Playa Vista Direct - July/August 2022 by Times Media Group

Playa Vista JULY / AUGUST 2022

Direct

Fostering Community

Real estate team commits to making Playa Vista a great place to live

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ISSUE

JULY / AUGUST 2022

PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

TABLE of CONTENTS

July / August 2022

Departments

FROM THE EDITOR

SPORTS

Serving the Community

The brand-new Topgolf facility features a variety of entertainment options

COMMUNITY

Local teen volunteers at PetSpace to help animals

ENTERTAINMENT

Stay cool in the heat with refreshing cocktails and beverages

Deutsch LA launches “California Freestyle” campaign

Adrian Blake Mitchell champions diversity for local ballet dancers

Team Tami’s real estate team makes a difference in the lives of families and the community. Photo by Chris Mortenson Design by Arman Olivares

TASTE

Reimagined cupcakes feature nutrient-dense ingredients

Gluten-free tart celebrates the orange

CALENDAR

HEALTH ON THE COVER:

PEOPLE

Team Tami commits to making Playa Vista a great place to live

SHOPPING Fun fragrances evoke the carefree nature of summer

RUNWAY hosted a backyard block party with food, music and movies

Feature

Pause Studio supports good health with modern and holistic services

The NOW Massage South Bay offers guest a place to relax and recharge

Check out fun local events including National Night Out and a Feline Frenzy Adoption

PET ADOPTIONS

Meet Elvis, a handsome dog who enjoys the spotlight

BUSINESS

Amazon One brings a new way of shopping to Playa Vista’s Whole Foods Market

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JULY / AUGUST 2022

JE S S E WE INBE RG

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

VIEWS OF THE WETLANDS, BLUFFS, MARINA, & OCEAN

2495 Glencoe Ave. Venice 4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,254 Sq.Ft. $2,399,000

Chatelaine- 5721 Crescent Park #406 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,346 Sq.Ft. $1,895,000 5721CrescentPark406.com

CORNER UNIT OVERLOOKING CONCERT PARK

JUST LISTED 8415 Naylor Ave., Westchester 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,013 Sq.Ft. $1,495,000 8415Naylor.com

The Lofts - 13020 Pacific Promenade #217 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,480 Sq.Ft. $1,149,000 13020PacificPromenade217.com

JUST LISTED Camden - 12518 W. Fielding Circle #1 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,601 Sq.Ft. $1,825,000 12518Fielding.com

FOR LEASE Chatelaine - 5721 Crescent Park #204 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,845 Sq.Ft. $6,500/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 8, 2022. 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.

JULY / AUGUST 2022

PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

FROM the EDITOR

Serving the Community

or our special July/August issue we shine the spotlight on businesses and individuals who are serving the community in different ways. On the cover we feature Team Tami, a local realty team led by Playa Vista resident Tami Humphrey that is committed to making a difference in the lives of families and the community. After fleeing Russia during the Ukraine invasion, professional ballet dancer Adrian Blake Mitchell is back in Playa Vista, where he is working to expand the outreach of the art form in the community and opening access for local dancers of color. Seventeen-year-old Max Huber is passionate about helping animals and has volunteered more than 300 hours of his time at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, where he helps out with everything from dog training classes to animal care and guest services. If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun this summer, the brand-new Topgolf facility in El Segundo features the latest technology including climatecontrolled outdoor hitting bays, a restaurant and sports bar, along with music and year-round programming for all ages. And if you’re in need of some self-care, The NOW Massage South Bay offers a chic space with affordable services, while Pause Studio’s innovative and holistic wellness treatments include cryotherapy and infrared saunas to help guests work, sleep and perform at their best. We also highlight our favorite fragrances and beverages, as well as upcoming events to check out this summer including National Night Out, where you can meet the community’s local police officers while enjoying good food and family activities. Wishing everyone a fun and safe summer! Kamala Kirk Editor • kkirk@timespublications.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski EDITOR Kamala Kirk GRAPHIC DESIGNER Arman Olivares CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Mortenson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bridgette Redman Michele Robinson INTERNS Oliver Grynberg Stella Karron ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Peter Lymbertos plymbertos@timespublications.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rebecca Bermudez rbermudez@timespublications.com

(310) 574-7655

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

VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Hiatt PRESIDENT: Steve Strickbine

PlayaVistaDirect.com 6

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COMMUNITY

Max to the Rescue 17-year-old volunteers at PetSpace to help animals BY MICHELE ROBINSON

Max Huber is a 17-year-old Playa Vista resident who is passionate about helping animals and has logged over 300 volunteer hours at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. (Photo courtesy of Max Huber)

eventeen-year-old Max Huber is passionate about helping animals and has logged over 300 volunteer hours at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace in Playa Vista. “It’s easy to want to volunteer there,” Huber says. “The staff is very welcoming, warm and friendly. They make me feel very comfortable.” A Playa Vista resident, Huber always wanted pets in his life. Since he was 5, he begged his parents for a dog. His persistence finally paid off five years later when they adopted Bauzer, which helped to spark his love of animals. “All animals have their own personalities, each is a different and fun experience,” Huber says. By the age of 13, Boy Scouts no longer appealed to Huber. Looking for a fresh way to volunteer in the community, he sought out the newly opened PetSpace. From then on, he spent much of his free time, including weekends and school breaks, volunteering at the rescue. “I volunteer about two to four hours every Saturday or Sunday,” Huber says. “Summer break is a great time to volunteer because I can spend more time there than during the school year.” Because teens younger than the age of 15 need an adult volunteer to accompany them, his mother, Stefanie, is also a long-term volunteer. Huber can volunteer on his own now, but they continue to volunteer together. “We do it together,” Stefanie says. “We hang out and both look forward to it. It also helps keep us close during the teen years, which has been really nice.” To volunteer, Huber and his mother attended training sessions for each volunteer job they performed. “Before COVID, we got to work one on one with the animals and got on the job training,” Huber says. “You also Continued on page 10

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COMMUNITY Continued from page 8

learn as you go.” Huber stays passionate by diversifying his volunteer activities. He enjoys helping out with Paws and Pages storytime, Mutt Manners and Agility dog training classes, animal care and guest services. Paws and Pages is geared for children ages 2 to 10 on Saturdays and Sundays at noon. For storytime, their duties depend on what is needed. This may include craft testing, distributing crafts, and introducing the special pup for adoption with their handler. For the Mutt Manners and Agility community training classes, they volunteer as an assistant. This includes welcoming and checking in the guests and their pups, and making sure they have doggie blankets, treats and water for class. For animal care, they get to socialize and play with the kittens and cats, and tidy the animal rooms and facility as they go. And for guest services, they can talk with potential adopters and show them around the facility. “I like that there is so much to do there including a diverse amount of activities,” Huber says. “I help with story time for kids by preparing the crafts. I also assist in the dog training classes, enrichment, and do whatever it takes to make the class run smoothly.” Huber is a junior at New West Charter School in West Los Angeles. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA, academics are important to him. Although he is enrolled in all honors classes, he particularly excels in STEM subjects. When Huber isn’t volunteering at PetSpace, he tutors friends in calculus, chemistry and physics. His parents pay him to tutor his younger sister in algebra. He plans to major in biochemistry in college with the hopes of becoming a veterinarian. Huber is so passionate about becom-

Huber helps out at PetSpace with everything from dog training classes to animal care and guest services. (Photo courtesy of Max Huber)

ing a veterinarian that for spring break he went to Countryside Veterinary Services in Knoxville, Tennessee, to participate in a preveterinary internship with farm animals. During the internship, he worked with dogs, cats, reindeer, sheep, horses and goats. He also observed canine veterinary surgeries and received hands-on training. He assisted in administering vaccines and grooming procedures. “I had the opportunity to help a newborn colt learn to nurse from its

mother,” Huber says. Huber also hopes that his efforts will inspire other teens to volunteer at Annenberg PetSpace. “It’s always a good idea to help your community with whatever you are passionate about,” Huber says. “It’s fun to volunteer and cool to give back.” Wallis Annenberg PetSpace annenbergpetspace.org PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

JULY / AUGUST 2022

BERNARD G. REINA, AIF®

Director - Wealth Management

Senior Wealth Advisor Citi Personal Wealth Management

READER RECOMMENDED BEST OF THE

WESTSIDE 2021 READER RECOMMENDED FOR BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

BERNARD G. REINA

Director - Wealth Management Citi Personal Wealth Management Accredited Investment Fiduciary, AIF®

Office: 310-641-6943 Bernard.Reina@Citi.com 8800 S Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles 90045

In 2011, Mr. Reina founded and continues to lead the Premier Wealth Advisory Group that manages over 1/2 Billion in assets at Citi Personal Wealth Management. He is a seasoned investment professional providing complex multigenerational financial solutions and capital market strategies to high net worth clients. Prior to joining Citigroup in 1999, he started his early career with Dean Witter Reynolds Investments, which merged with Morgan Stanley Investments. Bernard has extensive experience with asset allocation modeling, which includes a deep understanding of investment objectives, portfolio construction, manager selection, risk analysis, tactical tilts, and next generation/estate planning with family members and loved ones. Bernard is responsible for providing investment guidance and advice to Individuals, High Net Worth Families, Retirees, Divorcees, Widows, Business Professionals and Non-Profit Foundations. In addition, he works closely with Estate Attorneys and Tax Advisors to help ensure all are on the same page with a client’s objectives. Bernard is firmly committed to distinguishing himself as an advisor who has long-term family-like relationships with his clients throughout the good, bad, and ugly times of the economic cycles.

He also acts as a client advocate by giving feedback to senior management as a member of the CPWM President’s Advisory Council. He was also recognized as a CitiStars Top Performer and Global Chairman Council. Furthermore, he is recognized in the “Top 100 Bank Advisors” by Bank Investment Consultant Magazine. Bernard graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a B.S. in Finance. He also completed the Citi Global Wealth Institute Executive program at University of Pennsylvania, “Wharton School of Business.” He currently holds his Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), as well as his life, accident, and health insurance license with the California Department of Insurance. In addition, he also is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF). Bernard spent a few years of his childhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina and in Torino, Italy. Bernard is fluent in Spanish and conventional Italian. He currently lives in Westchester with his family and is happily married with two daughters. He is very active in the Los Angeles community professional network. Furthermore, he sits on the Gala Committee for Little Company of Mary Hospital in Redondo Beach. In addition to investing, his hobbies include fitness, traveling, Soccer, Football, Skiing and Boxing. Besides physical activities, he has a passion for food, wine, music, movies, and foreign languages. Bernard Reina says that managing portfolios is now a unique form of differentiation. He and his colleagues utilitize six value propositions for their clients: Organization, accountability, objectivity, proactivity, education and partnership. “Bonding with my clients is where I really excel, perhaps by sharing my personal experience with them,” he says. “This connection is the key to a successful client relationship.”

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12673 BLUF F CRE E K D RI VE | AS KI N G: $2 ,7 0 0,000

Dennis Hsii, MBA Realtor® DRE #01919746 (844) 99-PLAYA dennis@playavistapremiere.com Playa Vista Premiere

PLAYAVISTACOLLECTI O N .COM ©2021 Highland Premiere. All rights reserved. DRE License #02014153. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omission, changes or withdrawal without If your 2022 propertyPLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM is currently listed with another real estate broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. JULYnotice. / AUGUST

COMMUNITY

Backyard Block Party RUNWAY hosts family-friendly event with food and drinks, live music and movies BY KAMALA KIRK PHOTOS BY CHRIS MORTENSON

o kick off summer, RUNWAY Playa Vista hosted a Backyard Block Party on May 19 that featured food, drinks, live entertainment and movies. The family-friendly event included drinks and cocktails provided by Joliet. From 5 to 7 p.m., attendees enjoyed live music from Undecided Future presented by Breaking Sound, followed by a movie screening from 7 to 9 p.m.

Annie Nam, Nicole Levings and Jahmee hanging out.

Matt Isaac from the band Undecided Future puts on a show during the RUNWAY Playa Vista Block Party.

Bonnie and Leo mingle at the event. PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

JULY / AUGUST 2022

COMMUNITY

Ryan and Steve Schrier enjoy the festivities.

Kate Coke, Josh Coke and Butters. JULY / AUGUST 2022

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Nick Romanello from Joliet mixes drinks for attendees.

Evelyn Williams and Joliet owner Alex Meza.

LE IN

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2319 PENMAR AVENUE, VENICE

656 CALIFORNIA AVENUE, VENICE

4 BED | 5.5 BATH | 4,511 SQ. FT. | 5,406 SQ. FT. LOT ASKING PRICE $4,999,000

4 BED | 3.5 BATH | 3,150 SQ. FT. | 5,385 SQ. FT. LOT ASKING PRICE $2,995,000

#6 IN LOS ANGELES | #16 IN CALIFORNIA | OVER $440M SOLD IN 2021

12618 MILLENNIUM DRIVE, PLAYA VISTA

5 BED | 3.5 BATH | 3,639 SQ. FT. | 11,761 SQ. FT. LOT SOLD PRICE $3,500,000

ROBIN GAUR

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807 RADCLIFFE AVENUE, PACIFIC PALISADES 6 BED | 7 BATH | 6,300 SQ. FT. | 9,804 SQ. FT. LOT SOLD PRICE $7,000,000

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Each office is independently owned and operated. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not a solicitation. The Agency does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other information concerning the condition or PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM JULY / AUGUST features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection with appropriate licensed professionals.

2022

A WHOLE SCHOLAR APPROACH TO TK-12 EDUCATION

COMMUNITY SCHOOL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

WISH continues to thrive due to the incredible support of the Westchester community, strong parent partnerships, and a commitment to high-quality meaningful and engaging public education for all students by our amazing team of educators! A place where your child will:

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7400 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester, CA 90045

Middle School

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Entrance on Emerson Ave.

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phone (310) 642-9474

phone (310) 410-9940

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7400 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester, CA 90045

ENTERTAINMENT Playa Vista-based creative agency Deutsch LA has partnered with the California Milk Advisory Board for a new musically-driven campaign called “California Freestyle.”

(Photos courtesy of Deutsch LA, Real California Milk)

California Freestyle Deutsch LA and CA Milk Advisory Board launch new musically-driven campaign BY KAMALA KIRK

laya Vista-based creative agency Deutsch LA has partnered with the California Milk Advisory Board to launch a new musically-driven campaign called “California Freestyle.” As part of their new ‘Live in the Golden State’ positioning, the California Milk Advisory Board (aka Real California Milk) also dropped a new Latin pop single of the same name with the firstever record made from a real wheel of Real California Cheese. “To live in the Golden State is an active, cultural experience, both physical and emotional, where we embrace everything that makes this state so special and we nourish ourselves with delicious, comforting food made with Real California Milk,” says John Talbot, CEO of the California Milk Advisory Board. “California Freestyle is more than a song, it’s a visual celebration of diverse people, individuality, iconic destinations and food. It’s the rich and vibrant lifestyle and mindset of living in the Golden State.” The track premiered with a 60-second music video during the California broadcast of the 64th Grammy Awards, giving viewers a taste of California Freestyle in every sense. The single is available on all major music streaming platforms, with a curated album design by Deutsch LA that showcases the vibrant colors of California with a nod towards iconic Golden State graphics. Trevon Kuhn, Deutsch LA creative director, adds, “For the campaign, we initially considered developing unique work in both English and in Spanish, but decided creating a single, bilingual campaign is a more inclusive and modern way to unify audiences and is more reflective of true California culture.” California Freestyle realcaliforniamilk.com

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COVER STORY

Team Tami includes Brendan Huben, Kristen Faye, Ziari Aguilar, Summer Vitz, Tami Humphrey, Chad Aronson, Morgan Ward, Erika Mena and Lisa Lopez. (Photo by Chris Mortenson)

Fostering Community Real estate team commits to making Playa Vista a great place to live

ith parents in the business, Tami Humphrey knew early on the difference a realtor can make in the lives of families and of a community. “I love helping people,” Humphrey says. “That’s really what made me fall in love with the business.” Humphrey is a realtor and a homeowner in Playa Vista, having moved to the community when it was brand new. She’s watched it grow and can enthusiastically share with potential buyers the advantages to becoming a part of the community. “Everyone has fallen in love with the community and how walkable it is, how they maintain it and how beautiful it is,” Humphrey says. “We just feel really lucky

BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN

to be a part of it and to have been a part of it since the beginning.” Humphrey is the founder of Team Tami, a team with nine team members assembled to best serve their clients. She takes pride in the fact that all of them know Playa Vista well and are committed to its success. “We’re huge on giving back to the community,” Humphrey says. “That includes events—whether we rent out a movie theater or do ice cream sundaes and music with Playa Vista.” They’ve sponsored a Friends of Ballona Wetlands event. They contribute to the elementary school by doing things such as making calendars or sponsoring Halloween events.

They want each of their clients to feel as though they are the only client they have. It’s part of what has contributed to their success. “We’ve been the number one team in Playa Vista since 2018 and consistently are growing every year,” Humphrey says. “We never lose sight of the one-on-one communication that makes our clients feel like they are our only one. Many of our clients have become really close friends.” Tami Humphrey Team Tami playavistaliving.com Palm Realty Boutique PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

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Playa Vista by Team Tami ICON

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TEMPO

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IN ESCROW

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6020 Seabluff Dr. #129

12975 Agustin Pl #321

4 Bed, 5 Bath, 3,766 Sq Ft. Represented Buyer & Seller

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath, 1,750 Sq Ft. Offered at $1,410,000

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath, 1,840 Sq Ft. Offered at $1,299,000

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13173 Pacific Promenade #103

12920 Runway Rd. #161

6400 Crescent Park # 417

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath, 1,812 Sq Ft. Offered at $1,350,000

Tami Humphrey (310)745-1600

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1,310 Sq Ft. Offered at $1,295,000

2 Bed, 2 Bath, 1,010 Sq Ft. Offered at $849,000

home@playavistaliving.com www.playavistaliving.com

DRE #01745122

JULY / AUGUST 2022

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PEOPLE

Championing Diversity Adrian Blake Mitchell opens access for local ballet dancers of color (Courtesy photo)

BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN

Adrian Blake Mitchell is a professional ballet dancer who is looking to open opportunities for people to become professional dancers regardless of their socio-economic status. (Photo by Chris Mortenson)

drian Blake Mitchell is determined to see that other young people—especially youth of color—are able to have the same access to ballet that he did. Mitchell and his partner, Andrea Lassakova, recently fled Russia after Ukraine was invaded, leaving behind his role in a dance company where he was the first male dancer of color. Now living in Playa Vista and working hand-in-hand with Westside Ballet of Santa Monica, a place where he once got his training and has since performed with, he’s looking to open opportunities for people to become professional dancers regardless of their socio-economic status. “We’re working on a program where we can access communities that usually wouldn’t be exposed to dance,” Mitchell says. “It can take the weight off of the parents, because that’s one of the biggest barriers—parents can’t take kids to ballet and pay for ballet while they’re trying to work.” For the first program, it will be a one-day free dance program offering such classes as ballet and jazz. They’ll also provide transportation and food. They have two goals in mind. One is to find young people who could become professional dancers and the other is to foster a love of dance among the broader community as a way of keeping the art form alive and thriving. “It’s the kind of project I’ve been dying for,” Mitchell says. “This time it’s going to be just a one-day program, but we’re really PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

JULY / AUGUST 2022

Mitchell also formed his own nonprofit, Dance in Color, with a group of friends, that started out giving scholarships to dancers of color and is working to expand and create lasting change in the industry. (Photo by Chris Mortenson)

hoping to build it out and have it be even a few weeks. When I was in New York, I mentioned it to some people at the major ballet schools and they all loved the idea. Maybe it’s something that can become a program that we have in more than one state.” He’ll also be teaching a masterclass sometime this summer that will be open to young people in Los Angeles, Playa Vista and elsewhere around LA County. The work with Westside Ballet fits in with the goals he has with his own nonprofit, Dance in Color. Formed two years ago with a group of friends, the organization started out giving scholarships to dancers of color. Now they are working to expand it—to raise more money, build a board and to engage in more activities. “We just have so much interest from potential dancers, some of the most talented dancers I’ve ever seen, who need scholarships,” Mitchell says. “These programs that we’re working to build are so important. It’s a matter of getting the funds to do it, so we’re in a very intense fundraising stage.” Mitchell’s own life experiences give him empathy for students of color who are struggling today. Growing up, there were a mix of people who accepted him like anyone else, but others had a double standard where others were held up as being more talented even though they would never achieve what he did. Russia was also an interesting experience because Mitchell says he was the first and only Black man performing professionally. While in St. Petersburg and Moscow the audience was always receptive, sometimes he’d go out to obscure places in Russia where he didn’t see a single Black person. He says there was often a reaction to him based on his skin color, though usually it was a welcoming one because for others it was something totally new. “There’s a huge contrast between Russia and America,” Mitchell says. “On that subject (race), in Russia there is a lot of inContinued on page 26 JULY / AUGUST 2022

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ate of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number [license number to be inserted by region]. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled ate of Changes Californiainand abides by Equal Opportunity License Number number be inserted by region]. All description. material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled rified. price, condition, saleHousing or withdrawal may belaws. made without notice. [license No statement is to made as to accuracy of any All measurements and square footage are approximate. rified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

PEOPLE Continued from page 23

sensitivity. But in America, we should know better because of our history and there’s just so much work to be done.” That said, Mitchell points out that there is work happening and that a shift is taking place. He stresses that he is optimistic about the future. There have been a turnover of directors in companies and schools, and more people are championing diversity. There are several changes he would like to see take place. One is to look at the pay gap between dancers and directors. His mother worked for the NBA for a long time and pointed out that the highest paid person in the organization is a star player, not the coach. It’s a similar shift in power that Mitchell would like to see in the dance world. He also believes that if the dance world focused more on technique, it would start to lose a lot of its racial bias. Finally, he finds it crucial that opportunities be created for young dancers of color so that the playing field can be leveled. “It won’t happen organically, it has to be a concerted effort,” Mitchell says. “It can’t just be allowed to happen. It must be pushed, never sacrificing a standard, but always being inclusive and specifically making sure that dance is accessible to dancers of color.” Meanwhile, both he and Lassakova are hoping to get back on stage. Lassakova is auditioning for ballet companies around the country. Mitchell says he has been taking his time to make sure he is headed in the right direction, but that performing at Westside Ballet on Mother’s Day weekend was rewarding and enjoyable, a contrast to the intense schedule that he had while in Russia. Mitchell would love to see more people in LA appreciate dance as an art form. He’d like for every seat at every performance to be filled and to have people there from all walks of life. He’s met too many

Mitchell is working with Westside Ballet, a place where he once got his training and has since performed with, to create a program where they can access communities that usually wouldn’t be exposed to dance and foster a love of dance as a way of keeping the art form alive and thriving. (Photo by Chris Mortenson)

people in the U.S. who think ballet is for “fancy, rich white people,” when he knows it can be for everyone. He wants people to come and experience something that could have an amazing effect on them. It’s another place where he draws a contrast between his home country and Russia. While he recounts many terrible things that go on in Russia, Russians are huge supporters of art and of ballet in particular. There are many dance companies and they put on two or three shows a day in each venue. Their capacity for each show hovers at 99%—a capacity that held for more than 900 shows a year. “How they did that was really outreach to the community, and, of course, it took

them hundreds of years,” Mitchell says. He hopes to some day be in a leadership role in the states and to work toward that sort of reception. For now, Mitchell will be working his magic with Westside Ballet and Dance in Color to expand the outreach of the art form in this community, constantly building toward a better world for ballet dancers.” Adrian Blake Mitchell adrianblakemitchell.com Instagram: @adrianblakemitchell Dance in Color danceincolor.com PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

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HEALTH

Innovative Approach to Wellness Pause Studio offers modern and holistic services to support good health BY KAMALA KIRK

Pause Studio is a tranquil wellness oasis where guests can relax, rejuvenate, and restore their minds and bodies. (Photo Courtesy of Pause Studio)

ollowing the success of its first two studios in Venice and West Hollywood, Pause Studio recently opened a third location at The Point shopping center to bring its innovative wellness treatments to the Westside and South Bay. Pause Studio was founded in 2016 by friends and former Equinox executives Jeff Ono and John Klein, who wanted to offer people an opportunity to hit the pause button and relax in their daily lives. “We are thrilled to join the South Bay community with the opening of our third location at The Point in El Segundo,” Ono says. “Pause is a sanctuary to recover both physically and mentally from the stress of everyday life. We’re committed to making an elevated wellness experience more accessible, with services starting at just $40. Everyone can benefit from our services—whether you’re a busy parent, a corporate executive, an athlete recovering from a strenuous match, or a person who is simply curious about trying new health and wellness modalities, you can Pause.” Architectural and interiors firm Project M Plus designed Pause Studio, which features a tranquil and soothing oasis where guests can relax, rejuvenate and restore their minds and bodies. Floatation therapy is among the innovative services offered, where guests float in pods containing body-temperature water infused with healing Epsom salts. Benefits include reduced stress, detoxification, athletic recovery, improved skin and hair health, and deeper sleep. Other popular services are the infrared saunas, which detox and soothe sore muscles while boosting immunity; cryotherapy, where one is exposed to ultralow temperatures to improve circulation, increase energy and improve sleep; LED light therapy for stimulating collagen production, reducing inflammation and repairing damaged tissue; IV therapy to Continued on page 30 PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

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HEALTH

Cryotherapy is among the innovative modern and holistic services that Pause offers. (Photo Courtesy of Pause Studio)

Continued from page 28

infuse the body with vitamins, minerals and amino acids; contrast therapy, where one alternates between an ice cold plunge and warm sauna to kickstart healing; and naturopathic medicine. Services can be combined, are designed to complement one another and range in pricing that starts at $35. “What’s unique about our South Bay

studio is that we also have a naturopathic medicine doctor on-site,” Ono says. “Dr. Charles Tabone combines the wisdom of nature with the advancements of modern sciences, offering the most integrative and comprehensive approach to health. An approach that focuses on the underlying cause of your health conditions, rather than just treating symptoms. The Pause experience, from the sciencebacked services to an award-winning de-

sign and warm staff, is formulated to help you work better, sleep better, perform better, and ultimately live better.” Pause Studio South Bay 820 South Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 110, El Segundo 310-602-6810 pausestudio.com PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

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REDEFINING PHYSICAL THERAPY AND FITNESS IN THE HEART OF PLAYA VISTA

New Member Unlimited Fitness Classes for just $99

310-915-6100

evolutionphysicaltherapy.com 6826 S Centinela Ave, Playa Vista

Accepts most major health insurances for physical therapy services

New Outdoor Watering Restrictions Addresses End in

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

ODD EVEN

THU

FRI

SAT

Limit Outdoor Watering to 2 Days a Week 8 Mins/Station/Day OR Two 15 Min Cycles/Day with Water-Conserving Nozzles Before 9 AM or After 4 PM

ladwp.com/wateringdays JULY / AUGUST 2022

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HEALTH

Self-Care Sanctuary The NOW Massage South Bay offers guests a place to relax and recharge BY KAMALA KIRK

The NOW Massage South Bay is a chic wellness space inspired by nature where all of guests’ self-care needs will be met. (Photo credit: Public 311 Design )

or those seeking personal time to relax and recharge, The NOW Massage’s new location in El Segundo welcomes guests into a chic and comfortable space where all of their self-care needs will be met. With additional locations in Santa Monica, Studio City, Silver Lake and West Hollywood, The NOW Massage makes wellness affordable and accessible while maintaining a luxurious and elevated experience. Located in The Works shopping center, The NOW South Bay features a natureinspired aesthetic and a treatment menu that offers different types of massages, enhancements and wellness offerings. They also have a retail boutique where The NOW’s signature products can be purchased, and monthly memberships featuring special discounts and other VIP perks are also available. “The NOW South Bay is a welcoming self-care sanctuary for our local community, as well as a relaxing destination for visitors seeking to recharge after a day at the beach or exploring all the South Bay has to offer,” says franchise owner Lisa Caldwell-Meeks. The NOW South Bay is open Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations can be made via phone or the website.

The NOW Massage South Bay 710-A S Allied Way, El Segundo 310-455-6766 thenowmassage.com Instagram: @thenowmassage PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

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Schrader’s book, “Thedifferent Low-Carbon Cookbook,” covers Services include types of massages in the science and features 140 additionoftoclimate variouschange enhancements such as herbal sustainable, globally-influenced, recipes. heat therapy, soothing eye plant-based masks and gua sha. (Photo by Chris Mortenson) (Photo credit: Public 311 Design )

Amazon One is a new biometric-based palm recognition and payment system available for use at Whole Foods Market. (Courtesy photo )

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BUSINESS

The system provides a contact-free option for customers, who simply hold their palm above the device to purchase. (Courtesy photo )

A New Way to Shop Amazon One comes to Playa Vista’s Whole Foods Market BY OLIVER GRYNBERG

laya Vista Whole Foods recently introduced customers to Amazon One, a new and optional way of shopping. Amazon’s new biometric-based palm recognition and payment system is now available for use at the Playa Vista Whole Foods Market, which joins a growing list of Whole Foods and other Amazon and third party retailers to offer the contact-free payment and identification system around the country. To register for Amazon One, a customer needs only to enroll their palm by hovering it above a small circular console and linking a credit card and phone number. When they are ready to pay, customers simply hover their palm over the Amazon One device and the card that is linked to their palm will be JULY / AUGUST 2022

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charged. The system provides a contact-free option for customers looking to leave a congested store quickly, qualities that are poignant in the midst of a global pandemic. It takes less than a minute to enroll and once a person has registered, each time they need to confirm their ID or pay they’ll just hold their palm above the device for a second or two, then the transaction is complete. When holding one’s palm over the Amazon One device, the technology evaluates multiple aspects of a person’s palm. No two palms are alike, and they analyze all these aspects with their vision technology and select the most distinct identifiers on their palm to create their palm signature. Safeguarding customer privacy is a

foundational design principle for Amazon One. The Amazon One device is protected by multiple security controls and palm images are never stored on the device. The images are encrypted and sent to a highly secure area that has been custom built for Amazon One in the cloud where they create each user’s palm signature. For more information about Amazon One, visit their website. Whole Foods Market Playa Vista 12746 West Jefferson Boulevard, Playa Vista 310-862-9900 Amazon One one.amazon.com

SPORTS

Tee off at Topgolf

El Segundo is home to a brand-new Topgolf facility. (Photo courtesy of Topgolf )

New facility offers fun for the entire family BY KAMALA KIRK

The facility includes 102 climatecontrolled outdoor hitting bays. (Photo courtesy of Topgolf )

he brand-new Topgolf facility in El Segundo features traditional and non-traditional ways to play golf through the company’s signature three-level venue experiences as well as an adjacent 10-hole, lighted, par-3 golf course. In addition to 102 climate-controlled outdoor hitting bays, guests can enjoy a restaurant and sports bar offering a chef-inspired menu items, top-shelf drinks, music and yearround programming for all ages. The venue is fully equipped with Topgolf’s latest technology including a giant TV wall, brand-new dispenser units, large HD screens in the outfield, and the company’s signature Toptracer technology. Topgolf El Segundo is open seven days a week.

Topgolf El Segundo 400 S Pacific Coast Highway, El Segundo 424-567-6385 topgolf.com/us/el-segundo

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Manage postal mail and packages while at the beach

Virtual and Private Mailboxes Starting at $9.97

playaplace.com 322 Culver Blvd, Playa del Rey, CA 90293

(424) 289-0012

Advertising Works! Playa Vista Direct magazine is the only local magazine mailed directly into every address in 90094. Your advertisement will reach a community with a median income of $121,000! And with so many families staying closer to home, our readers are closely paying attention to each issue. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Ad Space deadline Wednesday, September 14 Publishes September 22

Estate Planning Employment Law Business Law www.kumarlaw.net 323-456-8657 8383 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 800 Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Rittu Kumar, Esq. For more information, please call 310.574.7655 JULY / AUGUST 2022

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Playa Vista resident since 2007

SHOPPING

Scents of Summer These fun fragrances evoke the carefree nature of the sun, sand and sea BY KAMALA KIRK (All photos courtesy)

• The newest fragrance from Bath & Body Works, Poppy smells like sweet florals dancing in fresh late summer air: bright, bold and cheerful. With fragrance notes of fresh morning dew, wild poppies, sugared rhubarb and juicy pear. $44.50, bathandbodyworks.com

• Bask in the golden warmth of the sun and crisp ocean breeze with AMAFFI’s 32 July For Women, an outstanding interpretation of the iris fused with the delicate accent of sweet fruit and berries. The elegant bottle is glass-coated with azure enamel and decorated with a filigree lace design sprinkled with blue crystals. $3,000; amaffi.com

• Featuring notes of white jasmine, green tea, cardamom, ocean waters, amber and musk, ATUM Fragrance’s Water scent has been blended with care and hand-poured in Austin with the highest-quality ingredients sourced from around the globe. Comes in a tinted grey glass bottle with a magnetic gold topper. $125, atumfragrance.com

• Scented with intoxicating notes of vanilla, coconut and green tea, Kayo Body Beautiful Serum Fragrance gives off Malibu beach vibes all day long. Unlike your typical fragrance, this is also a serum that is designed to be good for the skin with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin B5 so that skin is healthy and moisturized. $15, kayobodycare.com

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SHOPPING • Celebrate the beauty of nature with JAFRA You Bloom, a fresh floral signature where modern rose damascena oil blooms amid a lush green garden, grounded by aromatic turmeric root and rich, earthy oakwood. As an added bonus, the brand is taking its sustainable efforts to the next level with biodegradable packing that can be reused as a plant starter. $52, jafra.com

• Skylar’s Coconut Cove transports you to a deserted beach on a faraway island where creamy coconut mingles with the scent of coastal winds through green trees, heightened by blooms of jasmine and gardenia. With top notes of bergamot, cardamom, hibiscus nectar and a twist of lemon; middle notes of coconut, jasmine petal, gardenia and lush greens; and base notes of ambrox, coastal woods, heliotrope and vanilla orchid. $85, skylar.com

• Ellis Brooklyn x Peroni Italian Spritz Collection is a limited-edition dopp kit that includes Ellis Brooklyn’s most popular fragrances paired with signature Peroni flavors to whisk your senses away to Italy. In addition to a Dopp Kit and Ellis Brooklyn x Peroni recipe booklet, it comes with six 50ml travel sprays (Salt, Bee, Sweet, Sun Fruit, Super Amber, West). $140, ellisbrooklyn.com

• The signature scent of the world-famous Vacation brand sunscreen developed in conjunction with ARQUISTE and Rodrigo Flores-Roux, this unisex eau de toilette smells like sunscreen and summer. Features top notes of coconut water, coconut milk and petitgrain essence; heart notes of bergamot, solar musk, banana and pineapple; and base notes of pool water, swimsuit lycra and sea salt. $60, vacation.inc

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• From the Palazzo Nobile Collection, Valmont Sea Bliss is a spontaneous and relaxed scent that nods elegantly to the invigorating, salty sea air with notes of Tahitian Tiare flower and waves of white musk. Made in Italy. $180, lamaisonvalmont.com

SHOPPING • With a name that means “wildflowers,” Fleurs de Prairie is a delicate and lightbodied rosé that has flavors of red fruit and lemon, perfect to complement charcuterie and light bites. $20, fleursdeprairie.com

Summer Sips Stay cool in the heat with these refreshing cocktails and beverages BY KAMALA KIRK (All photos courtesy)

• Celebrate summer’s simple pleasures with Boochcraft Peach Ice Tea Hard Kombucha, which offers a refreshing twist on a summer classic filled with peaches, white tea herbal notes and a tropical guava twist. The plant-based hard kombucha is crafted with fresh-pressed organic fruit based on seasonality, always using natural ingredients and live cultures. $15.99 for a 6-pack, boochcraft.com

• Fun, delicious and convenient, Golden Rule Destination Cocktails are ready to go wherever you’re headed. Available in Margarita Original and Old Fashioned, the barstrength cocktails in a can be sipped, savored and enjoyed wherever the day or night takes you. $19.99 for a 4-pack, goldenrulespirits.com

• Gray Whale Gin is made with six sustainably sourced botanicals including juniper, kombu, almonds, lime, fir and mint from along the 12,000-mile path of the California gray whale. The resulting flavor is a singular profile that is bold and mixable, a consciously crafted addition to any cocktail. A portion of all sales benefits Oceana and ocean conservation. $40, graywhalegin.com PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

JULY / AUGUST 2022

SHOPPING

• Clean and fresh with just a touch of sweetness and notes of wild berry, Josh Cellars Prosecco Rosé pairs well with weekend brunch and the flavors of summer. $14.99, joshcellars.com

• With refreshing lemon zing and a splash of bubbles, Roseade is a fun, fizzy rosé lemonade spritzer all the way from Australia. The cans add a pop of pink to the cooler and are perfect for picnics, poolside afternoons, and backyard garden parties. $15 per 4-pack, roseadeusa.com

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• Expertly designed to be shared with friends, Knox & Dobson’s new collection of premium ready-to-drink cocktails feature the highest-quality ingredients, are best served chilled or over ice, and each cocktail contains two servings. Available in a gin martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail with Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and Rye Manhattan. $15 each, $70 for the set; knoxanddobson.com

• Woodbridge Wines’ latest innovation, Sparkling Infusions, blend sparkling wine with slight fruit flavors. With an ABV of 11.5%, they can be enjoyed for any occasion and time of day, from a unique brunch cocktail to a post-dinner libation. Available in Sweet Peach, Black Raspberry, and Strawberry & Kiwi. $10 to $11.99 each, woodbridgewines.com

TASTE

‘C’ Is for Chia, Citrus and Cream Cheese BY EMILY CHAVEZ

(Photo by Luis Chavez)

ow do you reinvigorate the traditional celebratory cupcake? By using nutrient-dense ingredients and bright flavors. The mere mention of cupcakes brings to my mind a dessert where the main flavor profile is just sugar with added descriptors of texture, like it’s a moist and tender crumb. But those days of sugary, artificially colored cupcakes become a distant memory with this light and lemony version. The Greek yogurt creates a tender cake, sugar is added just to balance out the citrus acidity, chia seeds create visual and textural interest, and a cooling cream cheese frosting comes together to provide the perfect spotlight on the light lemon flavor. Lemon Chia Seed Cupcakes Hands-on time: 30 Minutes | Ready in 1 hour Yields about 8 cupcakes INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups flour 1 egg 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons chia seeds 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 ounces cream cheese 3/4 cup butter, room temperature 2 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup sugar Optional: Garnish with candied or 2/3 cup Greek yogurt regular lemon twist 1 lemon, zested and juiced INSTRUCTIONS Whisk together flour, baking tin 3/4 of the way. powder, baking soda and salt in a Bake at 400 degrees for 13 to 15 medium bowl. minutes until golden on top and a In a large bowl, cream the 1/2 cup toothpick inserted in the center butter. Then add sugar, yogurt, comes out clean. lemon juice and zest until fully While cupcakes are baking, make combined. Finally mix in egg and 1 the frosting by creaming together teaspoon vanilla extract. the remaining butter and cream Add dry ingredient mix to wet incheese. gredients in two additions, stirring Add powdered sugar and remaining until just mixed each time. Gently vanilla extract and continue to beat fold in chia seeds. until creamy. Fill each cupcake liner or cupcake Frost cupcakes once cooled.

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Cara Cara Means Yum Yum

TASTE

Gluten-free tart celebrates the orange BY EMILY CHAVEZ (Photo by Luis Chavez)

elicious seasonal cara cara oranges are my choice for winter to early spring fruit. Any orange can be used for this recipe, but the juicy cara cara variety is sweet without the bitterness found in conventional navel oranges. Inspired by traditional lemon bars, this tart becomes a dessert centerpiece with a browned butter gluten-free crust. Also, unlike the usual curd filling, which requires more than a dozen eggs, this tart sets with unflavored gelatin. I personally prefer the gelatin set so I can avoid an eggy dessert. A dusting of powdered sugar or candied orange slices is the perfect topper for this tart that truly celebrates the orange. Gluten-free cara cara orange tart Hands-on time: 40 minutes | Ready in 2 hours Yields: 6 servings INGREDIENTS 2 1/2 cups cara cara orange juice, 1 to 2 gelatin packets, unflavored fresh squeezed 2 cups sugar 6 cara cara orange, zest of 1 cup butter, unsalted 1 teaspoon salt 3 1/4 cups 1-to-1 gluten-free flour 3 egg yolks Optional: Powdered sugar or 3 whole eggs candied orange twists to finish. INSTRUCTIONS Melt butter in a saucepan over by whisking together the remaining 1 medium heat until golden colored and 1/2 cups sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt smells toasty. in a bowl. Then mix in the eggs, zest Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup and juice. sugar until mostly dissolved. Cook this filling mixture over medium In separate bowl, whisk together flour heat for about 20 minutes, stirring and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in the butuntil the curd thickens and looks ter and sugar mix until crumbly. creamy. Press this mixture into a tart or sheet Remove from heat and strain through pan, along the sides and bottom. a fine mesh strainer. Stir in gelatin. Bake for about 40 minutes at 350 Pour the filling into the cooked crust degrees until golden. and chill until firm, at least 1 1/2 hours. While the crust bakes, make the filling JULY / AUGUST 2022

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EVENTS CALENDAR

— Compiled by Kamala Kirk

Intro to Agility is a four-session course by Annenberg PetSpace that is designed for dogs of all ages, sizes and training experience levels. (Courtesy photo)

Sizzling Summer Jazz Nights July 22, 29, Aug. 5, 12, 26 & 29 Every Friday night through the summer, enjoy free live music at RUNWAY Playa Vista. Upcoming performances include jazz trio Pop Nouveau (July 22 & Aug. 12), jazz trio Shogo (July 29), The Furnace Band (Aug. 5 & 29), and jazz trio Jason Fabus (Ag. 26). RUNWAY will also be hosting an Epic Mega Cookie Co. Residency alongside Jazz Nights, which bring a bit of punk rock to the cookie biz by getting in touch with the

rebellious side of the cookie (hosted by Master Chef contestant and Epic Mega Cookie Co. creator, Chef Derrick). 12775 Millennium Drive, Playa Vista, 5 to 8 p.m. Free Marina Movie Nights July 23, Aug. 6, 13 & 20 The Department of Beaches and Harbors presents Marina Movie Nights. Pack your picnic baskets and bring the family to Burton Chace Park on Saturday nights to enjoy free outdoor

movie screenings—by the water and under the stars. All movies start at 8 p.m. Be sure to bundle up. Seating is festival-style, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no reserved seating. Closest parking is located at Marina Parking Lots #77, #4 and #5. Upcoming screenings include “Clueless” (July 23), “Dirty Dancing” (Aug. 6), “Parent Trap” (Aug. 13) and “The Conjuring” (Aug. 20). 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, 8 p.m.

On Aug. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m., meet the community’s local police officers at National Night Out in Playa Vista while enjoying food and refreshments, music and fun family activities. (Courtesy photo)

Annenberg PetSpace Kids Camp: Critter Camp July 18 to 22 Annenberg PetSpace Kids Camp: Critter Camp offers a variety of fun and informative learning opportunities that engage campers in learning about the human-animal bond, small companion animal adoption, veterinary care, animal behavior and more. The one-week (fiveday) experience is designed for campers ages 8 to 11 and each daily itinerary incorporates new themes that make the most of the interactive environment and outdoor spaces with demonstrations, crafts, educational games and critter encounters. Each child will receive an activity journal, tshirt, craft supplies and additional Annenberg PetSpace swag. The last session will be held Aug. 1 to 5. $400 for a one-week session. 12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., petspacecamp.org Feline Frenzy Adoption Event Saturday, July 23 Enjoy a marathon adoption day at Annenberg PetSpace, where their goal is to find forever Continued on page 46

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PET ADOPTION

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

Maverick Help Maverick fly to new heights! This one-and-a-half-year-old boy is ready to be your co-pilot in life, adventure partner, and constant companion. Maverick is a social, goofy guy who gets along well with other pups. Make Maverick a member of your squadron today!

Elvis Sporty The Spice Girl Litter will dance their way into your heart. All five members of this girl group have been spayed, microchipped, and given their ageappropriate vaccines. Now, all they need is for you to be their number one fans! Adopt Sporty and one of her littermates to make your own ensemble cast from PetSpace!

Elvis can’t wait to say, “Thank you, thank you very much!” to his new family. This handsome stud is ready to be the star of your show. Elvis would enjoy the spotlight and soak up all the praise of his adoring fans. Come meet Elvis and help him leave the building today!

Help Save Lives by Fostering Pets COURTESY OF WALLIS ANNENBERG PETSPACE

Join our team of Foster Guardians and help Wallis Annenberg PetSpace save lives. If you can provide the space, we provide the rest! Foster guardians offer love and care to animals on a temporary basis depending on the needs of the individual animal. Foster homes are an incredible extension of PetSpace. The most rewarding part of being a foster is knowing that you played a crucial role in helping save a life!

What kind of pet do we need foster homes for? -Weaned animals who are too young for adoption (puppies and kittens) -Hospice care for elderly animals -Medical recovery for animals after treatment -Socialization fosters for animals that need additional human interaction To become a foster or to learn more, please visit annenbergpetspace.org/about/jobs-volunteer.

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

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EVENTS CALENDAR Continued from page 44 homes for 50 kittens. To help spotlight the most vulnerable population entering the LA County and City shelters, PetSpace is hosting an entire day devoted to all thinks feline. Attendees can learn about becoming a kitten foster at PetSpace from their Foster Program Coordinator; the entire family can enjoy fun kitten crafts and DIY cat toys; and local specialty vendors will be onsite selling kitten care essentials and toys. Free event, register online. 12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., bit.ly/3ceasTp Dog Agility 1 Sunday, July 31 Intro to Agility is a foursession course designed for dogs of all ages, sizes and training experience levels. This class introduces you and your pup to the fundamentals of this interac tive and quickly growing sport and covers basic agility obstacles such as jumps, A-Frame, tunnels, weave poles and pause tables. Agility training is a great way

From July 18 to 22, kids ages 8 to 11 can participate in Annenberg PetSpace Kids Camp: Critter Camp, which offers a variety of fun and informative learning opportunities that engage campers in learning about the human-animal bond, small companion animal adoption, veterinary care, animal behavior and more. (Courtesy photo)

for handlers and dogs to deepen their bond, improve communication and strengthen trust. Additional sessions will be held on Aug. 7, Aug. 14, and Aug. 21. Dogs should have beginner-level obedience skills for the class. Classes take place outdoors and will be limited to eight dogs. Register now to save your spot. $140 per session. 12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., bit.ly/3O7csKv

National Night Out Tuesday, August 2 Meet your Pacific Area police officers at National Night Out in Playa Vista. Bringing community and police together in a positive environment to build safer, better neighborhoods to live in. Mingle with neighbors and friends, enjoy food and refreshments, music and fun family activities. 13016 Runway Road, Playa Vista, 5 to 8 p.m.

Freeway Funk Yard Standup Comedy Thursday, August 4 Freeway Funk Yard is a large hidden lot nestled near a secret Westside Los Angeles freeway where you can see some of LA’s top comics perform in an outdoor Playa Vista speakeasy. Hosted by Nick Hoff and Ryan Churchill. Doors open at 7:45 p.m. $15 per person. RSVP online. 5301 Grosvenor Street, Los Angeles, 8 to 10 p.m., bit.ly/3zdELmp

On July 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., join Wallis Annenberg PetSpace for a marathon adoption day devoted to all things feline, from fun kitten crafts and DIY cat toys to learning about becoming a kitten foster. (Courtesy photo)

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A B OU T THE A SS I L E Y E I NSTI TU TE • The Assil Eye Institute is nationally recognized for its compassionate patient-centric care, its commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology and its dedication to supporting the health and well-being of not just its patients, but also of their community. • Dr. Assil’s life-long commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology is evident in his body of work developing new surgical techniques and advances in laser surgery. • Dr. Assil lectures internationally and has taught state-of-the art surgical skills to well over 10,000 thousand ophthalmologists worldwide.

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

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

A B O U T DR. AVN EET K. SOD H I G A U R • Dr. Sodhi Gaur is a Board Certified, Fellowship trained Cataract, Refractive, and Glaucoma Specialist, with training and experience developed at nationally renowned ophthalmic institutions. She serves as the Director of the Glaucoma Service at Assil Eye Institute. • She has performed thousands of glaucoma, refractive (LASIK, PRK, ICL), and cataract surgeries including implantation of the latest premium intraocular lenses with Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) system and Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.

• She has been featured in Angeleno Magazine 2019 Los Angeles Power Players section as one of the top extraordinary inspiring individuals and she is highly regarded among her patients and peers leading her to be voted multiple times as one of Los Angeles Top Doctors and Super Doctor Rising Stars. • She is a local Playa Vista resident and enjoys working out, cooking, traveling and spending quality time with her husband and two boys.

G OO G L E R E VI EWS: “I just got my lasik completed and I cannot tell you how excited and happy I am with the result. I was told Dr. Sodhi Gaur was the best and that I would not be disappointed, and they were

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

“Professional staff as well as elegant waiting rooms, with all safety protocols in place during these challenging times.” “I was wearing ‘Readers’ and my distance vision was starting to

assileye.com

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

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

@avneetsodhigaurmd @assileye