Westchester/Playa Hometown News April 2023

Front page: Westchester residents Chef Steve and Dina Samson pose in their new restaurant, Superfine Playa, which opened in March.

Photo by Robert Higgins for the Hometown News.

Superfine Playa: A new local eatery where food and family flourish

By Shanee Edwards

Though chef Steve Samson grew up mostly in Los Angeles, he spent the summers of his youth in Bologna, Italy under the watchful eye of his maternal grandparents, surrounded by his many cousins and friends. The highlight of his time spent under the Bolognese sun was enjoying delicious, locally sourced, homemade food. He recalls a few of the intense flavor memories from Italy that have stuck with him.

“The first time I had truffles, the first time I tried balsamic vinegar on French fries, the first time I had gelato, just watching my grandmother roll out fresh pasta in the kitchen–it’s definitely nostalgic,” says Steve.

Because Italian food was such a big part of Steve’s background, it’s no surprise that when he decided to become a chef, those were the flavor memories he hoped to recreate with the help of his wife and business partner, Dina Samson. Their thriving downtown L.A. restaurant, Rossoblu, explores traditional Italian specialties like pastas and wood-fired meats, while their new restaurant Superfine Playa has a more personal, laid-back take.

“I wanted to do Italian food but through the lens of somebody who’s from California,” says Steve, who will be in the kitchen alongside Chef Mo Marvel. “They’re very similar [places] in the sense that both produce a lot of beautiful things growing in the ground, and people are really into local food.”

Over in L.A.’s fashion district, Rossoblu is going strong, but the couple longed to have a restaurant on the Westside that was more accessible and family friendly. But with a Westside zip code comes high rent, making the perfect location difficult to find. And then there was the pandemic that threw the dining industry out of whack. So when the unexpected opportunity came to take over the space at Bull & Butterfly at the Runway Shopping Center in Playa Vista, the Samsons jumped at the chance.

felt like the area needed a really great neighborhood restaurant.”

He says Superfine Playa is the type of health-conscious place people can visit multiple times a week and bring the kids without breaking the bank. “We were really mindful about pricing and making sure the menu

appealed to all types of people, regardless of dietary restrictions and all that. We wanted people to feel comfortable bringing their families there because we know it’s a very family-oriented community,” says Steve.

(continued on page 12)

“We’ve been looking forever in this area. Finally, we get to do it here!” says Dina with palpable excitement.

The Samsons lived in Playa Vista for 15 years, but have recently moved to Westchester. Steve says having a restaurant close to home was important to both him and Dina for a couple of reasons.

“We have twin fifth-graders, a boy and a girl,” says Steve. “So it’s important for us to be close to them and be able to spend as much time with them as possible. But we also

Westchester residents Dina Samson and Chef Steve pose in their new restaurant located at Runway Playa Vista, which serves Italian food through a California lens.

We wanted people to feel comfortable bringing their families there because we know it’s a very family-oriented community.

Photo by Robert Higgins

Photo by Emma Arends

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Business & Nonpro t News

Westchester Rotary Club makes progress with Makeover Project.

For the last several weeks, the Westchester Rotary Club (WRC) has been hard at work renovating St. Margaret’s Center in Lennox as part of their 2023 Makeover Project.

St. Margaret’s Center has served low-income and unhoused families for more than 35 years. The nonprofit provides services for more than 10,000 individuals each year, and according to their latest report for 2021-2022, during that timeframe they had more than 15,000 visits to their food pantry, provided nearly 6,000 sack lunches, 1,300 showers and haircuts and gave away more than $58,000 in gift cards for their holiday program.

Volunteers started demo work in early March, and since then have been taking steps to revamp the lobby/

Chamber celebrates 70th anniversary. The LAX Coastal Chamber celebrated its platinum anniversary on March 23 aboard a yacht in Marina del Rey. Nearly 150 members, past chairs and former honorary mayors were there to commemorate the chamber’s achievements over the past seven decades, while networking and dancing to music by Francois Dean. Councilmember Traci Park was also in attendance to present the organization with a commendation from the L.A. City Council for the chamber’s work in supporting and advocating for the local business community. From left to right: Current board chair Joe Coleman, Renate Hild, Kelly King, Gwen Vuchsas, Dave Voss, Councilmember Park, Rae

Westchester/Playa (NCWP) held its board election on Sunday, March 26. Voting took place at the Westchester Municipal Building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Voters could also vote via mail-in ballot. Across the CD11 district, voter turnout was low, with the highest votegetter in the NCWP election receiving 124 votes. During the 2021 election, which was a much more competitive race, the highest vote-getter received 1,199 votes.

Unofficial results were posted on March 31 and the official results are set to be released on April 10.

The unofficial results had the following candidates winning their seats:

• David Voss, Residential District 1

• Kevin O’Brien, Residential District 9

• Dennis Miller, Residential District 11

• Garrett Smith, At-Large Director

• Steve Donell, At-Large-Director

Candidates running unopposed who automatically won their seat include Alex Reynolds, Matt Lipschutz, Lisa Gaines, Brian Lockwood, Chip Mallek, Paula Gerez, Jack Hughes and Debra

The new board will be seated in July. Join the NCWP at their next board meeting on Tuesday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. Starting with the April meeting, the board will now meet in person at the Westchester Municipal Building, located at 7166 Manchester Ave. in

Learn more at ncwpdr.org.

(continued on next page)

Westchester Rotarians and friends pose in front of St. Margaret’s Center. The club is currently in the midst of remaking the community center, which helps low-income families and unhoused individuals with a variety of services, including rent and utility assistance, a food pantry, providing baby supplies, ESL classes and more.

Photo by Lek Pollard

LAX shares updates. New photos detailing the progress at LAX are making the rounds on social media. The airport recently shared a pictorial update on its Automated People Mover (APM) project, which will start testing train cars later this year and is scheduled to be ready for passengers sometime in 2024. Once operational, the APM is anticipated to serve 30 million passengers a year who can use the 2.25-mile guideway to travel in and out of the airport. Each of the nine trains can carry up to 200 passengers and their luggage. The APM is part of the airport’s $5.5 billion Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), which also includes the now open LAX Economy Parking Lot, Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility and roadway improvements that began in 2019. Pictured: Concrete pathways and guide rails are installed on the People Mover train guideway over World Way West. Photo Courtesy LAWA.

New eatery opens in Playa del Oro.

I (heart) Mac & Cheese will open its first L.A. area location with a grand opening celebration on Monday, April 10. The new eatery is located in the Playa del Oro development at Manchester Ave. and Lincoln Blvd.

The franchise, with locations across the U.S., features a menu where noodles and cheese are the stars, whether you’re ordering a bowl full of classic macaroni, the Instagramworthy “tacoroni” or a grilled cheese stuffed with the spiral pasta.

For their signature bowls, customers can select a base of tater tots, pasta, broccoli, cauliflower or quinoa before a layer of toppings like buffalo blue cheese or short ribs gets placed on top.

Vegan options are also available.

I (heart) Mac & Cheese is located at 8601 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester.

Community invited to celebrate

“Ultimate Summer” at Fourth of July Parade.

Calling all parade participants, sponsors and volunteers! The Fourth of July Parade Committee is now accepting applications to participate in this year’s event with the theme “Ultimate Summer!”

Potential parade entries–nonprofits, community groups, businesses and schools–are encouraged to create floats that showcase what their dream summer plans would be with no limits. Would it be a trip to multiple National Parks? How about a staycation that included visiting all the SoCal theme parks? Would you spend two weeks visiting America’s best beaches for an awesome surfing trip? The parade committee encourages all those interested in participating to apply and share your vision!

Hosted by the LAX Coastal

Chamber, the parade is Westchester’s largest community event and is now in its 23rd year. The parade will take place on Tuesday, July 4 starting at 11 a.m. down Loyola Blvd. from Westchester Park to LMU.

For more information and to download the parade packet, please visit laxcoastalonparade.com. For questions, sponsorship information and volunteer opportunities, please email laxcoastalonparade@gmail.com.

LAX CEO to receive Community Builder Award.

Justin Erbacci will receive the 2023 Community Builder award at Airport Marina Counseling Service’s “Spring into Well-Being” gala on May 18. Erbacci has served as CEO of LAX since June 2020, and leads the team responsible for transforming LAX as it undergoes a $14 billion modernization.

The Spring into Well-Being celebration will be held at LMU’s Drollinger Family Stage, and the night will feature dinner, comedic entertainment led by emcee Fritz Coleman and a live and silent auction with incredible prizes. Major sponsors of the event include the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, JANEFF, Paslay Group, Jane St. John, the Westchester Mental Health Guild, LAWA and Laura and Don McGaughey.

Money raised will go toward supporting the clinic’s mental health services that not only include individual and family counseling, but also services for at-risk youth, group therapy and training for the next generation of therapists.

Tickets and more info are available at amcshelps.com.

Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured.

A new local eatery where food and family flourish (cont’d)

(continued from page 4)

Knowing the importance of giving back to a community that supports them, the Samsons have come up with a creative way to benefit local schools.

“We have a soup on the menu where we donate 10 percent of the proceeds to the elementary school where our kids used to go–Playa Vista Elementary–and to WISH where our kids go now,” says Dina.

The soup is a vegetable-based minestrone that changes as seasonal vegetables become available at the local farmers’ market.

The 10-year-old Samson twins, Luca and Gaia, also love food and enjoy hanging out at the restaurant with their parents.

“They come to the restaurant and want to help out. Everyone knows them. Some people have been working with us for longer than they’ve been alive! The restaurant business is kind of like a big family,” says Steve, who wouldn’t have it any other way.

After a successful soft opening at the end of March that brought out many familiar faces from the Playa Vista Mom’s Group, where Dina used to be a member of the board, Superfine Playa is now open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5 p.m., and brunch Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.

Some menu highlights include pasta, like Calamaretti (a ring-shaped noodle) with shrimp and squid ragu,

Fresno chilies, Sicilian oregano, arugula and breadcrumbs; grilled Baja California striped bass with warm potato salad, yellow tomato sauce and Castelvetrano olive pesto; and an 8-ounce Prime Beef Hanger Steak with pea tendrils, Yukon Gold mashed

potatoes and red wine jus. For those looking for something lighter, there’s a variety of salads.

Sides include salt and balsamic vinegar fries, just like the ones that made an impression on Steve all those years ago in Italy. A cannoli, the good

old sweet ricotta-filled Italian staple, makes the perfect dessert to end a great meal.

The beautiful horseshoe bar takes center stage at Superfine Playa. It features a fabulous cocktail program with small batch liquors and a wine list comprised of family wine growers from around the world.

At brunch, you might enjoy a coffee from Sip & Sonder, a sustainable roaster located in Inglewood.

To reinforce the grown local vibe, the Samsons have added planter boxes to their indoor-outdoor space that were built locally and feature flora inspired by the Ballona Wetlands.

If you’re wondering why we haven’t talked about Italy and California’s favorite pie–the one better known as pizza–well, that’s coming to the menu soon.

The Samsons, who also have a casual walk-up window eatery downtown called Superfine Pizza, known for its crispy, thin-crust pizza with seasonal vegetables, are just waiting for the permit to add a pizza oven to Superfine Playa and the menu will be complete.

“Our style of pizza is very market driven, vegetable forward, and we think it’s something the neighborhood will really love,” says Steve.

Superfine Playa is located at 12746 Jefferson Blvd. Suite 2200 in Playa Vista. Visit superfineplaya.com to learn more.

Photo by Wonho Frank Lee and Emma Arends

THIRD ANNUAL ROCK ROLL & RUN MARCH 4

The community showed their school spirit–and athletic prowess–at the Third Annual Rock Roll & Run hosted by the LAX Coastal Education Foundation (LAXCEF). The event was back at LMU on March 4 after a three-year hiatus with more than 1,200 participants.

The morning’s festivities kicked off at 8 a.m. with an all ages 5K that had runners, walkers and joggers make their way around the picturesque campus on a beautiful, rain-free morning. When participants reached Lawton Plaza they were entertained by live music from Sooper Awesome, who played rock and pop hits; by the flag pole, runners got

5K/1K FUN RUN

some musical motivation from modern/ pop violinist Kiev Morales.

As racers crossed the finish line, they were greeted with cheers from volunteers and medals from the Stephanie Younger Group, before they headed to the expo portion of the event.

PRESENTED BY THE LAX COASTAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY

MARCH 4

At the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary booth, attendees were treated to a free pancake breakfast and much-needed refreshments. Community groups, nonprofits and local businesses also hosted activities, passed out snacks and provided giveaways, while families enjoyed catching up with friends and listening to tunes spun by DJ Big Rob.

SATURDAY 8 -11 AM

SIGN UP ONLINE THROUGH FRIDAY, MARCH 3 AT NOON.

ANY SIGN-UPS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NEED TO BRING A PRINTOUT OF THEIR REGISTRATION TO THE EVENT TO PICK UP THEIR BIB! SIGN-UPS ARE ALSO OPEN AT THE EVENT!

AFTER YOU'VE CONQUERED THE ROCK ROLL & RUN, GET READY TO EAT YOUR HART OUT! YOU’VE EARNED IT! STOP BY HART HOUSE WESTCHESTER ON MARCH 4TH THROUGH MARCH 8TH AND SHOW THIS IMAGE OR SAY THE PHRASE “ROCK, ROLL & RUN” TO DONATE 10% OF YOUR PURCHASE TO THE LAX COASTAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION!

the Kids’ 1K Fun Run at 10 a.m. with more than 350 participants–an event record! The Y and the chamber’s Net work for Change volunteer group held up encouraging signs and rolled out the crepe paper finish line so that students–many wearing their school spirit gear–could celebrate their accomplishment and parents and grandparents could capture a picture-perfect moment.

CHECK-IN 7 - 7:45 AM

LMU LAWTON PLAZA @ DROLLINGER STAGE

ALL NET PROCEEDS BENEFIT OUR LOCAL PARTNER SCHOOLS!

LIVE MUSIC BY SOOPERAWESOME & FEATURING DJ BIG ROB

AFTER THE RACE, JOIN US FOR OUR EXPO FEATURING: FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES | MUSIC | PANCAKE BREAKFAST | COMMUNITY BOOTHS

SPONSORS AND EXPO VENDORS WELCOME! SIGN UP TODAY!

fun-filled morning at LMU,” said LAXCEF President Lory Sarlo. “It was nice to see so many families and neigh bors participating. Our goal is to bring

LAXCEF.ORG

Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner

Five ways to celebrate Earth Month with Friends of Ballona

By Alexis Elias

Here with the Friends of Ballona Wetlands, Earth Day is every day!

Since 1978, the Friends have been advocating for and protecting L.A.’s last coastal wetlands and inviting the community to get involved and learn more. In honor of Earth Month, and Earth Day on April 22, we encourage you to celebrate by being part of your community and helping your favorite local environmental efforts. If you’re interested in supporting the Friends, read our top five ways to commemorate our favorite eco-friendly month below:

1. Plant Your Name and Adopt-aPlant!

During April, when you donate $25 or more, the Friends’ staff and volunteers will plant a native plant or tree in your honor. Each donation will include a personalized sign that may include a name and a short message. Once created and planted, our team will send you a picture of your personalized sign and sponsored plant.

Plant your own name, or honor all the special people in your life, there’s no limit to how many plants you can dedicate! We love seeing everyone’s creativity when it comes to their

dedications. Don’t forget to post your picture online to help spread the word. Sponsor a plant at ballonafriends.org/ earth-month.

2. Attend our Earth Day Community Habitat Restoration.

There’s no better way to support Earth Month and the Friends than rolling up your sleeves and volunteering at one of our community events. We rely on volunteers to help champion our efforts to remove non-native plants from the wetlands and clean up the litter at the water’s edge along Ballona Creek. We offer many opportunities to volunteer each month, and this month, we are opening the event up to more people than ever to help clear as much invasive vegetation as possible! Volunteering is recommended for those ages 7 and up. Please bring gardening gloves and a full water bottle to stay hydrated. Visit our Community Events Calendar to register to give a helping hand at ballonafriends.org/communityevents.

3. Advocate for the future of Ballona. Make your voice heard this month by signing our Restoration Support Letter and sending your local elected officials an email advocating for the Ballona Wetland’s restoration plan. We

need support from State, County and City officials. The wetlands belong to all Angelenos and will be our legacy to future generations.

To learn more about restoration efforts, please visit ballonafriends.org/ restoring-Ballona.

Locally, some of our elected officials include: California State Senator Ben Allen, California State Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Councilmember Traci Park. Visit their websites and head to their contact pages to learn the best way to reach them. Councilmember Park can be emailed at councilmember.park@lacity.org.

4. Take a Tour at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. Become more familiar with the sensitive and unique habitat that is Los Angeles’ last coastal wetland. We offer regular tours of the Freshwater Marsh and the Saltwater Marsh led by knowledgeable docents. During the tour, you, your family and friends can learn more about Ballona Wetlands’ rich cultural history and diverse ecosystem. Reserve your spot at ballonafriends.org/ community-events.

5. Learn about & Grow Native Plants this Spring!

Make a difference and help save area wildlife by planting local native plants in your yard, balcony or patio. It’s easier than you think to help positively contribute to the habitats of pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and moths. If you’re looking for guidance with your native garden, join the Theodore Payne Foundation’s Native Garden Tour on April 15 and 16. For the first time, Playa Vista’s Ballona Discovery Park has been selected to be featured on the annual tour. On April 15, leaders with LMU’s Center of Urban Resilience will be on hand to welcome visitors and answer questions. The park, which includes a plethora of native plants and a medicinal garden, is a partnership between the Friends, LMU and Playa Vista. Grab your ticket to learn tips and tricks to create and maintain beautiful native gardens from the pros! RSVP at nativeplantgardentour.org.

Alexis Elias is the Manager of Communications and Community Engagement for the Friends of Ballona Wetlands, a nonprofit located in Playa del Rey with the mission to champion the restoration and protection of the wetlands while educating the community as stewards of nature.

Check out more ways to support earth month...

Adopt a Tree

Did you know the trees along Sepulveda Blvd. or not maintained by the city, but instead cared for by local nonprofit Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association? This month, they’re inviting the community to help them keep this major thoroughfare green and beautiful by adopting a tree! The Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation is matching donations up to $5,000 in honor of Earth Day. Find more info on page 17.

Participating in a Beach Clean Up

The Department of Beaches and Harbors has teamed up with Heal the Bay for a Kids’ Beach Clean Up at Dockweiler Beach on Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. Families can check in at the Dockweiler Youth Center at 12505 Vista del Mar in Playa del Rey, and then after the clean up, enjoy a traveling tide pool and an arts & crafts station. This event is meant to inspire the next generation to get thinking about the environment. Learn more at beaches.lacounty.gov.

Write a Poem

The Book Jewel is honoring Earth Month with a poetry contest for kids. Poets are encouraged to write a haiku, sonnet, ode, limerick or free verse, limited to one page. A hard copy of the poem must be submitted to the store at 6259 W. 87th St. in Westchester by April 12 at 8 p.m. to be considered. If selected, get ready to read at the book shop’s Eco-Poetry Celebration on Sunday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m. Readers that are selected will receive a gift card to the Book Jewel.

Photos by Robert Higgins

Members of the Friends of Ballona team pose in the Ballona Wetlands. At right: an example of the adopt-a-plant fundraiser taking place this month.

Plan a trip to the Centinela Adobe for a glimpse into the past

By Cozette Vergari

Westchester is home to many interesting locations with historical significance. There’s Hangar One, LAX’s oldest building, built in 1929 when it was still Mines Field. Then there are the area’s historic theaters, which are now offices–the Paradise Building and Loyola. But did you know that hidden right on the eastern edge of town is the oldest residence in the area that now comprises the communities of Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista, as well as the cities of Inglewood, El Segundo, Hawthorne, Manhattan Beach, Lawndale and Hermosa Beach?

Built nearly 200 years ago, the Centinela Adobe is one of only 43 surviving adobes in Los Angeles County. The adobe had a rich and impressive line of owners for more than 100 years before being rescued from demolition in the initial housing development in Westchester during the early 1940s.

In 1822, Spanish rule of the area ceded to Mexico, following the Mexican War of Independence.

Mexican soldier Antonio Ygnacio Avila petitioned and was granted a Mexican land grant for Rancho Sausal Redondo, 44,000 acres in Alta California, then a part of Mexico. In the late 1820s Ygnacio Machado, who under Spanish rule had been a New Spain “leather jacket soldier,” began cultivating a portion of the rancho.

Circa 1829, Machado received permission to build an adobe house on the land. He was also granted a small portion of Rancho Sausal Redondo. His 2,220 acre land grant became known as Rancho Aquaje de la Centinela.

Machado’s adobe, built in 1834, was located in the 44,000 acre region and became known as La Casa de la Centinela. Ygnacio Machado owned

Rancho Aguaje de la Centinela only briefly, trading it in 1844 for a keg of whiskey and a small home in the Pueblo de Los Angeles. The trade was with Bruno Avila, giving Bruno and his brother Antonio adjacent ranchos and the property back to the Avila family.

The Spanish Colonial style adobe house was built just 16 years before California became a state in 1850 and will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2034. The smaller Rancho Aguaje de la Centinela changed hands several times in the 1850s. Eventually it was sold to Scotsman Robert Burnett, who purchased the rancho for $3,000 in 1860. A portion of the larger Rancho Sausal Redondo, which had stayed in the Avila family, was also acquired by Burnett. By 1872, Burnett owned a 25,000-acre ranch that encompassed all of the land along the coast from what is now Playa del Rey to Redondo Beach and inland from Baldwin Hills to Lawndale and northwestern portions of Torrance.

In 1873, Burnett returned to Scotland, leasing the ranch to Daniel

Freeman, a recent arrival from Canada. Freeman paid $7,500 per year in rent and also had an option to purchase the ranch for $150,000. Freeman raised sheep and planted more than 10,000 trees, including 7,000 orange and 2,000 almond trees on the ranch. When a drought led to the death of 22,000 of his sheep, Freeman turned to growing barley, and eventually was producing a million barrels a year. In 1885, Freeman exercised the option to buy the ranch for $140,000 in gold. Freeman amassed a fortune farming barley, olives, lemons, limes, and almonds on the ranch and named his expansive land holding Inglewood, after his birthplace in Ontario. In 1887, Freeman sold off 11,000 acres in small parcels as a settlement that became the City of Inglewood. In 1888, Freeman built and moved to a large mansion there, and in 1889, he built the land sales office that now sits on the grounds of the Centinela Adobe. Eventually, all 25,000 acres of the ranch were subdivided, and the only remaining portion of the ranch that

remains today is the one-acre site on which the Centinela Adobe is situated in Westchester on Midfield Ave.

In the late 1940s, the adobe was threatened with demolition when the remaining land was subdivided to make room for new affordable homes being built to house WWII defense industry employees. Preservationminded women in the City of Inglewood raised money to purchase the property in 1950 and deeded it to the City of Inglewood, which still maintains the adobe through the Parks and Recreation Department. The Centinela Adobe Complex has been described as the historical centerpiece of the area known as Centinela Valley–the lands extending from Baldwin Hills to Palos Verdes. The grounds also include a heritage and research center which opened in 1980. The research center includes Freeman’s library, safe and furniture, as well as articles and photos about the history of the area.

Today, the adobe is managed by the Historical Society of Centinela Valley, which gives tours on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. If you’ve never visited, it’s definitely worth a trip to check out the history and what life was like in the late 19th century.

Learn more local history at wphistoricalsociety.org and stop by the Westchester/Playa Historical Society’s Discovery Center (6207 W. 87th Street in Westchester) this month on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Cozette is a lifelong resident of Westchester and is the President of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society. Together with a group of dedicated volunteers, the organization is working on creating new programming and events to celebrate the history of the area and engage the community in preserving it for future generations.

A version of this article first appeared in the May 2020 edition. Thanks,

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Thank you for all you do.

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love being here to help in a community where people are making a difference every day.

The Centinela Adobe is located at 7634 Midfield Ave. and surrounded my modern homes.

Vista

Superfine Playa and their highly anticipated arrival is ready for you ! Superfine Playa will feature house-made pastas, wood-grilled meats and fish, and dishes highlighting fresh produce from the Playa Vista Farmers Market. Chef Mo Marvel will be leading up the kitchen alongside Steve, having moved over from his position as sous chef at Rossoblu. There will also be a full-service bar with craft cocktails by Ella Zoller of Honey House, who also curated the beer list. The wine list which focuses on family growers and winemakers is curated by James Saidy and Dina Samson; and there will be a happy hour and a bar menu to accompany. Brunch service will begin at opening and will be available Saturdays and Sundays. Soon, they will also serve a hybrid NY and Neapolitan-style pizza made famous by Steve at Superfine Pizza in the Fashion District in Downtown LA.

Come visit at @runwayplayavista and follow them @superfineplaya

5920 Village Sold $5,150,000

Photo credit : Wonho Frank Lee

Say so long to parking hassles.

Random Notes/Opinion

Find inspiration from 80s movie quotes

By Jeff Blair

Opinion: Last month, I connected 80s pop hits with winning success principles. I am going to keep the 80s theme going this month for our Hometown News community by using famous movie quotes from that decade as fitness inspiration. How can movies from the decade of the “Breakfast Club,” “The Terminator” and “The Goonies” help you achieve your fitness goals? This month’s article tells you how!

“Carpe diem. Seize the day!”

John Keating, “Dead Poets Society” (1989) “Tomorrow” is always the worst time to start a fitness program. Take some action today. You do not have to run a marathon or lift hundreds of pounds, but do something. Go for a walk. Sign up for a class. Hire a personal trainer. A small action can get the ball rolling in ways that you cannot always anticipate. If this simple “seize the day” idea sounds cliche, maybe it is. It is also true in my experience.

As you begin, it can be important to ramp up gradually. Warm-ups are always recommended. Take breaks as needed. Increase exercise intensity

as you feel able. Remember all forms of physical activity can improve your health, including work around the house and fun activities like dancing or gardening. Tracking progress can also improve motivation. As your efforts produce results, self-confidence can increase and habits may become established. Developing habits can create a solid foundation for a sustainable fitness lifestyle.

“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”

Dr. Emmett Brown, “Back To The Future” (1985)

Many people identify solely as a “yoga person,” “cardio person” or “strength-training person.” It is not necessary to approach things so narrowly. I am a big believer in creating a fitness path unique for you. You can mix and match many different exercise modalities and forge your own road. As an adult, I have played competitive baseball, cycled, run 10Ks, done triathlons and lifted weights competitively. I even dabbled in some acrobatics, practiced yoga a bit and played some volleyball.

My current routine is mostly strength training, walking and hiking. While I anticipate I will continue

strength training indefinitely, if I become interested in another physical activity I might drop the hiking or walking and take up a new activity. New challenges help maintain interest and keep things fresh. Parents might also keep this in mind. Child athletic development is usually best served when a variety of sports are tried. Different sports and a variety of physical activities develop better movement skills. This can enhance childhood physical development. Kobe Bryant played soccer every day as a child, and he believed this made him a better athlete and basketball player.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”—Ferris Bueller, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986) Things get pretty hectic when most of us move into the workforce. Careers, homes, kids and other challenges create a lot of busyness in our lives. Finding time to take care of ourselves through exercise and healthy nutrition might seem daunting. The good news is that just a few hours of exercise per week can make a big difference in our quality of life. Most major medical organizations recommend an hour or two of strength training per week.

This might not sound like much, but it can help maintain and even increase strength. The evidence supporting exercise’s ability to improve physical, mental and emotional health is simply undeniable at this point.

While time does indeed march on, understand how you can improve your health through consistent physical activity across a lifetime. Moderate physical activity today can extend your health span–how long you live free of serious chronic diseases–as well as your life span. Doing so also allows us to better enjoy all life has to offer. Whether you enjoy playing with your kids or grandkids, hiking through local mountains or traveling free from serious physical limitations, reasonable exercise habits make those activities more realistic.

Thanks for reading and next month “I’ll be back” (thanks, Arnold!) with more health and fitness tips.

Jeff Blair (M.S., CSCS) is a certified personal trainer, author and founder of the SoCalSport Personal Training studio in Westchester. The studio has provided approximately 50,000 personal training sessions since opening in 2011. Contact Jeff at jeff@ socalsport.com for story comments.

JOIN ONE OF OUR THERAPY GROUPS

LGBTQIA PROCESS GROUP:

NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

WITH SELF AND OTHERS

Sundays | 1 - 2:30pm

in-person at AMCS • $15/session

Tyler (she/her) at ext. 257 & Robert (he/him) at ext. 213

GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY

Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006

MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8pm via Zoom • $15/session

Daniel at ext. 137

GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Thursdays | 10:00 - 11:30pm

in-person at AMCS • $15/session

Theodora at ext. 208 & Helene at ext. 221

GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY

Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100

WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUPS

IN-PERSON

Wednesdays | 12 – 1:30pm

in-person at AMCS • $15/session

Milena at ext. 212 & Tara at ext. 249

VIRTUAL Wednesdays | 5:30 - 7pm via Zoom • $15/session

Shimul at ext. 215 & Tara at ext. 249

GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100

EMERGING ADULTS:

NAVIGATING YOUR 20s

Thursdays | 5:00 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session

Helene at ext. 221 & Shimul at ext. 215

GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100

To join us for one of these educational therapy groups please call 310.670.1410

What are you growing in your life?

By Fay Craton

Opinion: For almost 900 years, generations have passed along the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” In 1157, Thomas Tusser originally expressed similar words in a poem when he wrote, “Sweet April showers/Do spring May flowers.” This concept has been around for a long time! The seemingly nonstop rain we’ve had over the last few months will have an impact in the future. Hmm… from the torrents of rain we have been experiencing, we can expect an abundance of flowers where the water has not created mudslides, washed out roads, created flooding, or caused leaking roofs! Still, we know if we put a seed in fertile ground and nurture it with the right amount of water and nutrients, as well as keep it safe from harmful substances, we will grow healthy plants and flowers.

This concept is true beyond simply growing plants. It is true in our own lives. What we plant today will bear results in the future. Our words and behaviors today will result in the quality of our connections in the future. What do you want to plant, cultivate and nurture?

Next month, next year, five years from now, what experiences do you wish to have in your life? Do you want to be able to say, “You gave as good as you got?” Do you want to say, “You defended yourself well?” How about, “Whatever comes my way, I want to get even for it.” Some people might say, “What counts most is being wealthy.”

I do not believe any of these answers result in happy, meaningful lives. I believe healthy people want to have loving, supportive relationships.

To have loving, supportive relationships in the future, you must plant the seeds for it today. You must give the connections nourishment along the way. They do not happen overnight. They do not happen from one action or a few spoken words.

Some people claim to want a warm loving home life, and then promptly denigrate family members. Would you pour vinegar on a tomato seedling? No! The acidity would kill it. Acidity in our words and behaviors can kill budding positive bonds. It can also destroy the self-esteem of another person. By the same token, attempts to rigidly control another person will also damage the link. Inflexible expectations stifle the breath of life from the person expected to always comply to what you want. It is equivalent to tying the vines of a tomato plant onto a tomato cage so tightly they cannot obtain needed water or forcing a vine so far that it breaks.

Some plants do well with trellises or cages around them. The plant is strong as it climbs the trellis or the wires of the cage. We can consider a trellis or cage to be a supportive boundary for the plant. While growing and blooming with the aid of its boundary, it does not try to be a basil or a chive plant. It knows what it is. Can you imagine the basil plant scorning the tomato plant because its leaves are not tasty?

Or the tomato plant laughing at the chives because it does not have large, beautiful fruit? The basil plant is on the other side of the boundary and has no say about what the tomato plant is becoming. A boundary should support you to be who you are! Within a healthy boundary, you have support to develop and grow. If the boundary is too small, you can work on expanding it (just as you can get a bigger tomato cage or a larger trellis). Even when the boundary is expanded, the tomato plant has no say in how any other plant develops. However, even though each plant thrives the best they can in their area, they can still intertwine and communicate through their roots to support other plants around them. People are the same way.

Within a boundary you can grow and become more of who you are. If someone diminishes you because you do not meet their understanding of life, it does not mean you are less. It simply means you have different strengths and skills to offer to the world. At the same time, people do need to communicate with others. Through communication you can choose to either be kind or to disparage another person. If you are kind, you are more likely to build loving, supportive bonds. If you disparage, it is like throwing toxicity at another person, corroding the possibility of love and support.

My wish is for you to grow and experience loving, supportive human connections. Humans find meaning through the quality of their relationships with themselves and with others. Just like plants, humans need rain in the right amounts. Water is nourishment for all. But we need more nourishment than just water. Nourishment happens when we absorb love, support, kindness, encouragement and acceptance. My wish is for you to both absorb and share the nutrients needed to experience love and support.

Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc40011), which is the psychology license specializing in relationships (with ourselves or with others). She has an office located in Westchester. If you have any questions, please contact Fay at (310) 645-6762.

Sarlo Income Tax

new 2022 tax laws!

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA

Working together to improve our communities!

“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.”

Get Involved in Creating A New Community Plan

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY PLAN?

It’s the zoning that identifies permitted uses of land in a community. The Community Plan results in zoning maps and zoning code specifications. It also identifies specific land uses and development standards within the Westchester-Playa del Rey area. This is the document that informs developers and residents about what types of uses are permitted and governs the way in which these uses can be developed. Other goals of the Community Plan include identifying and providing for economic opportunities; maintaining significant environmental resources; seeking to enhance the community’s identity; and recognizing the unique character of neighborhoods.

Our Community Plan is 18-years-old and in the process of being updated. Right now, there is an opportunity to for everyone to participate in planning the future of our community.

HOW IS IT CREATED?

The Community Plan is developed collaboratively by the Los Angeles Planning Department with stakeholder input (community meetings, input from Neighborhood Council’s CPU Ad Hoc Committee, direct stakeholder communication with Planning)

WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE COMMUNITY PLAN UPDATE FOR WESTCHESTER/PLAYA?

In July of 2020, the City Planning Department released Draft 1.0 of the Community Plan Update and held information sessions to inform stakeholders.

CWP~ Plato Next

In 2021, the City Planning Department solicited stakeholder feedback and compiled a summary of feedback regarding Draft 1 of the Community Plan.

Today, the City Planning Department is working on Draft 2.0 the Community Plan update.

Note: All of the Westside Community Plan updates are being updated as a group.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?

In the second half of 2023, the City Planning Department aims to release Draft 2.0

Once that draft is released for public input, community stakeholders will be able to provide input. Once that input is received, the EIR process will begin.

The EIR process will continue through 2024 and 2025 as ther environmental analysis is conducted, released and ammended based on community feedback.

In 2025 or 2026, the Westchester-Playa Community Plan will go before the full City Council to be discussed and voted upon. The Plan will not be finalized until the City Council votes to approve and implement it.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Visit our website www.ncwpdr.org, and sign up for email notifications to be informed of upcoming Community Plan Update Committee meetings. These meetings are held on the fourth Monday of every month and offer the opportunity to provide feedback and monitor the process. The NCWP is also planning on having a “resource center” on its website where people can go to find out more about the Community Plan Update and how to participate.

SPRING Events & Activities 2023 Save the date for these fun festivities

Royal Tea Fundraiser with the Guild

Join the Westchester Mental Health Guild for a Royal Tea fundraiser on Saturday, May 6 at 1 p.m. The tea, held on the Coronation Day of England’s King Charles III, will feature a selection of teas, scones, fruit salad, sandwiches and dessert.

Guests are encouraged to wear fun hats for a contest, and there will also be raffle prizes. The tea will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Westchester with tickets available for $40. Space is limited, so please RSVP at GuildRoyalTea.eventbrite.com.

The Guild raises money to fund Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS), which provides quality low-cost mental heath care on a sliding scale, while also training therapists. The Guild hosts a variety of events throughout the year to support the nonprofit, including wine tastings, Zoom events, dinners and the Holiday Lights Tour. While the Guild’s events and activities are open to all in the community, they encourage supporters to become members of their organization! Membership dues are collected yearly and start at $35. Learn more at westchestermhg.org.

Spring Fest at Farmers’ Market

The Westchester Farmers’ Market is prepping for its Spring Festival on April 30. Stop by the Sunday market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to participate in the fun, which will include fitness and planting demos, community booths and kids’ activities.

After you shop, make sure to check out the vintage car show hosted by Westchester’s Knights of Columbus and stop by Councilmember Traci Park’s booth. The new Westchester/ Playa councilmember, who recently celebrated her first 100 days in office, will be hosting community office hours during the event. The market is located in the Westchester Triangle in the 6200 block of W. 87th Street.

Spring Egg Hunt at Westchester Park

Visit Westchester Park on Saturday, April 8 for an egg-cellent morning of fun and games! The park will host its annual Spring Egg Hunt starting at 11 a.m. for age groups 2-3; 11:30 a.m. for age groups 4-6; noon for age groups 7-9; and 12:30 p.m. for those 10-12.

Other festivities include a bounce house, games, treats and photos with Mr. Bunny. Snacks are available for purchase.

While the event is free, families must pre-register to participate at laparks.org/ reccenter/westchester. The park is located at 7000 W. Manchester Ave.

An evening of dance at LMU

Join the LMU Dance Program for their Spring Dance Concert on April 13 through 15 at 8 p.m. The concert will showcase student work, as well as a piece choreographed by Professor Laura Ann Smyth featuring first-year dance majors.

The event will be held at LMU’s Playa Vista Event Gallery, located at 12105 W. Waterfront Dr. Suite 200 in Playa Vista.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at cal.lmu.edu/ event/lmu_spring_dance_concert_2023.

Marina Culture Jam returns to Burton Chace Park

Head to the Marina’s Culture Jam for a chance to celebrate the arts and the rich diversity of L.A.!

The series kicks off on Sunday, April 16 with a performance by Los Cambalache from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The group hails from East Los Angeles and plays a style of music with origins in the Gulf Coast of Mexico. At 1:30 p.m. enjoy dancing and music from Sakai Flamenco. Next month, catch performances by the Korean Classical Music & Dance Company and Kayamanan Ng Lahi on May 28. In between performances, attendees can participate in arts & crafts and cultural learning activities. Learn more and get free tickets at beaches.lacounty.gov/marinaculturejam. Burton Chace Park is located at 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey.

Rotary Book Sale

Get ready for the Westchester Rotary Club’s 68th Annual Book Sale in the Ralphs parking lot. Save the date for Memorial Day weekend (May 25-29) to stock up on all your summer reading and peruse thousands of books.

Have donations? A drop box is available at the Westchester Family YMCA (8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd.), and volunteers are also available to collect large donations. The funds raised from the sale benefit the club’s project and promote literacy for all.

Learn more at rotary-westchester.com.

Beautiful Bluff Home in North Kentwood

7486 McConnell Avenue, Westchester | List Price: $1,615,000

Best location on one of Westchester’s most coveted streets! Located in North Kentwood, this beautifully maintained property offers three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is an office/ family room that could be used as a fourth bedroom as well, in a single story floor plan situated on the top of a knoll. The open living and dining rooms have wonderful natural light with wood-burning fireplace, crown moldings, gleaming hardwood floors, and new paint sets the stage for wonderful entertaining.

The three bedrooms and two bathrooms are in a practical center hallway floor plan, including huge primary suite and two good size bedrooms close to updated bathroom. The office/ family room

7805 Denrock Avenue in Westchester 3 Bedrooms, 2 baths with pool!