hour for kids ages three months

to six years. They’re open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

They’ll feed and diaper your child. And everything can be managed online through the app.

Employers are even purchasing blocks of hours for their workers.

Williams met Wolff three years ago on a blind friend date. Williams, an architect living in New York, brought up the idea of an on-demand childcare space with Wolff, a marketing executive.

The two working moms have been able to follow their passions (spaces and branded experiences) while aiming to (Continued on page 24) PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020 23

PEOPLE

(Continued from page 23)

( L E F T ) Brella encourages imagination through play ( R I G H T ) Parents can choose to stay and work at a private desk

or leave their child at the facility

solve a painful problem in their lives.

“We saw the massive gap that exists in offerings available to parents,” Wolff says.

“We’re two working moms who felt abandoned in a broken childcare system. We’re trying to liberate parents so they can work, pursue their dreams and do something good for their children.”

“We see the tension in the family when both parents work,” adds Williams. “Life is more fluid, and we’ve created a model that acknowledges that.”

At the front of Brella is a concierge, followed by a lounge with couches and tables where parents can work.

(In addition to childcare, Brella also offers a co-working space, individual workstations and small conference rooms, all priced by the hour.)

The first room is a separation space with a play structure, where the parents drop kids off. This allows for less disruption to kids in the classrooms, which border the main room. There’s a creative playroom, art lab with a small attached outdoor space, a library and infant nursery.

The kids are put into age-based classes with credentialed teachers in each room.

“There’s intention behind what’s in each classroom,” assures Williams.

Though Williams and Wolff live in Hollywood and Santa Monica respectively, they searched high and low for a location for Brella and landed in Playa Vista.

“This is a dense environment,” says Williams. “Childcare is synergistic with a grocery store, wellness shops, residential and office space. We can be a support system in the community, the heart of the community. Playa Vista is a tightknit community that’s accustomed to a village style of sharing resources.”

“Kids can walk by Brella, their place, all the time,” says Wolff, “It’s part of the fabric of their life.”

Brella is at 12746 W Jefferson Blvd., Ste. 3-3100, in Runway at Playa Vista. Visit hellobrella.com to learn more.

24 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

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©2019 Highland Premiere & Compass. All rights reserved. DRE License #01967160/# 01991628. All material presented here in is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omission, changes or withdrawal without notice. If your property is currently listed with another real estate broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

H E A LT H

BEACH BODY POSITIVITY Peachy Keen Swim is disrupting the swimwear industry one bikini at a time STORY BY BY KELLIE CHUDZINSKI | PHOTO BY LAUREN BROWN

A new swimwear line makes bikinis for women of all shapes and sizes

D

espite the fashion industry’s push toward body positivity and size inclusion, one area has lagged behind: swimwear.

Leah Sullivan, Summer Morgan and Delaney Drexler set out to create a swimsuit brand that was rooted in body positivity and empowering for the women wearing their pieces. Their effort to make swimwear that was stylish and comfortable for women of all sizes resonated with 159 supporters from across the world, helping the brand raise

26 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

$21,000 through a Kickstarter campaign they started with a goal of just $3,000.

The three women met as entrepreneurship majors studying at Loyola Marymount University. When tasked with teaming up to create a business, they quickly realized they wanted to tackle both outdated beauty standards and environmental damage embedded into the typical fast-fashion swimsuit production, head-on.

Much of their mission, as Drexler put it, is to “disrupt this industry.” They

want to make it instinctual to think “a bikini body is just a body in a bikini,” and change the industry to be more accepting and realistic about all body types.

“We wanted to see girls that look like us [marketing swimwear],” Sullivan added.

While Morgan and Sullivan are finishing their senior years at LMU, Drexler graduated this May and is balancing the business with being a single mom to her five-year-old son Carter. It was the way her body image changed after becoming

a mom that spoke to Drexler when they began to build Peachy Keen.

“Something I really struggled with after having [Carter] was feeling confident enough to put a swimsuit on,” she said. “Because society made me feel like I wasn’t deserving of wearing one.”

Before ever creating a garment the founders set out to build a community empowering women and embracing different sized and abled bodies. Their Instagram, which already boasts over 6,000 followers, often shares positive messages such as “there is no such thing as ideal beauty” and “a woman doesn’t have to be modest to be respected.”

Their comments are filled with followers, often women, embracing the messages.

It was this community that the three women then leaned on to design their first suit, known as the Signature Suit. They asked followers what issues they faced when shopping for swimwear, what features made them uncomfortable, and what their ideal suit looked like.

They then took the information straight to the drawing board, designing their first items are what Drexler described as the “hardest aspect” since launching. They finally designed a bikini with high-waisted bottoms and a top that, among other features, has a band that can adjust to expand up to eight inches from the original size.

“I love that this style fits all the different body types. … They really hit the mark on it,” said plus-sized model Alyssa Alexander, who modeled for the brand. “I love what Peachy Keen Swim stands for and the community it is building.”

Sustainability is as deeply rooted in Peachy Keen as their efforts for body positivity. Their products are made locally in Garden Grove, and Morgan described the brand as “slow fashion” — producing as needed to limit waste (Continued on page 28)

A B O V E : Delaney Drexler, Summer Morgan and Leah Sullivan model their favorite bikinis L O W E R L E F T: Briana Ortiz models a snazzy black suit that fits like a glove L O W E R R I G H T: Professional model Alyssa Alexander is in her element at the beach

PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020 27

H E A LT H

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(Continued from page 27)

that comes with over-production, and going sweat-shop free. They specifically chose a manufacturer that treats their employees ethically, providing safe working conditions and fair pay.

The Peachy Keen Swim homepage reads: “Empowering the women who make our suits to the women who wear our suits.”

Though the three divide and conquer as they grow the company — Morgan overseeing production, Sullivan focused on marketing and development, and Drexler on the press — they each have a hand in every aspect and are sure to jump in if another needs help.

Morgan credits good communication for their easy partnership.

“We understand each other,” she says.

Moving forward Sullivan, Morgan and Drexler plan to design more suits. Their next product will use fabric produced by Econyl from recycled water bottles. Sullivan also said they hope to eventually expand beyond swimwear into other modes of fashion.

Contact the company at peachykeenswim.com or follow @PeachyKeenSwim on Instagram.

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PET ADOPTION

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

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day — even your pet! If your pet doesn’t like having people over, it’s perfectly OK to keep then in another room away from guests.

Have a stuffed Kong or chew toys for your pet to stay occupied while they are in a quiet place. If you are a big decorator, you might want to

keep your pets out of that part of the house when you are not home to supervise. You don’t want to come home to your pets having redecorated your house for you. That applies to cats, too!

To learn more about pet adoption, or to see other available pets, visit annenbergpetspace.org 30 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

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STYLE FOR ALL

Interior designer Julia Newman specializes in accessible design for people of all abilities STORY BY SHANEE EDWARDS | PHOTOS BY TESSA NEUSTADT AND ELYANA IVETTE

“O

nce I started to see discrimination in design, I couldn’t stop seeing it everywhere,” recalls local interior designer Julia Newman, who now specializes in crafting beautiful living spaces around the specific needs of clients with mobility challenges.

Newman has several degrees, including one from Loyola Marymount University and Cambridge University in England. But she loved the area around LMU so much that she moved nearby and began her career here.

32 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

For each interior design project Newman is hired to do, she finds a project that allows her to give back to the community.

“A lot of my friends who are interior designers, their goal is to design for celebrities,” she says. “That’s never been my motivation.”

Newman quickly found a nonprofit organization called Furnishing Hope, based in Orange County. “They work with Wounded Warriors who are veterans with varying abilities. We furnish their homes in ways that works for

them,” she explains.

From there, Newman became interested in “accessible design” and took on pro bono clients recently diagnosed with a disability to help their needs, she says. “I’ve also worked with the city to do accessory dwelling units — like granny flats in the back of people’s property for people who were formerly homeless.”

Newman says she gets so much joy out of working with each individual.

“Not everyone is in a wheelchair, not everyone has the same needs. I have one client right now that has a very rare

HOME

O P P O S I T E : Julia Newman’s interior design for a home in Playa Vista A B O V E : Newman enjoys synthesizing traditional furniture with contemporary spaces U P P E R R I G H T: For every private client, Newman donates her talents to design for people who are mobility challenged L O W E R R I G H T: Though many Playa Vista homes have the same floorplan, Newman tries to make the space feel individual

degenerative neurological disorder. She’s able to walk now with a walker, but she’s going to need a wheelchair pretty soon.”

This client has lived in a nearby community for 30 years and doesn’t want to move, “but her house has two steps down into the living room and one step into the kitchen,” says Newman. “Entertaining has always been important to her, so we rearranged her house to make her dining room her living room, added a stair lift to the bedroom, and we removed cabinet doors under the sink so she can wheel in to use the sink.”

It’s no surprise there’s a growing need for this kind of design work as Baby Boomers age.

“Most people want to age at home, so what does that look like? Unfortunately, it’s a lot less expensive to build new homes keeping in mind that they have to be open to changes for accessibility than it is to change existing homes.”

When Newman isn’t using her talents to help those with varying abilities, she’s busy using them in Playa Vista.

“My favorite clients come from Playa

Vista,” she says. “One of the things I’ve noticed with almost all my clients in here, they’re often moving from more traditional homes into very contemporary spaces.”

Newman’s design goal is to synthesize the two.

“Some bring all their beautiful antiques, but it’s about finding pieces that make it transitional. One thing that’s unique to Playa Vista is that a lot of homes have the same floor plan or they (Continued on page 34) PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020 33

HOME

(Continued from page 33)

have a similar look in one building, so it’s a challenge to make it feel individual. It’s truly about listening to what the client wants, seeing what they already have and figuring out how to bridge those pieces.”

A recent client of Newman’s moved to Playa Vista from a large, Spanish-style home in Palos Verdes.

“His family owns an auction house so he had many antiques. A lot of their furniture was too heavy and ornate and didn’t make sense in the Playa Vista home. We kept a lot of the artwork but in terms of the furniture, we simplified.

We did a lot of cleaner lines, softer colors – things that really worked in the space.”

As much as she loves her clients in Playa Vista, she hopes the future of design in all communities becomes more L E F T: Newman encourages her clients to simplify when moving to a new home accessible.

R I G H T: Even the pooch likes Newman’s design “People have this assumption that Contact Julia Newman and view designing for accessibility has to sacrifice rails. But for me, it’s a fun challenge to combine function with beauty.” additional work at juliaadeledesign.com. aesthetics, that it’s all ramps and hand

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A HIGHER LEVEL OF

PERFECTION Sweet Fish’s new chef balances Japanese tradition with California creativity

BY ANGELA MATANO | PHOTOS BY ZSUZSI STEINER

36 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

O P P O S I T E : Sashimi that melts in your mouth A B O V E : Chef Taka delicately hand-seasons the fish

U P P E R R I G H T: Flight of sake

L O W E R R I G H T: The Lamborghini roll features spicy tuna and avocado, wrapped in soy paper and topped with seared whitefish

S

One of the splashiest additions is the weet Fish Sushi Bar & Restaurant has been serving delicious Japanese Lamborghini roll, which features spicy tuna and avocado wrapped in soy paper cuisine and a delightful array of sakes for about ten years with admirable and topped with seared whitefish, gobo consistency. The space manages to be (burdock root), yuzu paste and a yuzu both casual and fun, punctuated through- ponzu sauce. As delicious as basics like out with fire engine red chairs. yellowtail remain, sometimes it’s fun for But even tried-and-true restaurants sushi aficionados to try something new. can benefit from a little freshening up Another fine addition is the octopus once in a while. The recent addition of a carpaccio. The cephalopod comes very new chef, Chef Taka, only ups the resthinly sliced, and lightly dotted with taurant’s game — his meticulousness and yuzu and herbaceous basil. The basil, attention to detail elevates the dishes to especially, serves as a surprise — I don’t an even higher level of perfection. think I’ve ever tasted any in a sushi resAs Sweet Fish co-owner Alan Watson taurant. Commonly associated with Italputs it, Chef Taka is “fantastic — creative, ian food, the herb instantly brightened traditional and authentic.” my palette, acting as a welcome foil to If that doesn’t persuade you, some the salt and spice I usually associate small tweaks to the menu might. with Japanese food.

The sushi sampler is also new, and offerings rotate depending on what’s fresh and available. One of the bonuses of a chef like Taka, who takes a lot of care with his cooking, is the assurance that the ingredients are thoughtfully chosen, the dishes given consistent and loving attention. For those who harbor concern for the provenance of their meals, such fastidiousness can be a huge relief.

There are a few other changes to note at Sweet Fish as of late. The hours are now, incredibly, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. That should cover just about all of your cravings — that is unless you wake up at 6 a.m. with a hankering for smelt eggs.

(Continued on page 38)

PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020 37

FOOD

(Continued from page 37)

Happy hour(s) are equally generous.

There are three in total! Come in early, from 11:30 a.m. to noon, 4 to 6 p.m., or 9 p.m. to close for 20% off everything. If that doesn’t foster some goodwill, well then nothing will. Sweet Fish caters to just about everyone’s schedule.

Drinking, while maybe not the central focus of Sweet Fish, certainly deserves a spotlight of its own. The sake flight features four unique flavors, each delightful in a different way. If you’re not a sake lover, or you are looking to expand your knowledge, sampling a few options at once helps to highlight the differences and similarities among the many varieties of rice wine.

I particularly appreciated the Mio, a sparkling sake reminiscent of Champagne. The Shochikubai Nigori was also memorable. It’s a cloudy, milky, unfiltered variety, conjuring visions of coconut, melon and other tropical fruits.

The result is quite unusual and works

L E F T: Craving sushi late night? Sweet Fish is now open until 3 a.m.

R I G H T: The sushi sampler is new to the menu and changes depending on what is fresh and available

wonderfully with waitress/manager Angie Asij’s favorite thing on the menu, the Runway roll: “It is mouthwatering, and has a kick,” she enthused.

For a neighborhood joint, Sweet Fish serves up a lot of authentic and winning flavors, playfully twisting old standbys into something new while preserving the integrity of dishes that call

EVENTS

for the utmost simplicity. After all, sometimes you want a spicy tuna roll, and sometimes you want a Lamborghini.

Sweet Fish Sushi Bar & Restaurant is at 13020 Pacific Promenade, Ste. 8.

Call (424) 228-2298 or visit sweetfishsushi.com

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dockweiler Youth Center, 12505 Vista Del Mar, Playa del Rey. Thursday, Dec. 26

Coach Serj’s Jingle Jangle Workout

Marina del Rey’s New Year’s Eve glow party Sunday, Dec. 15

Playa Vista Moms Group Annual Holiday Event This year’s theme is “Up To Snow Good,” promising lots of fun activities for kids and families. Proceeds benefit the Hold You Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families with a child facing a critical illness or injury. Start time is 5 p.m. at the Centerpointe Club, 6200 Playa Vista Drive.

Stadium, soon to be the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. Sequoia Capital’s Shaun Maguire will give a fireside chat. Admission is free, but register on eventbrite. com. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the SoFi Stadium Premiere Center, 12035 E. Waterfront Dr. Saturday, Dec. 21

Monday, Dec. 16

Beach Winter Wonderland at the Dockweiler Youth Center

Celebrate the best of the L.A. tech community and catch a preview of SoFi

A bounce playhouse, live music, face painting and real snow at the beach.

Admission is free, but register on eventbrite.com. The fun lasts from

TechFire’s 2019 L.A. Tech Awards and Holiday Party

38 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | DECEMBER 2019 · JANUARY 2020

Join Coach Serj on “Boxing Day” for an invigorating total body workout with some jingling, jangling and of course some sweating. Visit The Resort website via playalink.playavista.com to register.

The fun starts at 9 a.m. in The Resort’s second-floor outdoor area.

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Gulp’s Totally ’80s New Year’s Eve Party

Ring in the New Year by flashing back to the ‘80s Leg warmers and roller skates? Fer sure! at Gulp Grab a can of hairspray and head over dance music, the Circuit Breaker to Gulp (13020 Pacific Promenade) at 8 Robot, face painting, bubbles, a photo p.m. for food and champagne specials. booth, giveaways and food trucks. FireBest dressed couple or person will works go off at 9 p.m. and midnight. receive $100 gift card to Sweet Fish. Call Free, but claim a ticket at eventbrite.

(310) 496-3966 for reservations. com. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey.

Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Glow Party Count down the East Coast and West Coast ball drops with deejays spinning

Have an event coming up in or around Playa Vista? Send details to shanee@playavistadirect.com.

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