Playa Vista Direct — June/July 2021

JUNE - JULY 2021

D I R E C T

DIVINE ENERGY Nancy Mills empowers others to heal through art

SUMMER WELLNESS INSIDE & OUT Pages 8-26

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Contents EDITOR’S NOTE

WELLNESS

6 Living Well

8 What to know when choosing a hospital

PEOPLE

10 8 ways to reach healthy blood pressure

28 Energy artist Nancy Mills empowers others to heal through art

12 Provenance Meals heal and nourish from the inside out

34 Jessica Gallo introduces the Mommy Tribe

22 Treat yourself to a day of self-care at one of these luxury spas

FOOD

26 In-person specialty appointments peak after COVID-19

40 LOQUI brings honest Mexican eats to Playa Vista

PET ADOPTION

42 Recreate summer memories with Peanut Butter S’more Brownies

46 Meet Sadie, a sweet young dog looking for a caring home

43 Flourless Whipped Coffee Chocolate Cake is the perfect after-dinner dessert

CALENDAR

BUSINESS 38 Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams tells stories through unique flavors

4 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

44 Check out fun local events including the Silicon Beach Family Hike, June Jams Summer Series and more

On the cover: Nancy Mills empowers others to heal through art.

Photo by Luis Chavez Design by Arman Olivares

JE S S E WE INB E RG

FOR SALE

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

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Seabluff - 6030 Seabluff Dr. #413 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,281 Sq.Ft. $1,125,000

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Skylar - 5698 Goldeneye Dr. #3 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,026 Sq.Ft. $7,700/Month

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Catalina - 12963 Runway Rd. #214 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 986 Sq. Ft. $815,000

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Serenade - 13031 Villosa Pl. #430 3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,020 Sq.Ft. $1,325,000 Serenade103.com

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Serenade - 13031 Villosa Pl. #103 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1,540 Sq.Ft. $1,012,500

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Skylar - 12452 Osprey Ln. #1 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 2,638 Sq. Ft. $7,300/Month

FOR LEASE

Catalina - 12963 Runway Rd. #120 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 986 Sq. Ft. $3,650/Month

JUST SOLD

Coronado - 7100 Playa Vista Dr. #403 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath + Den | 1,892 Sq.Ft. $1,285,000 Coronado403.com

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Coronado - 7100 Playa Vista Dr. #121 2 Bed | 2 Bath + Den | 1,510Sq.Ft. $979,000

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Primera Terra - 12920 Runway Rd. #310 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,500 Sq. Ft. $4,900/Month

IN ESCROW

Esplanade - 13080 Pacific Promenade #209 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,289 Sq.Ft. $949,000 13080PacificPromenade209.com

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Paraiso- 5831 Seawalk Dr. #241 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,202 Sq. Ft. $1,281,000

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Waterstone - 6400 Crescent Park #322 1 Bed | 1 Bath | 790 Sq.Ft. $590,000

JUST LEASED

Tempo - 6020 Seabluff Dr. #439 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 910 Sq.Ft. $3,600/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 July 1, 2021. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources 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.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Living Well

O

ver the last year, health and wellness have become more important than ever.

Research has shown a link between physical signs of good health and a positive mental state. Leading a healthy lifestyle can help prevent the onset or worsening of various health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and more. Whether it’s working up a sweat at the gym, engaging in a mindful meditation or enjoying a healthy meal, everyone practices self-care in their own way.

In our “Summer Wellness Inside & Out” issue, we share expert medical tips for how to reach a healthy blood pressure and what you need to know when choosing a hospital. We also look at the trends and shifting behavior of health care booking and how in-person specialty appointments peaked after COVID-19.

The foods that we eat play an important role in healing our bodies and boosting our immune systems. Certified holistic health coach and entrepreneur Caroll Lee founded Provenance Meals to provide clean, organic and sustainably sourced food to help people achieve their wellness goals, nourish their bodies and replenish their spirits. The elevated dishes for Provenance Meals’ delivery service are created by five star restauranttrained chefs and a team of culinary nutrition experts, making it easy and convenient to stay on one’s path to good health.

One of my favorite ways to practice self-care is to spend time at the spa. Aside from enjoying a relaxing massage or facial, additional benefits including stress reduction, anxiety management and improved immune health. We’ve rounded up some of the best spas on the Westside that offer a variety of healing services in luxurious settings.

Happiness also has an impact on one’s physical and mental health, which is why it’s essential to pursue things that bring you joy. In addition to helping others heal through her painting, energy artist Nancy Mills is a women’s empowerment leader and the founder of Spirited Woman, a community that embraces and inspires women worldwide.

Scientific research shows that sunlight can boost people’s moods and energy levels, which explains why many of us tend to feel happier and healthier during the summer months. After spending most of the past year inside, I’m looking forward to being outdoors and doing things that bring me joy, and I hope that you can find some time in your schedule to practice moments of self-care and wellness every day.

Kamala Kirk Editor • kkirk@timespublications.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski EDITOR Kamala Kirk GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Arman Olivares Kate Doll CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Luis Chavez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Chavez INTERN Katie Lulla ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Peter Lymbertos plymbertos@timespublications.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rebecca Bermudez rbermudez@timespublications.com

CONTACT US EDITORIAL christina@timespublicaions.com ADVERTISING Rebecca Bermudez rbermudez@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.

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6 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN CHOOSING A HOSPITAL

BY FAMILY FEATURES | PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

W

hen Judie Burrows, an adventurous, retired teacher, broke her hip during a bicycle accident, her family trusted the doctors and the hospital. They were not worried about a routine hip surgery.

“I didn’t realize at the time that we should have worried, even though this was a routine procedure,” said her son, Steve Burrows. “We thought all hospitals were basically the same.”

Burrows, who produced the award-winning HBO documentary “Bleed Out” recounting his mother’s story, points to an option like the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade as how his family might have compared hospital safety.

Five months later, with her first hip surgery failing, Judie Burrows fell and broke her hip again and spent eight days in the hospital in excruciating pain with no plan of care. She had a second hip surgery, despite the doctor knowing she was still on three different prescription blood thinners and lost half the blood in her body.

After surgery, Judie Burrows slipped into a coma. For a day and a half, no one noticed.

“When my mother emerged from her coma after two weeks, her cognitive abilities were equal to that of an 8-year-old,” Steve said. “She survived, but lost her fierce independence, her home and all her life savings, which were used to pay for the injuries she suffered.”

One easy way to judge local hospitals “At first, I thought my family was just unlucky,” Steve said.

“However, after the release of our 8 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 8 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

HBO documentary, ‘Bleed Out,’ I received thousands of messages from people across the country who recounted their own stories of loss and suffering related to medical errors.”

Research confirms the problem is significant. A study in “The BMJ” found upward of 250,000 people in the United States die of preventable medical errors each year, equal to more than 600 people per day.

To assist people like the Burrows family, nonprofit watchdog organization The Leapfrog Group grades hospitals with an A, B, C, D or F based on measures that protect patients from preventable errors, injuries and infections.

The grades look at up to 27 measures of hospital safety, like infection rates, surgical errors and standards for intensive care unit (ICU) physician staffing.

‘Shopping’ for care is crucial “Health care is too important not to shop for it,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group.

Binder suggests a safety-first research strategy that begins with the Hospital Safety Grade, the only resource entirely devoted to errors, injuries and infections, followed by research from other sources into the quality of the surgery or treatment a patient needs.

The hospital grades are free to the public, updated twice a year, independently assessed, peer-reviewed and fully transparent. People can search for hospitals in any region of the United States.

Judie passed away last year after enduring more than a decade of health struggles following her first hip surgery.

The hospital and doctors never claimed any responsibility for the emotional and financial costs.

“Do not be afraid to shop like your life depends on it,” Steve said. “It does depend on it. My family found out the hard way.”

Look up grades for your local hospitals at HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

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PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 9

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

8 WAYS TO REACH A HEALTHY BLOOD PRESSURE

BY FAMILY FEATURES | PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES

T

o take care of your heart, it’s important to know and track your blood pressure. Millions of Americans have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, but many don’t realize it or aren’t keeping it at a healthy level.

For most adults, healthy blood pressure is 120/80 millimeters of mercury or less. Blood pressure consistently above 130/80 millimeters of mercury increases your risk for heart disease, kidney disease, eye damage, dementia and stroke.

Your doctor might recommend lowering your blood pressure if it’s between 120/80 and 130/80 and you have other risk factors for heart or blood vessel disease.

High blood pressure is often “silent,” meaning it doesn’t usually cause symptoms, but it can damage your body, especially your heart, over time. Having poor heart health also increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

While you can’t control everything that increases your risk for high blood pressure — it can be genetic, often increases with age and varies by race and ethnicity — there are things you can do.

Consider these tips from experts with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) The Heart Truth program: Know your numbers. Everyone ages 3 and older should get their blood pressure checked by a health care provider at least once a year. Expert advice: 30 minutes before your test, don’t exercise, drink caffeine or smoke cigarettes. Right before, go to the bathroom. During the test, rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart and put your feet flat on the floor. Relax and don’t talk.

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Eat healthy. Follow a heart-healthy eating plan, such as NHLBI’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). For example, use herbs for flavor instead of salt and add one fruit or vegetable to every meal.

Move more. Get at least 2 1/2 hours of physical activity each week to help lower and control blood pressure. To ensure you’re reducing time spent sitting throughout the day and getting active, try breaking your activity up. Do 10 minutes of exercise, three times a day or one 30-minute session on five separate days each week. Any amount of physical activity is better than none, and all activity counts.

Aim for a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, losing just 3-5% of your weight can improve blood pressure.

If you weigh 200 pounds, that’s a loss of 6 to 10 pounds. To lose weight, ask a friend or family member for help or to join a weight loss program with you. Social support can help keep you motivated.

Manage stress. Stress can increase your blood pressure and make your body store more fat. Reduce stress with meditation, relaxing activities or support from a counselor or online group.

Have a healthy pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can harm the mother and baby. It also increases a woman’s risk of having high blood pressure later in life. Talk to your health care provider, ask if your blood pressure is normal and track it during and after pregnancy. If you’re planning to become pregnant, start monitoring it now.

Stop smoking. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can harm your heart and blood vessels. Seek out resources, such as smoke free hotlines and text message programs, that offer free support and information.

Work with your doctor. Get help setting your target blood pressure. Write down your numbers every time you get your blood pressure checked. Ask if you should monitor your blood pressure from home. Take all prescribed medications as directed and keep up your healthy lifestyle. If seeing a doctor worries you, ask to have your blood pressure taken more than once during a visit to get an accurate reading.

To find more information about high blood pressure as well as resources for tracking your numbers, visit nhlbi.nih.gov/hypertension.

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11

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

CLEAN EATING

Provenance Meals heal and nourish from the inside out STORY BY KAMALA KIRK | IMAGES COURTESY OF PROVENANCE MEALS

A

Certified holistic health coach and entrepreneur Caroll Lee founded Provenance Meals in 2012 to help people achieve wellness goals, nourish their bodies and replenish their spirits.

12 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 12 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

s a certified holistic health coach, entrepreneur and mother, Caroll Lee understands the challenge of maintaining a daily diet that is clean and nutritious. She recommended recipes and meal plans to her clients to help them reduce their weight, increase energy and become the best version of themselves through nutrition.

Lee noticed that as long as she was actively coaching her clients, they were successful at reaching their goals. But when they stopped eating nutrientdense food, they would revert back to unhealthy routines.

In 2012, Lee created Provenance Meals, which provides clean, organic, sustainably sourced nutrition to help people achieve their wellness goals, nourish their bodies and replenish their spirits.

“The No. 1 request I received was, ‘I know what I’m supposed to eat, but I just can’t find the time. Can you help me find the food?’” Lee says.

“Because nutrition is the foundation on which health is built, I know that the fastest way from Point A to B in anyone’s wellness journey is the food we eat three times a day. I realized that by providing convenient meals prepared with delicious and nutritious ingredients, I was able to help my clients stay on the path toward health and longevity.

So, I made it my mission to create and provide meals that met my incredibly high standards and deliver them to people’s homes for the utmost ease and convenience.”

The word “provenance” refers to a product’s origin or source. According to Lee, knowing how one’s food was raised, grown, caught and by whom is key to (Continued on page 16)

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

(Continued from page 12)

Inspired by Lee’s mother and Korean heritage, meals created by Provenance channel simple, wholesome ingredients that are the foundation for Korean diets.

eating for health.

“When we outsource our daily diet and health to major food processors instead of the farmers, producers and purveyors who grow and make our food in more traditional and sustainable ways, we’ve lost the connection to the source of our health and well-being,” Lee points out. “In today’s modern world, Provenance Meals is your source of nutrition. Our clients trust us to choose ingredients and prepare meals that will promote their health.”

Provenance Meals’ food is 100% free of gluten, dairy and refined sugar, and is made with organic, whole food ingredients from trusted sources. Inspired

by Lee’s mother and Korean heritage, meals created by Provenance channel simple, wholesome ingredients that are the foundation for Korean diets. They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, and the menu changes weekly as well as seasonally.

Their five-star restaurant-trained chefs work directly with their team of culinary nutrition experts to cre16 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 16 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

ate elevated dishes for their menu and programs. Examples of menu items include orange fig olive oil granola with almond milk, sunchoke and fennel salad with Meyer lemon vinaigrette, coconutcrusted cod with bok choy and green curry sauce, and braised grass-fed beef short ribs with creamed squash.

“The biggest differentiator is that we understand that there is no one right ‘diet’ for everyone,” Lee says. “Everybody is different and has different needs.

So, flexibility in choosing meals and adapting the service to your lifestyle and health needs is key. We are not one-size-fits-all. Some people need just a quick reset so they turn to our cleanse programs to jumpstart their journey. For others, they only need individual breakfast and lunch support as they make dinner for the whole family.”

Provenance Meals’ cleanses and weekly meals are different from other trendy programs because they are based on the science of functional medicine.

They start by eliminating potentially inflammatory triggers and add specific

nutrients and targeted supplements to help reduce one’s overall toxic load so that the body can begin to do its own healing.

“You feel great when eating Provenance Meals because this safe and simple approach removes the foods that may not be serving you and replaces them with the nutrients your body needs to thrive,” Lee shares. “Also, when we say we make our food from scratch, we really mean it. We make and long-simmer our bone broths to get fantastic flavor and mineral-rich gelatin to maximize nutritional value. We soak and sprout our grains, beans and nuts to reduce phytates and anti-nutrients to help improve digestibility. Food is more nutritious when it’s prepared in traditional ways, and we don’t take shortcuts at the expense of our health. Plus, it just tastes better.”

Provenance Meals offers several ways to eat well. Their Daily Essentials Program is their most flexible, offering (Continued on page 18)

PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 17

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

(Continued from page 16)

a weekly menu of healthy choices that fit each client’s dietary preferences and individual schedules. Clients can choose any combination of superfood-packed, nutrient-dense prepared meals for delivery up to two times per week.

Their Feel Good Fix is a mini cleanse that provides everything one needs to feel the effects of an antiinflammation diet in just three days. Lee says that it’s perfect for those that are new to eating clean and interested in cutting out gluten, dairy and sugar from their diet.

They also offer a seasonal signature six-day detox program called Provenance Detox. The current summer edition is called The Provenance Detox: Glow Edition, with cleansing meals and beverages that focus on the skin-gut connection and a menu designed to relieve the skin of blemishes and the body of bloat. It also includes an exclusive set of skincare products from Osea Malibu so that clients can experience a fullbody glow.

Provenance Meals’ programs do not require a subscription. Individual meals on their Daily Essentials menu range from $12 to $29 per meal. Their cleanse programs start at $198 for three days.

The majority of their delivery programs are available in New York and Los Angeles.

“We also ship a three-day meal program and a few products from our Wellness Shop nationwide,” Lee says.

“Our Camu Cacao Superfood Protein Powder is one of the cleanest protein powders on the market for quick and nutritious breakfasts. Featured in all of our cleanse programs, this program contains zero harmful and inflammatory ingredients found in other protein powders. We also have foundational supplements like Omega 3s, vitamin D3 and a special probiotic called Flourish – also featured in our cleanse programs – that is targeted to help control body weight.”

To help keep clients on their paths to good health, Provenance Meals also provides health coaching consultations.

In addition to discussing individual health goals and challenges, people can ask specific questions related to their nutrition and health concerns, and receive personalized recommendations on 18 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 18 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

Provenance Meals sources organic vegetables from local farms, meat and eggs from grass-fed and pasture-raised animals and seafood that is responsibility harvested and sustainable to preserve the environment.

food and supplements to support their unique health and wellness journey.

“Provenance Meals is rooted in the principle I espoused as a health coach: achieving true health takes time, consistency and commitment,” Lee shares.

“In addition to our health-supportive chefs and culinary nutrition experts that design our menu and programs to be flavor-forward and nutritionally balanced, all members of our Client Services Concierge are certified health coaches. Research shows that having an accountability partner and support system can make all the difference in reaching your health goals.

“Our health coaches provide complimentary consultations to clients and additional health coaching sessions are also available for a fee. No matter what stage in their wellness journey, our health coaches are knowledgeable in all aspects of nutrition and holistic approaches. Using our health coach’s evidence-based strategies, in combination with a client’s desire to change, clients have been successful in improving their well-being.” provenancemeals.com

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PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 19

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

RELAXING ESCAPES

Treat yourself to a day of self-care and wellness at one of these luxury spas STORY BY KAMALA KIRK

COURTESY OF ONE SPA

W

e lead such busy and stressful lives, and the pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, both physically and mentally. Investing in your own health and well-being is one of the most important things that you can do for yourself. Practicing regular self-care offers numerous benefits such as stress reduction and anxiety management, in addition to boosting immune health, improving productivity and increasing happiness.

From massages and facials to acupuncture and more, there are many different ways that you can indulge in some muchneeded “me” time. We’ve rounded up some of the best spas on the Westside that offer therapeutic services in luxurious settings that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

ONE Spa.

COURTESY OF SEA WELLNESS SPA

COURTESY OF BURKE WILLIAMS

• ONE Spa. The perfect location for a relaxing spa day, guests of ONE Spa at Shutters on the Beach enjoy uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean while pampering themselves with organic wellness rituals. Expertly trained therapists provide soothing massages, hydrating facials and nail services. Treatments to try include the Microcurrent Facial, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; the Deep Tissue Massage, a full-body therapy that reduces tension, smooths sore muscles, and increases circulation to promote total relaxation; as well as the Deluxe Tranquility Manicure or Pedicure, which include a mineral-rich foot soak, seaweed scrub, organic cuticle care, hot stones and reflexology foot massage.

1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica; 310-587-1712; shuttersonthebeach.com

Burke WIlliams Santa Monica.

• Burke Williams. Founded in 1984 as the original urban day spa, Burke Williams draws inspiration from world-class European spas, combining the finest traditions with nourishing innovations that help you escape the stress of daily life. In addition to Santa Monica, there are multiple spa locations across California, as well as Simply Massage, a massage-only concept in Marina del Rey. Each Burke Williams spa has a large co-ed lounge for relaxing, separate spa amenities for men and women, quiet rooms, vanity areas stocked with self-care amenities, as well as whirlpools, steam rooms, dry saunas, cool misting rooms and private showers. Guests are treated to exceptional quality treatments offered by a team of dedicated, professional therapists including different massages and enhancements, facials and skin care, nail services, hydrotherapy and chiropractic services, which are available at most locations. Their popular memberships include unlimited additional services at member-only prices, product discounts, special member-only gifts and promotions, and other perks.

1358 4th St., Santa Monica; 310-587-3366; burkewilliams.com 22 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 22 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

Sea Wellness Spa.

• Sea Wellness Spa. Located at the iconic Hotel Casa del Mar, this eco-friendly spa combines the ultimate in anti-aging and hydrating skin care with de-stressing treatments like hot stone massage. The spa menu includes everything from Swedish massage and the rejuvenating HydraFacial to an Ocean Mineral Manicure that refreshes tired, travel worn hands. Spa guests can also lounge by the Palm Terrace pool that overlooks the ocean, sign up for daily fitness classes at the fitness center and have access to personal trainers, surf lessons, bike rentals, as well as yoga and meditation instructors that are available by appointment.

1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica; 310-581-7767; hotelcasadelmar.com (Continued on page 24)

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

(Continued from page 22) COURTESY OF SURYA SPA

COURTESY OF SEYHART

Seyhart.

Surya Spa.

• Seyhart. Heal your body from the inside out at this chic wellness sanctuary that fills the need for a preventive and whole-person approach to health care. Derived from the Indonesian word “sehat,” Seyhart means “healthy” or “in good health.” Led by a team of physicians and Asian medicine experts, they offer a variety of rejuvenating treatments that allow guests to focus specifically on various aspects of well-being such as recovery, vitality and serenity. Seyhart’s menu includes different acupuncture experiences and addons like cupping and gua sha, which offer benefits such as release of toxins, letting go of anxiety, promoting healing and increased energy and strength. For those that don’t like needles, they also offer tuina – a technique that stimulates the body’s energy, enhances blood flow and nourishes the body and organs via pressing, rubbing and kneading soft tissues. If you can’t decide which treatment to get first, try a combination of services such as the Balance (tuina + cupping) or the Harmony (tuina + gua sha).

2629 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica; 310-310-8775; seyhart.com

• Surya Spa. The Ayurvedic spa at Santa Monica Proper Hotel is a flagship collaboration between Proper Hospitality, a leading luxury lifestyle hospitality group, and Martha Soffer, an internationally acclaimed Ayurvedic Panchakarma expert, doctor, chef and herbalist.

The state-of-the-art wellness haven provides nourishing services that reconnect and restore in a stunning space designed by Kelly Wearstler. In addition to six treatment rooms, amenities include a meditation room, patios and lounges, as well as a retail space that offers the full Surya face + body line and a custom oil blend bar.

Signature services range from a four-handed herbal oil massage by two therapists to an invigorating and clearing therapy that focuses on the face, neck and shoulders. In addition to spa services, Surya also offers Ayurvedic cooking classes, Transcendental meditation, Surya Dosha yoga and customized culinary experiences.

700 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica; 310-459-7715; suryaspa.com

COURTESY OF TERRANEA RESORT

COURTESY OF THE NOW

The NOW Santa Monica.

The Spa at Terranea.

• The NOW. Featuring a stunning interior inspired by nature and beachside locales around the world, The NOW blends the highquality services of a luxury massage destination in an elevated setting with the convenience and affordability of a walk-in spot.

With multiple locations, The NOW brings accessible and affordable spa services to people across the country. Signature massages include the Healer (energy balancing), the Stretch (for athletes) and the Now (Swedish), and their menu offers various enhancements that range from a soothing eye mask to gua sha, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that targets areas with smooth rose quartz tools. Their custom namesake product lines Nourish, Room and Scent by The NOW are formulated with top-of-theline ingredients to extend the benefits of your experience at home or on the go. The NOW also offers monthly Ritual Memberships, which include perks such as $10 off monthly massages, exclusive monthly gifts, and 10% off in-store purchases on The NOW products.

2407 Main St., Santa Monica; 323-250-5060; thenowmassage.com

• The Spa at Terranea. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Spa at Terranea embraces the natural beauty and energy of its coastal setting to provide a transformative experience for body, mind and spirit. The award-winning 50,000-square-foot oceanfront sanctuary offers prime indoor and outdoor space that allows guests to relax and connect with their surroundings. The spa has a unique approach to wellness, which includes paying attention to the timing of guests’ visits and recommending services according to the Circadian Rhythm. Many treatments on the menu are inspired by Terranea’s locale and incorporate ingredients like honey from the resort’s bee hives. Guests can lounge by the oceanfront spa pool and indoor/outdoor spa lounges with ocean views. For the perfect wellness-focused adult getaway, the Bungalows at Terranea are graciously appointed accommodations located near the spa and cafe, and outfitted with upgraded amenities to provide the ultimate rejuvenation experience. Another offering is the Spa Rejuvenation Package, which includes overnight accommodation, two 60-minute spa treatments and daily breakfast for two.

100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes; 310-265-2740; terranea.com

24 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 24 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

IN-PERSON SPECIALTY HEALTH CARE APPOINTMENTS PEAK AFTER COVID-19

BY FAMILY FEATURES | PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

I

n the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people put off inperson visits to the doctor’s office.

They were able to do so because virtual visits allowed them to safely get the care they needed while avoiding the uncertainty and precautions that accompanied in-person visits, such as wearing masks, undergoing temperature checks and filling out screening questionnaires.

Now, as the United States emerges from the pandemic — with more than 170 million Americans having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — health care booking behaviors are shifting once again.

To gain insight on appointment booking trends, a free platform where people can find and book in-person or 26 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 26 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

virtual health care, compiled “A Year in Hybrid Care.” The report shows how users’ booking choices evolved throughout the pandemic.

This analysis, which began in May 2020, the first full month Zocdoc enabled virtual visits, uncovered these key trends: Proximity matters. When patients had a choice between booking a telehealth appointment with a doctor close by or a doctor far away, 70% chose a nearby doctor for their virtual visits.

This implies patients intuitively know they may eventually want or need in-person care, and choosing a local provider makes it possible to pick up the conversation in-person right where it ended online. In fact, 50% to 60% of people who booked a virtual visit with select specialty providers (podiatrists;

OB-GYNs; orthopedic surgeons and ear, nose and throat specialists) booked a second, in-person appointment with that same practice.

Patients prefer in-person care. Across the United States, 33% of appointments booked via Zocdoc in May 2020 were telehealth visits — the highest singlemonth total during the pandemic. One year later, that number declined to 14%.

With few exceptions, there was a shift back to in-person care across specialties between May 2020 and May 2021. This includes a 34% increase for neurologists; 31% increase for ear, nose and throat specialists; 29% increase for primary care physicians and dermatologists; 27% increase for allergists; 20% increase for urologists and 19% increases for orthopedic surgeons and gastroenterologists.

Mental health bookings are staying virtual. Mental health is the only specialty in which virtual care bookings remain higher than peak pandemic booking levels. In May 2020, 75% of bookings with psychiatrists and 80% of bookings with psychologists were virtual. In May 2021, 85% of bookings with psychiatrists and 87% of bookings with psychologists were conducted via video.

“As we move toward more normalcy in the U.S., we are seeing that, with the exception of mental health, which saw more demand for virtual visits in May 2021 than May 2020, the future of health care is in-person,” said Dr. Oliver Kharraz, Zocdoc founder and CEO. “The booking trends of Zocdoc users show that while telehealth will remain an important part of the health care mix, it will be a complement to in-person care rather than a replacement.”

For more information and to view the full data analysis, visit zocdoc-inc.medium.com.

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PEOPLE

DIVINE ENERGY Nancy Mills empowers others to heal through art

STORY BY KAMALA KIRK | IMAGES OF NANCY BY LUIS CHAVEZ; ARTWORK COURTESY OF NANCY MILLS

J

Playa Vista resident Nancy Mills is an energy artist, empowerment leader and builder of community who helps heal and support women.

28 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 28 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

ust before Nancy Mills turned 70, she discovered her calling as an energy artist. While meeting for coffee with an intuitive close friend, Mills asked what was on the horizon.

Her friend said she envisioned her painting.

“I couldn’t even hold a ruler. My response to her was that she had lost her mind,” Mills says with a laugh. “The last time I had painted I was 5 years old.”

Shortly after her friend’s prediction, Mills had a reading with a well-known hand analyst, who observed that she had the hands of a painter and told her she would be filled with passion if she painted.

“Two weeks later, I went to a meeting that ended up being canceled but no one told me,” Mills says. “I drove down the street and came across a sign in the window that said, ‘Anyone can paint.’ I stopped the car, ran inside and said, ‘I’m here!’ This all happened around the spring equinox. I ultimately found my way to watercolors and realized I had a gift. I could feel spiritual energy come through my hands, paint and colors. I get messages as I paint.”

Mills finishes painting quickly and she never knows what the finished product will look like. While painting, she is directed to various vibrant colors that just show up in her work.

“Most artists know what they’re painting in advance, but in my case I get an urge and start painting,” Mills explains. “It’s just as amazing to me as it is to other people who see my work.

I started painting when I was 70 and since then I have created over 400 paintings.”

Realizing that she could do the same for others, Mills bought a webcam (Continued on page 30)

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OVER 25 YEARS COMBINED IN PLAYA VISTA. WE’VE PARTNERED TO OFFER YOU MORE.

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CONTACT US FOR THE MOST EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND REACH IN PLAYA VISTA.

Playa Vista Resident, Broker 424.248.9510 dennis@highlandpremiere.com DRE# 01919746

©20201 Highland Premiere and Globl RED. All rights reserved. DRE License #01967160/#02014153. 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. |

PLAYA VISTA DIRECT

JUNE - JULY 2021 29

PEOPLE

(Continued from page 28)

and began offering energy art sessions, primarily with women, over Zoom.

She has made paintings for people across the country, including Broadway performers.

Mills starts each session with meditation, then clients relax while she paints their energy. They then take home the paintings and a recording of the session.

“First I’m drawn to a certain paintbrush, then as things pop into my head I paint,” Mills explains. “While I’m painting, I get messages from the spiritual world, which I’ll share with them. It’s been very surprising and wonderful because most of the people I’ve worked with ask me how I did it and how I knew. I’m not a therapist, but I am an artist and a women’s empowerment leader who is very intuitive. I have this ability to see people’s strengths, what colors they might want to bring into their lives, and give them a sense of empowerment through paint. It’s very interesting to express myself through this medium and it floors everyone.”

One of Mills’ latest projects is Painted Prayers, a collection of her energy artwork that is expressed through original art and notecards. Each watercolor is a blessing of spirit, empowerment and beauty, and will add sacred energy to any space. Mills’ work from her Painted Prayers collection is listed for sale on her website.

“The Painted Prayers are postcards of my originals and they’re messages of life and love,” Mills says. “My goal is for them to go from one person to another so that they get spread around.”

Mills also creates hand-painted scarves in her home studio. She uses special fabric paints on large white rayon scarves, and it takes around two weeks to make a scarf, which is sacred and shamanistic. The scarves are talismans to be kept and worn on special occasions. They keep the wearer connected to the divine feminine energy.

“As I get messages, I paint the scarves,” Mills adds. “I always give women the choice of having me paint the scarf with or without them watching me.

“I get different messages, images and colors for each person. I was painting a scarf for one woman and I started sing30 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 30 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

Mills is also the founder of Spirited Woman, a leading women’s empowerment community that embraces and inspires women worldwide.

ing an Indian song during our session.

After she received the scarf, I learned that she had a very strong Indian lineage in her family. There have been a lot of things that have happened like that that I wouldn’t have anticipated. People enjoy my work because it adds energy to their space. People are constantly telling me that my art has filled their space with energy, and they’re thrilled about that. It’s much more than just buying a piece of art — they’re getting an art and energy experience.”

Aside from her work as an energy artist, Mills is a longtime women’s empowerment leader. More than 20 years ago, she founded Spirited Woman, a women’s empowerment community.

“I started Spirited Woman in the early 2000s and it became very important to me to ensure there was a community available to support other women,” Mills says.

“I think the underlying message always was you are enough as you are.

From there, it expanded into this art.

For me it was very natural because I’ve always believed in the essence of women and them having so much to offer. When I started doing the energy artwork and sessions, I became empowering to others but in a different way.”

When she lived in Santa Barbara, Mills hosted Spirited Woman workshops, retreats and events. In 2012, she created the Spirited Woman Foundation with a mission of helping to heal and support women through actions of empowerment.

Through the foundation’s Sisterhood of the Sacred Scarves Project, Mills sold more than 4,000 Spirited Woman Prayer scarves, raising over $20,000, which was distributed to multiple (Continued on page 32)

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| JUNE - JULY 2021 31 PLAYA VISTADRE# DIRECT Broker 02035381

PEOPLE

(Continued from page 30)

One of Mills’ latest projects is Painted Prayers, a collection of her energy artwork expressed through original art and notecards, which are symbols of spirit, empowerment and beauty.

nonprofits. The scarves, which featured designs created by other artists, were chosen by Mills because they felt spiritual and she also gave them names.

“During the women’s marches, there were hundreds of women wearing my scarves in different cities,” Mills says. “It was phenomenal.”

Now, a majority of the foundation’s proceeds come from a percentage of sales from the Painted Prayers collection. Mills also hosts a monthly Spirited Woman Circle on the third Thursday of every month. The free, hour-long sessions are held on Zoom.

“It’s a community of love and support with women inspiring women,” Mills shares.

“It’s a safe place where women of all ages can get together and talk. We don’t have a particular agenda other than the 32 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 32 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

fact that we show up and we talk about whatever is on our minds. It’s a way for us to be there for one another. We start every session with a meditation. It’s a great place to be around women who are of like minds and supportive.”

For the past five years, Mills has lived in Playa Vista on land that was once an Indian burial ground. She loves the beauty of the natural environment along with the strong sense of community.

“I grew up on the West Coast and have lived in different parts of Los Angeles,” Mills says.

“Playa Vista is my favorite. It’s a wonderful and embracing community.

I see butterflies, hummingbirds, hawks and beautiful vistas. I walk almost 3 miles every day. There is a teepee down the street from where I live that I visit

daily. It’s very spiritual and has become my sacred place. I just love the fact that I am stimulated to create here, I’m so fortunate to live in a place like this.”

Going forward, Mills will travel to fuel her soul with energy and will continue to spread positive energy.

She plans to utilize her art in as many empowering ways as she can.

“When I started painting, I started dancing,” Mills says. “I believe we are all born with an internal passion and it’s never too late to tap into it. You can become a ballroom dancer at 85. There are no limits on self-expression. When you find something that taps into your passion, it gives you joy, and joy is contagious.” spiritedwoman.com

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC for current rates and for more information.

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PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 33

PEOPLE

KEEPING WOMEN WELL Jessica Gallo introduces clients to the Mommy Tribe STORY BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI | PHOTOSBY LUIS CHAVEZ

J

Jessica Gallo is a licensed clinical social worker who offers therapeutic services in Santa Monica and Playa Vista/Culver City, and works virtually with clients throughout California.

34 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 34 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

essica Gallo says she feels women need to be supported. They take on their fair share of work within and outside of the family.

“It weighs us down for sure,” she says.

For 15 years, Gallo has worked as a psychotherapist for pregnant women, moms, young adults and teens. Her services include one-on-one therapy, postpartum planning and parenting support. Additionally, she runs a postpartum support group.

“I’ve worked with a lot of children and with mothers who were really in need,” says Gallo, a Playa Vista resident.

“I’ve done a lot of trauma work, too.

“A lot of families I’ve worked with really struggled with their own histories of trauma and mood disorders and it was really difficult to show up the way they wanted to show up in parenting. I saw that year after year.”

Through her work, Gallo has found that women who are supported share that healthy spirit with their families and friends. Gallo says she had a “transformative” experience when she became a mother.

“Even as a therapist, and all the research available to me and all of the knowledge, I was not completely immune of the intensity of the transition to motherhood,” she says.

“I’ve really found myself drawn to work with pregnant women, new moms and parenting women, and just really support them through their journeys.”

Mothers, Gallo continues, find their identities shift, and with the pandemic, mothers were taking on the brunt of the work.

“They’ve held us through this pandemic,” she says. “There is so much healing that needs to happen.”

(Continued on page 36)

Celebrating 20 years in the Real Estate Industry 5625 Crescent Park #326, Playa Vista

IN ESCROW

6400 Crescent Park #310, Playa Vista

6400 Crescent Park E #211, Playa Vista

SOLD

12975 Agustin Pl #336, Playa Vista

SOLD

12920 Runway Rd #241, Playa Vista

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12920 Runway Rd #143, Playa Vista

SOLD

COMING SOON

13200 Pacific Promenade #146, Playa Vista

13080 Pacific Promenade #106, Playa Vista

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7100 Playa Vista Dr #403, Playa Vista

13044 Pacific Promenade, #305, Playa Vista

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12614 W Sunrise Pl, Playa Vista

SOLD

ADDRESS 12655 13200 6400 6400 12963 6400 6400 12963 13075 13031 12975 7100 5700 12914 12914 12473 12452 6400 6400 13200 13200 13075 12963 13044 6400

RAN K E D # 1 AGENT IN 2 02 0 *

BLUFF CREEK DR #203 PACIFIC PROMENADE #217 CRESCENT PARK #227 CRESCENT PARK #109 RUNWAY ROAD #120 CRESCENT #424 CRESCENT #219 RUNWAY RD #214 PACIFIC PROMENADE #406 VILLOSA PL #103 AGUSTIN PL #336 PLAYA VISTA DR #403 SEAWALK DRIVE #12 AGUSTIN PL AGUSTIN PL OSPREY LN #2 OSPREY LN #1 CRESCENT PARK EAST #211 CRESCENT PARK #222 PACIFIC PROMENADE #146 PACIFIC PROMENADE #252 PACIFIC PROMENADE #413 RUNWAY ROAD #218 PACIFIC PROMENADE #305 CRESCENT PARK #312

5625 Crescent Park #102, Playa Vista

5700 Seawalk Drive #6, Playa Vista

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6241 Crescent #408, Playa Vista

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6400 Crescent Park #109, Playa Vista

SOLD

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5625 Crescent #207, Playa Vista

12920 Runway Rd #343, Playa Vista

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12473 Osprey Lane #3, Playa Vista

13080 Pacific Promenade #106, Playa Vista

6602 Para Way, Playa Vista

SOLD

SOLD

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1/1 1/1 2/1 2/1 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/3 2/3 2/3 3/3 2/3 3/4 3/3 3/3 4/4 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/2 2/2 2/2 2/2

Vivian Lesny

759 623 960 900 986 1,190 1,210 986 1,199 1,540 1,640 1,892 2,005 2,314 2,931 2,026 2,638 770 790 667 685 868 912 1,093 1,210

310.428.7378 Info@VivianLesny.com | www.VivianLesny.com

PRICE

$2,850 MONTH $2,395/MONTH $2,895/MONTH $2,950/MONTH $3,350/MONTH $3,500/MONTH $3,500/MONTH $3,600/MONTH $3,650/MONTH $4,395/MONTH $4,800/MONTH $5,500/MONTH $5,800/MONTH $6,499/MONTH $6,500/MONTH $8,095/MONTH $8,375/MONTH $648,000 $565,000 $569,000 $610,000 $760,000 $779,000 $785,000 $795,000

ADDRESS

6400 13045 6400 13080 12920 13080 6020 5935 13045 12963 5625 5935 12975 12920 5935 6020 13020 5625 13080 6010 5815 5742 13017 5903 12614

CRESCENT PARK PACIFIC PROMENADE #123 CRESCENT PARK #324 PACIFIC PROMENADE #210 RUNWAY RD #241 PACIFIC PROMENADE #110 SEABLUFF DR #224 PLAYA VISTA DR #304 PACIFIC PROMENADE #308 RUNWAY RD #216 CRESCENT #207 PLAYA VISTA DRIVE #304 AGUSTIN PLACE #435 RUNWAY RD #343 PLAYA VISTA DRIVE #416 SEABLUFF DRIVE #129 PACIFIC PROMENADE #300 CRESCENT PARK #102 PACIFIC PROMENADE #315 CELEDON CREEK #9 E SEAGLASS CIRCLE KIYOT WAY DISCOVERY CREEK S WESTLAWN AVE W. SUNRISE PL.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS SINCE 2001

SOLD

BR/BATH SQ FT

Awarded Best of zillow status

SOLD

6400 Crescent Park #312, Playa Vista

5903 S Westlawn Ave, Playa Vista

SOLD

2/2 1/2 2/2 2/2 3/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 3/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 3/3 2/2 2/3 2/3 3/4 4/4 3/3 3/4 4/4 4/4

SOLD

12963 Runway Rd #214, Playa Vista

SOLD

SOLD

5742 Kiyot Way, Playa Vista

PROPERTIES REPRESENTED IN PLAYA VISTA BR/BATH SQ FT

6011 Dawn Creek #6, Playa Vista

SOLD

6020 Seabluff Dr #224, Playa Vista

5815 E Seaglass Circle, Playa Vista

13017 Discovery Creek, Playa Vista

PRICE

1,210 1,410 1,210 1,289 1,140 1,289 1,260 1,260 1,140 1,152 1,659 1,260 1,300 1,140 1,151 1,480 1,630 2/3 1,428 3,130 2,384 2,849 3,880 2,688 3,639

$807,500 $812,500 $855,000 $870,000 $890,000 $899,000 $900,000 $900,000 $910,000 $920,000 $922,000 $925,000 $930,000 $933,000 $945,000 $950,000 $961,000 $970,000 $973,000 $1,900,000 $1,950,000 $2,020,000 2,100,000 $2,200,000 $2,780,000

170+ S T E L L A R VISTA DIRECT Z I PLAYA L LOW RE VIE WS

* MOST UNITS AND VOLUME SOLD IN WEST LA REGION FOR KW

| JUNE - JULY 2021 35

PEOPLE

(Continued from page 34)

Expanding her practice Now that Gallo’s son is starting school, the licensed clinical social worker is expanding her practices in Santa Monica and Playa Vista/Culver City. She accepts clients from throughout California for virtual appointments.

Gallo takes a holistic and authentic approach. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. She earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California with a concentration in children and families.

The LA native has provided individual, group and family therapy and served as a program director and clinical supervisor for mental health organizations. During her career, she has developed and facilitated psychoeducational workshops and support groups for adolescents, parents and other professionals.

“It’s really an honor to walk with someone through their experience and to support them and help them be in the driver’s seat of their life,” she says.

“We often go through life on automatic and it’s these repeat patterns that get us stuck. I see therapy as a way to help people be intentional and make life choices with their eyes open.”

Gallo does not work exclusively with women, as she has teenage clients of all genders.

“Less people work with teens,” she says. “It’s a trickier population, but I enjoy working with them. It’s a pivotal time. They’re going through a big life transition. That’s how people end up coming to me. They’re feeling stuck or they’re having mood issues or relationship issues. They’re wanting some nurturing support through that.”

Post-partum planning is important to Gallo and it is part of her individual sessions with new moms. Building a community is a key task for moms.

“We’re not meant to do this mothering thing alone,” she says. “The way we’ve set it up with modern motherhood is unfair to moms.”

Gallo hosts The Mommy Tribe, a series of workshops and support to develop a nonjudgmental supportive community; safe space to process; practical tools for managing the emotional load 36 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 36 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

Gallo has provided individual, group and family therapy and served as a program director and clinical supervisor for mental health organizations, in addition to running a postpartum support group.

of motherhood; and information around healthy attachment and mindfulness practices. Common topics include shifting family dynamics, healing from traumatic birth, hormonal shifts, relationship challenges, unpacking family of origin issues, self-image and depression/ anxiety.

“My next workshop is going to be a collaboration with a local woman who does post-partum fitness,” Gallo says of Crystal Ferris of Momleta.

“The workshop is a hybrid—mindfulness support for half and she’s going to do light movement that can help women recover or prepare for birth. It’s in the works. We’re planning it right now. We’ll probably host it in August.”

Gallo purposely chose a career that required constant learning; one that wasn’t stagnant. Clients come to Gallo with different sets of experiences and that helps increase her knowledge base

as well.

“Each experience opens the door to something new,” she says. “They’re all related and connected with a thread somehow.”

Gallo says she frequently hears her profession must be “hard.” That isn’t how she would describe it.

“It’s gratifying,” she says. “It’s intense work and that’s part of why I do a lot of my own professional development, so I can show up in my best form. I really do get to see people make these shifts and change their relationships to handle the difficult things in their lives.”

Jessica Gallo, LCSW 424-256-1899, jessicagallolcsw@gmail.com IG: @womens.mental.wellness jessicagallolcsw.com

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PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 37

BUSINESS

Jeni Britton Bauer is the founder of Midwest-based Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, which also has a scoop shop in Playa Vista.

38 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

BUSINESS

A COOL TIME

Jeni’s Free Market has the scoop on the art of ice cream STORY BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI | PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS

J

eni Britton Bauer sees ice cream as more than a treat. Ice cream is her art, and she shares it through Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

“At first, I felt eating the ice cream was delicious,” Bauer says. “The first time was a pleasurable experience.

“However, you can use ice cream to tell stories. I was studying art and we were using paint or poetry. Ice cream uses scents. Scents are most of the flavor. You taste the sweet, and you feel the cold. Once I realized that, I was off and running.”

Midwest-based Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams now has scoop shops around the United States, as well as Jeni’s Free Market at Runway in Playa Vista. Her market stand is her fifth Los Angeles location.

This year, Bauer has dropped new flavors like White House chocolate chip, everything bagel, buttercream birthday cake and a Dolly Parton collaboration with a strawberry pretzel pie.

Wedding cake was launched on June 8 and features vanilla cake with lemon, blackberries and buttercream icing.

Parton’s strawberry pretzel pie is just one of many collaborations, none of which are paid.

“We do have literally countless people approaching us about collaborations,” Bauer says. “We like to hand pick the people we partner with. You never know who’s next. They’re always amazing people—amazingly talented, creative people.”

One of those was rapper/artist Tyler, the Creator, the company’s most successful collab. Bauer used her gift as an artist to turn Tyler’s words into a resonant ice cream flavor that he loves.

The LA Scoop Shops featured Snowflake, a two-colored study of mint that

Zelda Fitzgerald, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, or Marie Antoinette.”

Just as important as the flavor is Bauer’s mission, which she dubs The Fellowship Model. She literally builds her ice cream from the ground up, with growers, makers, producers, suppliers and customers.

“We call it The Fellowship Model,” she says. “We combine values from the good food world with tools from the 21st century. We believe we get higherquality ingredients when we have relationships with the people we’re buying from. We buy direct whenever we can.

“Making ice cream this way requires more work and skill than traditional ice creams made with flavorings and colorings, but we think it’s worth it.”

Bauer says her products aren’t “junk food ice cream.” Her desserts are smooth with a buttercream body. She Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams are made eschews synthetic flavorings, dyes or with whole ingredients and dairy off-the-shelf mixes, along with stabilizfrom grass-pastured cows coupled ers and emulsifiers. with inspired flavors.

“Customers get attached to the earned nearly 1 million likes on Instaflavors that we do,” she says. “When gram, sold more than 4,000 pints on you eat the ice cream, the flavor comes day one and 20,000 scoops in the first through brightly because there are no week. The two also created Pluto Bleu, stabilizers or emulsifiers. I learned how described as “electric orange with a bolt to do that by working at a dairy. of blue.”

“I was volunteering at the dairy so I “Tyler reached out to us,” Bauer says. could learn. Your passion builds when “When he reached out, we hit it off you fall in love with something. I feel right away and we had to work together. like that, still, to this day.”

He’s one of the most wonderful human Bauer founded Jeni’s Splendid beings I’ve ever met. He’s magical.”

Ice Creams in 2001 in her home. The “Magical” to Bauer’s daughter would following year, she received a Small be a collaboration with former One Business Administration loan to open Direction singer Harry Styles. a pop-up in a farmers market. Her goal “She’s been bugging me about a col- was to start small and build her experilaboration,” she says with a laugh. “If I ence as an entrepreneur. could choose my dream collaboration, “I had a lot of ideas when I was I would probably go into history. I’d (Continued on page 45) have to think about that one, but maybe PLAYA PLAYAVISTA VISTADIRECT DIRECT || JUNE JUNE--JULY JULY 2021 2021 39 39

FOOD

HONEST MEXICAN EATS Loqui brings taqueria-inspired cuisine to Playa Vista STORY BY KAMALA KIRK | PHOTOS BY SKANDIA SHAFER

F

ounded by longtime friends Ari Ampudia and Cameron Wallace, Loqui originated in 2013 as a weekly pop-up at Tartine Bakery in San Francisco.

The team spent three years preparing recipes that brought unique Mexican tastes to life before relocating to Los Angeles in 2016 to establish its roots and open its first brick-andmortar location in Culver City.

For the past five years, Loqui has expanded its footprint across Southern California, opening a second location in DTLA’s Arts District in 2019 followed by Playa Vista in 2021. It is located at Free Market Playa Vista, an open-air retail collective that houses experiential boutiques, restaurants and event spaces at Runway Playa Vista.

Loqui’s Playa Vista location features an open-flow concept that reflects the taqueria’s Mexican heritage.

It is accented by plants and pots mixed with textures, organic materials and terra cotta tones. Diners are greeted by an eye-catching floor-to-ceiling mural and can enjoy their meals and Mexican craft beers on a spacious outdoor patio that has ample seating and is shaded by a large overhang.

“Loqui is a taqueria serving honest Mexican food on signature scratchmade flour tortillas,” Ampudia says.

“Loqui offers a casual approach to tacos embodying the charm and flavors of some of Mexico’s favorite taco stands.”

Loqui takes a casual approach to tacos that brings Mexican tastes to life. The fresh tortillas are highlighted by four proteins: chicken, beef, pork and mushroom.

“Our signature dish would undoubtedly be our chicken taco on scratch-made flour tortillas,” Ampudia 40 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 40 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

Their newest location recently debuted at the open-air retail collective Free Market in Playa Vista.

says. “The achiote chicken is topped with pickled purple onions and a smokey habanero salsa.”

Another favorite, the cochinita pibil, is presented two ways — and pays homage to its Yucatan heritage. The beef hints to the similarities of birria while the mushrooms are a recipe created from scratch. Available sides include chips with guacamole and salsa, quesadillas, and rice and beans.

In addition to the regular menu items, Loqui offers a family meal that is available for delivery and to-go through its website. Their family meal taco kit is a great way to enjoy creating tacos at home and each kit comes with all of the ingredients and detailed assembly instructions.

Loqui can also cater special events and celebrations and offer an assortment of taco packages, as well as taco and plate packages.

“We are thrilled to join the Free Market family and introduce Loqui to our new Playa Vista neighbors,” Ampudia says. “Whether you dine with us on our patio or pick up a family meal to go, we hope to inspire the connection between familial culture and Mexican food.”

Loqui at Free Market Playa Vista 12751 W. Millennium Drive, Suite 145, Playa Vista 213-286-2682, eatloqui.com

FOOD

Loqui serves honest Mexican food inspired by the flavor and soul of favorite taquerias throughout Mexico.

PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 41

FOOD

RECREATING SUMMER MEMORIES RECIPE BY EMILY CHAVEZ | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ

I

n my family, summer trips often involved camping at a national park, enjoying early morning hikes and latenight s’mores after a hearty dinner.

The formula for s’mores is simple: chocolate and marshmallow in between graham crackers. But, with me being a peanut butter lover as well, I opt for peanut butter-filled chocolate candy pieces, plus the marshmallow and graham cracker.

Last year, our summer camping plans were tossed aside, thanks to the pandemic, but now national parks and campsites are opening.

Our schedules keep getting busier, making it hard to carve out the time for a trip. Nevertheless, I’m determined to recreate those summer memories at home and make new ones. I’d like to keep that campfire going in my heart.

Peanut Butter S’more Brownies Prep time: 20 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes Yields 24 servings Ingredients 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 crackers) 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup butter, softened 3 large eggs, room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cups cacao powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, warmed to be pourable 1 cup mini marshmallows Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Stir together the graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar.

3. Add in the melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a clean 9-by-13-inch baking pan.

4. Bake until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Then cool on a rack.

5. Make brownies by creaming together the softened butter and remaining 1 1/4 cups sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 6 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.

6. Whisk together the flour, cacao powder, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. Then add to the creamed mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

7. Spread batter over the baked graham cracker crust.

Evenly dollop small spoonfuls of peanut butter on the batter and swirl throughout with a toothpick or knife.

8. Top with the marshmallows and bake until the center is set, about 18 to 22 minutes.

42 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

FOOD

FLUFFY AND FLOURLESS DESSERT F RECIPE BY EMILY CHAVEZ | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ

eaturing chocolate chips and cacao powder, this flourless cake is extremely rich in the best way possible.

The addition of fluffy whipped coffee, also sometimes called dalgona coffee, lifts an otherwise dense cake to new levels of luxury. Whipped coffee is made simply by whisking together instant coffee, hot water and some sugar. The airy texture is maintained by gently folding it into the batter right before baking. Coffee notes naturally enhance the chocolate flavo, so enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee for an after-dinner dessert is a perfect match.

Flourless Whipped Coffee Chocolate Cake Active time: 25 minutes | Total time: 1 hour, 45 minutes Yields one 8-inch cake Ingredients 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons instant coffee 2 teaspoons hot water 3 large eggs Half-cup cacao powder Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare the cake pan by lightly greasing it and lining with a parchment circle cut to size.

2. With an electric mixer, whisk together the instant coffee, hot water and 2 teaspoons of the sugar until it is fluffy and holds its shape. Set aside.

3. Use a double-boiler method or microwave to melt the butter and soften the chocolate chips together in one bowl.

Stir mixture until fully incorporated.

4. Stir the remaining sugar and salt into the butter chocolate mixture.

5. Add eggs, beating until just incorporated.

6. Add cocoa powder, stirring until just combined.

7. Gently fold in the fluffy instant coffee mixture.

8. Spoon batter into the pan and bake for about 25 minutes, until a thin crust has formed and the internal center temperature reaches 200 degrees.

9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 43

EVENTS

Wednesday, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25

RUNWAY Kid’s Club, 10 to 11 a.m.

At this fun event, kids can read, sing, learn and play in the sunshine! They will read stories, sing, dance, jam with musical instruments and play with the parachute. Come by early to get settled and pop some bubbles.

Stay a few minutes after to connect with other babies, meet other parents and caregivers, bang on the drums and build community around literacy. In partnership with Books and Cookies.

12775 W. Millennium, Playa Vista

Friday, July 16, 23 & 30

Sizzling Summer Jazz Nights, 5 to 8 p.m.

Enjoy live jazz music every Friday all summer long at RUNWAY. Grab a meal from one of their eateries and enjoy outdoor seating on Town Center Drive!

12775 W. Millennium, Playa Vista

Saturday, July 17

Playa Vista Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Want some fresh produce from local farms? On Millennium Drive between Village Drive and McConnell, the Playa Vista Farmers Market will be selling fresh produce and handmade

— Compiled by Katie Lulla

foods. Takes place every Saturday, rain or shine.

12775 W. Millennium, Playa Vista Playa Vista Community Compost Hub, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Food is the number one item in landfills, and when it rots it creates methane, a greenhouse gas 84 times more potent than CO2. But when food scraps are composted, they build soil and encourage plant growth – which pull carbon from the atmosphere.

Now you can drop your food scraps at the Playa Vista Market Compost Hub. They accept all organic matter, but please no compostable plastics. “Compost Goalie” volunteers are needed to help make sure non-compostables stay out of their pile.

Interested in volunteering? Email volunteer@sproutsofpromise.org 12775 Millennium Dr., Los Angeles

Sunday, July 18

Silicon Beach Family Hike, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Join Silicon Beach Parents Group for a free community hike for kids and their grown-ups. Silicon Beach families with children of all ages are invited on a family hike in Playa Vista, led by SBPG director Gabrielle D’Addario and volunteer parents from the community. Families who wish to participate in this activity should meet at Cafe Ruisseau Playa Vista between 9-9:30 a.m. Take COURTESY OF WALLIS ANNENBERG PETSPACE

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is hosting a special workshop on August 8 at 10 a.m. where dogs will learn the in-depth basics of dog agility.

44 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

COURTESY OF UNIQUE MARKETS/RUNWAY PLAYA VISTA

CALENDAR

On July 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Unique Markets at RUNWAY will feature over 80 vendors, fun photo ops, free drinks and more.

advantage of street parking or utilize the parking structure (pay for parking) adjacent to the café.

Strollers welcome. Please remember to wear your sunscreen.

For more information, visit siliconbeachparents.com

Monday, July 19

SFTV Summer Screening and Live Q&A: Welcome to the Show - Loyola Marymount University, 5 p.m.

“Welcome to the Show” highlights the adventure of four best friends inside a theater called “The Show.” The group’s friendship and sensibility is tested in this thrilling mystery. The film is almost entirely students and was put on the world stage at the Cinequest Film Festival in 2021. After the move, there will be a live Q&A with the director and writer Dorie Barton.

For more information, visit cal.lmu.edu

Friday, July 24

Summer Series: Playa del Rey Comedy Beach Bash, 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate summer with a massive beach comedy bash in Playa del Rey! Enjoy a 90-minute outdoor standup comedy show at a gorgeous beachfront house with major headlining comedians from Netflix, Comedy Central and the movies. Actual 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. It’s a party!

Tickets $20. Email questions to Mandy Ruis at seanlearypress@gmail.com 7053 Trolleyway South, Playa del Rey

Sunday, July 25

Unique Markets at RUNWAY, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Get ready for some fun in the sun as Unique Markets takes over RUNWAY and Playa Vista with over 80 vendors, fun photo ops, free drinks, crafts and DIY stations, and a kids’ play area. You won’t want to miss it!

For more information, visit runwayplayavista.com

Sunday, August 8

Agility Fun Workshop, 10 a.m. our dog will learn the in-depth basics of the fun, quickly-growing sport of dog agility at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. Cost is $35.

For more information, visit annenbergpetspace.org Playa Vista Sunday Scoot, 11 a.m.

Join Silicon Beach Parents Group for an all-family scoot.

Meet at Micro Store. Participants are entered to win a Micro!

For more information, visit siliconbeachparents.com

BUSINESS

(Continued from page 39)

young,” she says. “I had a big vision, but no idea how to do any of it. I dropped out of art school and went for it, though. I learned everything I needed to learn by just doing it, whether it was accounting, making ice cream, marketing or branding.”

Ice cream is, obviously, important to Bauer. But she’s hoping her customers understand that Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is an art.

“We, as people, make up the company,” Bauer says.

“We love serving people. We’re just a service company. I love our shops and selling ice cream in grocery stores. We speak directly to you through pints and packaging. We tell you a little story about the ice cream. I think that’s the best way to put it.”

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Runway 12751 Millennium Drive, Suite PU-4, Playa Vista 213-814-0590, jenis.com

Jeni’s limited-edition Wedding Cake flavor combines vanilla cake with lemon, blackberries and buttercream icing.

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PET ADOPTION

Adoptable Pets

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

CASSIE

SADIE

CHEESY MAC

Hello, my name is Cassie. I’m an adult cat who is quite friendly. I like to show affection to people I can trust. I’m fairly chatty too; it’s one of the ways I show love.

Stop by for a visit soon, I’d be happy to see you!

Hi, I’m Sadie. I am a young girl looking for a kind and caring home. I’m quite timid, so please take your time with me so I can learn to put my trust in you.

Hopefully we can become a great team!

Hi there, I’m Cheesy Mac! I’m a laidback and gentle guy who really likes a quiet home where I can relax with my people. I can take a moment to warm up, but keeping things slow and quiet will help me come out of my shell. Once I know I can trust you, I know we’ll have lots of fun. I especially like playing with toys!

Summer Well-Being Katie McGuire, CPDT-KA As we continue through summer, it’s important to be mindful

of our pets’ comfort and safety. Go for walks early morning or after sunset, rather than midday. Don’t leave your pet in the car, even with windows open a crack. They can easily overheat and it’s illegal.

Confirm that screened windows at home are secure and any windows

without screens are closed. Pets can easily fall out or escape.

Make sure your pets have constant access to water and shaded areas outside. By keeping your pets’ well-being in mind while we try to stay cool, you’ll ensure they’re happy and healthy!

To learn more about pet adoption, or to see other available pets, visit annenbergpetspace.org 46 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021

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August/September Ad Space deadline Wednesday, August 18 Publishes August 26

Adoptions & Programs for Pet Lovers Annenberg PetSpace is celebrating the human-animal bond by offering socially-distanced tours, pet adoptions, classes, and programs for all ages.

Schedule an appointment to visit today!

For more information, please call 310.574.7655

annenbergpetspace.org PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021 47

Trust Your Eyes to Assil Eye Institute

Please see what we are doing to comply with CDC recommendations to keep our facilities clean and safe for our staff and patients at www.assileye.com Our world-class LASIK, cataract, & retinal surgeons provide compassionate care, and cutting edge procedures in ophthalmology, including these conditions:

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• 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.

• 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.

• Local resident of Playa Vista with her husband and two boys • She is the Director of Glaucoma at Assil Eye Institute and a Board Certified, Fellowship trained Cataract, LASIK, and Glaucoma Specialist, with training and experience developed at nationally renowned ophthalmic institutions • She has performed thousands of surgeries including EAGLE vision LASIK, PRK, ICL as well as Laser-Assisted Cataract surgery.

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48 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | JUNE - JULY 2021