Playa Vista Direct - September/October 2022

Katelyn

#CRUISETEAK

BY LUDOVICA + ROBERTO PALOMBA

TABLE of CONTENTS

Departments

FROM THE EDITOR

6

Welcoming Autumn COMMUNITY

8

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace hosts DOGust “pawty”

10

Playa Vista pup celebrates turning 15 BUSINESS 14

Feature

26

Nonprofit Beach City Kitties finds loving homes for cats

Deutsch LA helps Black businesses bloom

SHOPPING 16

Celebrate autumn splendor with these festive items

18

ON THE COVER:

Katelyn Michele founded the non profit Beach City Kitties to help find loving homes for cats and kittens.

Photo by Chris Mortenson Design by Arman Olivares

Get into the Halloween spirit with spooky sweets and frightful treats

20

Skechers releases limited-edition Hollywood capsule collection

EDUCATION

28

Local tutor combines math skills with knowledge of the mind

PEOPLE

32

Entrepreneur Geoff Shames finds success with multiple ventures

TASTE 38

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams debuts fall flavors

40

Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão opens new location

PET ADOPTIONS

41

Meet Sherlock, a cute cat who loves a good cuddle session

CALENDAR 42

Check out fun local events including a Stand Up for Pups Comedy Show

FROM the EDITOR

Welcoming Autumn

Aftermaking it through a record heat wave in Los Angeles, I couldn’t be happier for the arrival of fall. While Southern California’s version of the season may be different than other parts of the country, as long as the weather isn’t scorching hot and over 100 degrees, I’ll gladly take it. With autumn decor going on sale and pumpkin spice lattes appearing on menus, we’re quickly getting into the festive spirit—and it’s hard to believe that the holidays are just around the corner.

There’s plenty of seasonal goodness in our September/October issue, from spooky sweets and frightful treats for Halloween to the latest fall flavors from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams including my personal favorite: pumpkin cake roll bursting with brown sugar and warm spices. If coziness had a flavor profile, this would be it!

As a proud dog mom, one of the things I love about Playa Vista is the shared community passion for pets. With multiple parks and outdoor spaces, it’s the perfect place for people with furry family members, and we highlight some of the local celebrations that recently took place in honor of man’s best friend. Wallis Annenberg PetSpace hosted its annual DOGust “pawty” for shelter dogs, and Playa Vista pup Deuce celebrated his 15th birthday with more than 60 people and dogs in attendance.

On our cover we shine the spotlight on Katelyn Michele of Beach City Kitties, a nonprofit that serves the Westside, South Bay and surrounding areas by rescuing cats and kittens from the streets and finding them forever homes. We also profile Geoff Shames, a successful entrepreneur who has made a career out of building multiple businesses that cater to his passions and talents.

If you’re looking for some fun events to check out this fall, our calendar highlights local happenings you won’t want to miss like the Monster Dash 5K Walk/Run and a standup comedy show for pups with a lineup that includes SNL’s Melissa Villaseñor, among others.

Wishing you all a great fall season—stay warm and cozy!

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 Haley Beyer

INTERNS Oliver Grynberg Stella Karron

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Peter Lymbertos plymbertos@timespublications.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Rebecca Bermudez rbermudez@timespublications.com

CONTACT US

EDITORIAL christina@timespublications.com kkirk@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

COMMUNITY

DOGust Celebration

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace hosts annual party for shelter dogs

BY KAMALA KIRK PHOTOS BY CHRIS MORTENSON

Everydog deserves to be celebrated, and on Aug. 20 Wallis Annenberg PetSpace hosted DOGust, its universal birthday “pawty” for shelter dogs. The party featured photo ops, games and fun activities including a splash pad, food truck and gifts for special four-legged friends. Some guests brought their own pups to participate in the fun, and artist Annie Brown created portraits of pets at the event, while Paw Mentality gave out birthday treats to all dogs in at tendance.

Artist Annie Brown works on a pet portrait.

Ripley and Russ relax in the shade at the DOGust Birthday Celebration held at Annenberg PetSpace.

Michelle Hahm poses with Yoda at her Little Ganshik booth where she sells healthy pet treats.

Fiona Ng from Paw Mentality was onsite handing out birthday cake treats to all the dogs that attended.

Eva and Isaac Noel pose with their dressed up puppy Samantha.

COMMUNITY

Deuce’s Birthday Bash

Playa Vista pup celebrates turning 15 with neighborhood party

BY KAMALA KIRK PHOTOS BY CHRIS MORTENSON

Over60 people and their dogs gathered at Roger Johnson Bluff Creek Park on Aug. 28 to celebrate the 15th birth day of Deuce, a local pup whose parents are Playa Vista residents Winter Morvant and Geoff Shames. People enjoyed Cajun dishes and baked goods prepared by Mor vant, who is the founder of Winter Fate Bakes, a small-batch bakery. The dogs en joyed over 15 types of healthy treats and a slice of healthy cake baked by Morvant with coconut flour, apples, strawberries, blueberries and bananas.

“Having so many in our commu nity show up to celebrate Deuce’s 15th birthday was so heartwarming,” Morvant says. “He’s the ‘Grandpa’ of the neigh borhood—everyone knows him and loves him. He makes friends so easily and has a gentle way of comforting dogs who are nervous around other dogs. Deuce is a two-time cancer and stroke survivor—all within the past two years. I’m very thank ful to say that he’s doing very well and enjoying life here in Playa Vista. We’re very thankful and fortunate.”

Cute party guest Grizzly is all smiles. Freya eyes all of the treats on the table.

Cookie and Kelsey Campbell joined in the festivities for Deuce’s 15th birthday party.

Chloe Janatis and her puppy Rio attended Deuce’s birthday party.

Birthday boy Deuce poses for a picture with his mom, Winter Morvant.

Deuce with his grandparents, Tommy and Janice Morvant, and his parents, Winter Morvant and Geoff Shames.

BUSINESS

Helping Black Businesses Bloom

Deutsch LA’s free brand-building program provides support to local entrepreneurs

BY STELLA KARRON (Courtesy photo)

Playa Vista-based advertising agency Deutsch LA started a program called Blackness in Full Bloom in February 2020. The marketing program is offered to Black business owners to help further their companies.

Ayn Howze, head of advocacy and communications at Deutsch LA, says that Blackness in Full Bloom was cre ated to combat the “disparity in the wealth divide between white-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses.

“We really wanted to make it a point to support both local businesses, but also Black business owners, right here in our city,” Howze says.

The program is offered in two to three month-long sessions a year. After applying, businesses are grouped together into one of the three sessions so that each session is able to support similar business ventures.

“We try to have either very con sumer-facing brands or apparel-only brands,” Howze says. “Types of brands that don’t just learn from our team, but each other.”

Jimmishea O’Lee, a Los Angelesbased florist and owner of FlorADELE, was in the February 2022 session of Blackness in Full Bloom.

“The program taught us so many different things about marketing, even to the extent of having me do a flower arrangement and showing me how I should photograph it,” O’Lee says. “That is important for social media, as the way one photographs their flowers really shows how much of their talent is going be purchased. The program in cluded details such as explaining books about color and how that affects the marketing of your product … it taught so many different things.”

Sessions also tackle things such as media and content production, brand ing, and design. There is no cost to participate in the program.

Playa Vista-based advertising agency Deutsch LA created Blackness in Full Bloom, a free brand-building program designed to amplify and support Black-owned businesses in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Mortenson)

“We definitely are in hopes of ex panding it,” Howze says. “Our goal is to expand it even further.”

Currently, sessions take place after work hours, as the employees and participants are doing it outside of their scheduled work hours.

“I think the greatest thing about it is that you actually have people that do marketing and do this for a liv ing,” O’Lee says, emphasizing that the program continues to help participants beyond its completion. “It’s definitely something that didn’t just help us for the couple of weeks that we were a part of it. I never thought I would be an entrepreneur, but it’s been great.”

O’Lee’s interest in flowers grew during the pandemic when her access to fresh flower arrangements became limited.

“I took care of my mom before she passed away and I always would have flowers at the hospital and in the home,” she says. “And because of Covid there were no large events. As a result, no one was doing flowers and that’s how I got into doing it myself. I told all of my friends and family about it, and I renovated my garage into a flower studio. A lot of us in the program are business owners who are also doing other things, but this is our true passion in life. We did this program while we had so many things kind of going on, and we found comfort in meeting and talking to each other, and understanding how we got to the different places that we were at.”

Jimmishea O’Lee, a Los Angeles-based florist and owner of FlorADELE, is a program participant who said that it has helped her in various aspects of her business. (Photo by Chris Mortenson)

SHOPPING

• Add warmth and ambiance to your fall table setting with Bath & Body Works Orange Flocked Pumpkin Pedestal. It’s pure pumpkin perfection with orange flocked fabric and a gold tone leaf accent. It can be paired with Bath & Body Works’ 3-wick candles, or it can also be used as storage for smaller items. $39.95, bathandbodyworks.com

Autumn Splendor

Celebrate the fall season with these festive items

BY KAMALA KIRK (All photos courtesy)

• Treat your body and senses with LALICIOUS Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub, which features notes of buttery brown sugar, cinnamon spice and creamy pumpkin. Formulated with pure cane sugar and a blend of coconut and sweet almond oils, this scrub gently removes dullness to reveal healthy and radiant skin. Also available in a body butter and mini set. $38, lalicious.com

• Channel cozy fall vibes with Native’s Cabin Collection, which features deodorant, body wash, shampoo and conditioner in four scents (Cashmere & Rain, Wild Wood & Cardamom, Warm Cider & Cinnamon, Toasted Marshmal low & Vanilla) inspired by fireside s’mores, spiced cider, warm blankets, and vibrant foliage. $3 to $13, nativecos.com

• Give thanks this holiday season with Dylan’s Candy Bar’s Plenty of Chocolate Cornucopia, filled with chocolate-covered pretzels, marshmallows, honey graham crackers and chocolate-dipped Oreos. Makes the perfect deco rative centerpiece or hostess gift. $85, dylanscandybar.com

• You’re going to “fall” for Pink House Alchemy’s Pumpkin Butter nut Spice Syrup, a warm and nutty nod to the season with the perfectly blended creamy pumpkin and savory butternut squash complimented by maple, brown sugar and cardamom. Make a variety of yummy treats with this syrup including pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin spice cake box cookies and anything else you can imagine. $15, pinkhousealchemy.com

Elementary School

Oct. 12, 2022 @ 9:00am

Nov. 2, 2022 @ 5:00pm

Dec. 7, 2022 @ 9:00am

Jan. 18, 2023 @ 5:00pm

Feb. 1, 2023 @ 9:00am

Mar. 01, 5:00 pm - Spanish

April 26, 2023 @ 9:00am

(Accepted Families Tour)

WISH continues to thrive due to the incredible support of the Westchester community, strong family partnerships, and a commitment to high-quality meaningful and engaging public education for all students by our amazing team of educators!

Middle School

WISH continues to thrive due to the incredible support of the Westchester community, strong family 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:

• be valued and understood

• be held to high expectations

• experience exciting & engaging curriculum

• receive a chromebook

• have the opportunity to join a sports team

• participate in exceptional art, music, technology & PE instructional experiences

• have high quality SEL, STEM, & GATE instruction

• receive hands-on project based learning

• benefit from university & business partnerships

• take rigorous High School pathway courses in Engineering, BioMedical Science, Social Justice & Performing Arts

Academy High School

743-6990

Oct. 12, 2022 @ 8:30am-9:30am

Nov. 2, 2022 @ 5pm-6pm

Dec. 7, 2022 @ 8:30am-9:30am

Oct. 12, 2022 @ 9:00am

6:00pm-7:00pm Dec.

Nov. 2, 2022 @ 6:00pm-7:00pm

2022

Jan. 18, 2023 @ 5pm-6pm

Feb. 1, 2023 @ 8:30am-9:30am

Mar. 1, 5:00-6:00pm - Spanish

April 26, 2023 @ 5:00-6:00pm

(Accepted Families Tour)

Dec. 7, 2022 @ 9:00am

9:00am

Jan. 18, 2023 @ 6:00pm-7:00pm

Feb. 1, 2023 @ 9:00am

Mar. 1, 6:00-7:00pm - Spanish Mar. 29, 9:00-10:00am

@ 6:00pm-7:00pm Feb. 1, 2023 @ 9:00am Mar. 1, 6:00-7:00pm - Spanish Mar. 29, 9:00-10:00am

26, 2023 @ 5:00-6:00pm

April 26, 2023 @ 5:00-6:00pm (Accepted Families Tour)

SHOPPING

A Ghoulish Good Time

These spooky sweets and frightful treats will get you into the Halloween spirit

BY KAMALA KIRK (All photos courtesy)

• Dive into witchy self-care with Happy Witch, a spellbinding guide to finding in happiness in daily life. Written by Mandi Em, this magical book will empower readers to find joy, build their intuition and heal through daily witchcraft work and approachable spells, recipes, advice and meditations. $15.99, simonandschuster.com

• Looking for the perfect display for your Halloween-themed Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candles? This Iridescent Skull Pedestal will light up any room. $49.95, bathandbodyworks.com

• Nail your Halloween look with Dashing Diva’s Glow Potion Nail Strips that feature multicolor glitter and spooky neon accents that glow in the dark or imPRESS Press-On Manicure in a limited-edition Halloween design that is ready to wear in minutes, no polish or glue needed. $8 to $8.99, dashingdiva.com, impressmanicure.com

• Make the holiday a smashing success with various treats from Dylan’s Candy Bar that range from a Halloween Surprise Smash Pumpkin and a Shimmering Skull Milk Chocolate Cocoa Bomb to a Creepy Candy Coffin and Monster Mash Crispy Pops $7 to $70, dylanscandybar.com

• Enjoy hauntingly delicious candies from Sugarfina including Zombie Brains gushing with strawberry flavor, tart raspberry Sugar Skulls, bonechilling Graveyard Cookies, and Dracula’s Donuts, among others. Sold individually and in sets. $8.95 to 98, sugarfina.com

SHOPPING

Hollywood Centennial

Skechers celebrates world-famous sign with limited-edition collection

BY KAMALA KIRK (All photos courtesy)

Teiconic Hollywood sign turns 100 next year and to cel ebrate its upcoming centennial anniversary, Skechers has released a limited-edition “Hollywood” capsule collection. The Los Angeles-centric designs are made with the brand’s Air-Cooled Memory Foam cushioned comfort insole and flexible rubber traction outsole.

Styles include Uno—One for the Stars!, which retails for $95 and is a lace-up that features a perforated and synthetic durabuck upper with a multicolor “Hollywood” side graphic. The Poppy—Pop of Fame and Palm Tree Pop slip-ons retail for $65 each and are laceless designs featuring a Hollywood-themed palm tree print canvas upper with a Skechers Memory Foam insole and a lavenderscented midsole.

The Skechers Hollywood collection is available for purchase at skechers.com as well as at select Skechers retail stores. Skechers has retail stores and warehouse outlets across the Westside and South Bay including Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Santa Monica, Culver City and Marina del Rey. To find a retailer near you, visit skechers.com.

Skechers has released a limited-edition capsule “Hollywood” collection ahead of the iconic Hollywood sign’s 100-year anniversary next year.

ESTATE

Get to know yourlocal Real Estate Agents

Learn all about some of Playa Vista’s top realtors

Dennis Hsii is the owner of Playa Vista Premiere and co-founder of Highland Premiere Real Estate. He is a licensed broker and works with buyers, sellers and investors on transactions spanning various price ranges and property types. He brings tremendous energy, knowledge and expertise to his clients which helped him become one of the “Best of the Westside.”

He has developed the Playa Vista mobile app, created an illustrated map of the neighborhood and sends out a weekly newsletter every Saturday morning (get the goods at flowpage.com/playavista or scan the QR code below).

12696 Millennium Drive

Playa Vista, CA 90094

(844) 99-PLAYA

DennisHsii.com

DRE:

Dennis is a certified expert in negotiations and dis pute resolution. He uses his data-driven background to help his clients make well-informed decisions. His creativity, energy and humor are just added bonuses that help make the process enjoyable.

In his 20s, Dennis began investing in Silicon Beach real estate. His own experience with purchases, sales and investments makes him indispensable to clients looking to build their own portfolios.

Dennis has lived in Playa Vista since 2008 and is now in his 3rd home here. He and his wife Linna have a 6-year-old son and a 17-month-old son. Their favorite time of the year is putting up decorations and giving out candy on Halloween!

Barbra Stover brings 20 years of unmatched expertise and a deep sense of caring to her discerning clientele, the majority of whom are repeat and referrals. Stover’s numerous Top Producer awards for her multi-million dollar sales, and her passion for interior design, have gained her great recognition, including being showcased on HGTV’s Selling L.A. and Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles. Additionally, she had the privilege of working with the late Dr. Jerry Buss - the legendary former owner of the L.A. Lakers. When he passed away, the Buss family entrusted her to sell his gorgeous, ocean-view estate in Playa del Rey, which she negotiated both sides of the deal.

Throughout her career, Barbra has found a true passion for helping her clients through the exciting process of home buying, selling, and leasing. She loves feeling the joy in her clients’ hearts as she takes them through the entire process toward homeownership. Not only is Barbra a genuine people person, but she also carries a deep love for animals, such as her Shih-Tzu LuLu, whom she adores very much.

Dennis Hsii, MBA

Highland Premiere Real Estate

Growing up in Thousand Oaks, CA with parents who were both Realtors, I have been around Real Estate and the conversations that go along with it for as long as I can remember. I purchased my first home in Playa Vista in 2006 and fell in love with the community. Since then, I have been fortunate to build my business based on repeat clients and referrals and to continue to be able to serve Playa Vista and the surrounding neighborhoods. For me, it’s never about the sale, but about the people that have put their trust in me to help them achieve their goals.

Realtor®

License # 01745122

Team TamiPalm Realty Boutique (310)745-1600

Home@PlayaVistaLiving.com

PlayaVistaLiving.com

Gaur

The

1410

818.836.8337 DRE:

My team, Team Tami, has been the #1 team in Playa Vista since 2018 for listings, buyers and leases.

We love giving back to the community through events, sponsorships, community outreach and we are always so excited to share about our wonderful neighborhood.

My husband Chad is also my Real Estate partner. We are parents to our wonderful 4 year old daughter Annie and we have a sweet puppy Charles. In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends, travel and yoga. I’m also a big Dodger fan!

Robin Gaur is a Southern California native. Born in the San Fernando Valley, and a current Playa Vista resident, Robin brings a large network, creativity, knowledge, and unique perspective. Because he grew up in Los Angeles, he garnered an appreciation for the SoCal lifestyle. Robin has always had a passion for real estate for the past 20 years. He has helped many families and friends show them value in investments properties as well as bought and sold several personal and investment properties himself. Robin has extensive experience navigating challenging transactions in an aggressive but professional manner. Robin is highly regarded amongst his peers for his relentless work ethic, honesty, commitment in delivering strong deals, and being available “around the clock.” Robin graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a Masters of Business Administration and from the California State University, Northridge with a Bachelors in Computer Engineering and Masters in Engineering Management. Outside of the office, Robin enjoys spending time with his wife, Avneet and two boys, Shawn and Armaan. He is also flu ent in Hindi and Punjabi. Whether buying, selling or leasing properties in California, Robin has the resources and advice to guide you in your decision and achieve your real estate goals.

Reid is a native of Newport News, Virginia but had always dreamed of moving to sunny California. After graduating from University of Colorado-Boulder with degrees in Advertising and Business in 2001, Reid finally made it to California and has been here ever since. He has continued to further his education by attaining a California Real Estate Brokers License as well as a masters degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California. In terms of overall pro duction, Reid has personally closed over 300 sales transactions in his career. At his previous company, Reid was ranked the #1 agent in his office multiple times between 2012 and 2015. In 2016, Reid moved to RE/MAX Estate Properties and in 2021, his production earned him Titan Club and #9 individual agent in the region. Reid co-founded the Playa Vista Experts brand in 2010 and has been active in the Playa Vista community for over 16 years. Reid is married and is a father of two boys. He enjoys travel, swimming, tennis, investing, and attending sporting events. He donates a portion of all his sales to the Children’s Miracle Network charity and is a volunteer at his sons’ LAUSD elementary school.

Kris Zacuto, Broker Associate with Compass, has established himself as an authority on luxury real estate in the Silicon Beach market.

In 2017, he partnered with Brookfield Residential as the exclusive listing agent for Playa Vista’s most luxurious homesJewel Playa Vista. Exclusively presenting and selling all 14 new construction residences was an unprecedented accomplishment for the area, which resulted in numerous sales records set in the process.

Kris grew up in Westchester and is an alumnus of both St. Bernards High School in Playa Del Rey and Loyola Marymount University in Westchester. With deep roots in the area, Kris lives in Playa Vista and takes pride in supporting the community through events, sponsorships and supporting local businesses.

Reid Kaplan Broker Associate/Realtor®,

MRED License # 01711288

RE/MAX Estate Properties (310)883-8921

Reid@PlayaVistaExperts.com PlayaVistaExperts.com

Broker Associate | Compass 9454 Wilshire Blvd, Ground Floor Beverly Hills,90212 DRE 01972897 310-702-6299 kriszacuto.com

Tami Humphrey

Kris Zacuto

Katelyn Michele is the founder of Beach City Kitties, a local nonprofit that rescues cats and kittens from the streets and high-kill shelters, rehabilitates them, and provides foster families while finding them forever homes.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson )

Beach City Kitties

Katelyn Michele’s nonprofit helps find loving homes for cats

BY HALEY BEYER & KAMALA KIRK

Katelyn

Michele has always loved animals, but it was after she rescued her first kitten from the South LA Shelter that she became inspired to start Beach City Kit ties, a local nonprofit kitten and cat rescue that serves the Westside, South Bay and surrounding areas.

“Bella was supposed to be euthanized the day I got her because she had a small cold,” Michele says. “Before this I was unaware that cats are frequently euthanized in Los Angeles County and county shelters, even small kittens. This is completely unaccept able to me, so I’ve made it my mission to get as many cats out of the kill shelters as I can, and spread the word about the situa tion to the public.”

Aside from Bella, Michele has four other cats that she saved from the euthanasia list—Lil Bit, Jinksie, Willie Jane, and Jem— and a chihuahua named Peanut, who ac

cording to Michele “also thinks he’s a cat.”

Founded five years ago, Beach City Kitties rescues cats and kittens from the streets and high-kill shelters, rehabilitates them, and provides foster families while finding them forever homes. In addition to finding people to foster the cats and kittens, the rescue also has to gather funds to pay for flea medication, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, chipping, and general resources.

So far, Beach City Kitties has found homes for nearly 600 cats. There are still thousands without homes, but Michele and her team work hard to do everything they can. Some of the cats they rescue are feral so they have implemented TNR (trap, neuter, release) to help decrease the feral cat population.

“In addition to adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating, one of the most important things you can do to help is to

promote and practice spay and neuter,” Michele says. “Female cats on the streets can produce up to three litters per year; that’s up to 20 kittens, who in turn can get pregnant as early as four months. There aren’t homes for all of them. This isn’t just a rescue problem, but a community prob lem. Rescues are very full and volunteer run, and we can’t do it alone. Don’t just get your cats fixed. If you find a stray in your neighborhood, take the initiative. Find a free or low-cost clinic, and take them in to be fixed and vaccinated. Be part of the solution.”

At the end of the day, Michele is grate ful for the impact her organization has had on the community and animals in need.

“It would be wonderful to eventually open up a sanctuary or rescue center so we could take in more cats,” Michele says. “There’s such an overpopulation of cats that many times it takes months to find kitties their forever homes, and we also take in feral or very skittish kitties that are hard to find homes for, so we would love to have the resources for them to have a safe space to stay as long as needed. I love when adopters send photos of their rescued cats, even years later, and the cat is so happy and living its best life. It’s so good to see after removing them from the streets or a shelter, they’re happy and their owner is happy too.”

Instagram: @beachcitykittiesrescue

Beach City Kitties beachcitykitties.com

Beach City Kitties serves the Westside, South Bay and surrounding areas, and has found homes for nearly 600 cats to date. (Photo by Chris Mortenson )

EDUCATION

Helping Students

Local tutor combines math skills with knowledge of the mind

BY ERYKA FORQUER

Playa Vista resident Ryan Gaynor is looking to integrate his tutoring business with his knowledge of the mind to fur ther assist students with school and exam preparation.

Gaynor, who graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in business management and a minor in dance, founded RGTUTORS nearly 13 years ago when his zest for learning math and helping children led him to pursue tutoring.

“I’ve always loved kids and I always loved math,” Gaynor says. “I loved teach ing it, explaining it and doing fun tricks with it. So, when I graduated college, I was pursuing acting. I was like why don’t I try to start a tutoring business as well and see if I can make some money at it, but also help people.”

Since starting RGTUTORS, Gaynor has expanded the business to include a team of other tutors who offer guidance in areas including english, history, math, science and SAT and ACT preparation. Gaynor says his tutoring business has established a returning customer base and his current clients range from five or

Ryan Gaynor, the founder of RGTUTORS, looks to use his math skills and knowledge of the mind help students. (Courtesy photo)

Can You Spot The Invasive Species In the Ballona Wetlands?

The 2015 SoCalGas Aliso Canyon methane blowout was one of the worst greenhouse gas emission events in US history, forcing residents to flee their homes, closing schools and making thousands sick.Their Playa del Rey sister-facility stands out as one of the riskiest gas storage operations in the state. Allowing its continued operation in our community and embedded in the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve is daring history to repeat itself.

Given its location, a similar event would devastate fragile coastal ecosystems, the surrounding community, local businesses and property values, with an evacuation area potentially including Santa Monica, Culver City and Los Angeles International Airport.

For more info: defendballonawetlands.org

The current plan that is masquerading as a “restoration” calls for more SoCalGas drilling infrastructure and bulldozing large sections of the wetlands. This is an unacceptable threat to native species of plants, wildlife, local residents and business. It’s a timebomb wrapped up in a wrecking ball.

Sempra Energy, the owner of SoCalGas is a 60 billion dollar company. They can afford to find another way to deliver energy to their customers. We can afford nothing less than the closure of this facility and withdrawal of the destructive plan that would benefit SoCalGas more than any other entity. Defend the Ballona Wetlands and tell our elected leaders not to gamble our future for Sempra Energy’s profit.

Better alternative: http://bit.ly/20PtGentle

EDUCATION

Continued from page 28

six years old to 18 years old.

“The goal is to really help as many people as possible,” he says.

Gaynor and the additional tutors pro vide one-on-one tutoring sessions with students.

In addition to offering tutoring servic es, Gaynor also implemented a business model at RGTUTORS that emphasizes the relationship between the tutors and students.

“For the last 13 years, I’ve always checked in with my students,” he says. “In addition to teaching and all this stuff, I always kind of checked in with my stu dents and asked, ‘How are you feeling? What’s going on?’”

Gaynor says that checking in on a stu dent can unearth their fears and anxiet ies of school subjects. In many scenarios, students experience negative self-talk which hinders their understanding and performance in school subjects. To help students overcome any negativity and fears, Gaynor says he makes a point “to stay there and listen” and validate their feelings.

“I tell them that whatever is going on in your life, it’s a reminder that you can get past this,” Gaynor says. “So, you can say to yourself, I’m not doing well with this right now, but I will be, instead of saying I suck at this, this is over and I’ll never be good.”

To further help his students, Gaynor is also learning the intricacies of the human mind and how it works from his father, Kerry Gaynor, a master hypnotist who helps people break their addictions and overcome their fears and anxieties.

“All humans have two parts of themselves: the subconscious and the conscious mind,” Gaynor says.

The conscious mind involves all the things that people are aware of and think about.

Alternatively Gaynor said the subcon scious is where the addictions and fears

reside and as such is the seed of power. As a hypnotist my father, Kerry Gaynor, can get his suggestions into the subcon scious to help initiate change.

According to Gaynor hypnosis is a relaxed state that people drift in and out of naturally. Since the subconscious mind “runs the show,” Gaynor says his dad uses this state of mind to teach people how to overcome their fears and anxieties.

“My dad brings people into that state with a series of talking, counting and closing your eyes,” he says. “There’s no waving of a large watch back and forth like you see in the movies.”

Once people get into that relaxed state of mind, Gaynor says his dad then proceeds to teach people how to beat their addictions and fears through a “transformational process.”

“A lot of people think addiction is a lifelong thing that is one day at a time to get over,” Gaynor says. “He doesn’t teach that at all. He teaches that you can transform and be done with it.”

Gaynor says that many people have a preconceived misconception of what hypnosis is.

“A lot of people unfortunately misun derstand what hypnosis is, and they think it’s like a type of mind control,” he says. “Again, the only thing that the hypnotist can do is help you with whatever prob lem you have.”

Gaynor is learning the “Kerry Gaynor method” from his dad while also looking

to attend school to become a certified hypnotist. Through schooling, Gaynor will further learn about addiction, fear and the human mind.

Once Gaynor becomes a certified hypnotist, he plans on integrating his skills into his tutoring business.

“As I talk about test taking strategies, test prep, anxiety and different stuff with my students, I’ll be able to talk to them on an even higher level of understand ing of how the mind works and how you can overcome the anxiety and stuff like that,” he says. “My father works with people with anxiety every week where they can’t do certain things.”

As Gaynor continues to learn from his dad and gain hypnosis skills, he is focus ing on creating free instructional math videos for students to learn from. “Math With RG” videos will feature a digital board where Gaynor will write the math problems with a side-by-side explanation of the math.

“Math With RG” will be featured on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. The Tik Tok lessons will feature a shorter form of the math videos and cover the different anxieties that people face in education.

Gaynor hopes that his videos reach students around the world to help teach them math, which he calls a “universal language.”

“There’s millions of kids out there that need help every day and they either don’t have anyone around to help them, or their family cannot afford to pay anything to get them help,” he says. “So, it would really be amazing for me to be able to help more kids and put all my experience out there.”

RGTUTORS

www.rgtutors.com

Instagram: @rgtutors_

Facebook: rgtutors_

YouTube:  Math With RG

TikTok: @mathwithrg

STOP THE SCAM!

DON’T LET GOVERNOR NEWSOM BULLDOZE LA’S BALLONA WETLANDS.

Four lawsuits are moving forward challenging a plan to spend $250 million in public funds to assault the Ballona Wetlands, a mosaic of fragile coastal habitats. Nine years of bulldozing would create a traffic nightmare on LA’s Westside and devastation for wildlife. A predicted catastrophic mega-flood, combined with coastal sea level rise forecasts, lead neighbors to realize it’s irresponsible to demolish the Ballona Creek levees and dig deep holes close to the Pacific Ocean.

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE CALL THIS WETLANDS HOME

More than 1,700 species of plants and animals rely on the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. Burrowing Owls, Gray Foxes, Redwinged Blackbirds, White-tailed Kites, Great Blue Herons and Pacific Chorus Frogs need this landscape for shelter and food. Even species on the endangered species list, like the Least Bell’s Vireo and Belding’s Savannah Sparrow,would be harmed. An industrial ruination of fragile coastal habitats here is unthinkable,where LA is considered environmentally sensitive. Photos of some of these wild animals can be viewed at DefendBallonaWetlands.org.

THE SECRET AGENDA: HELPING THE FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY

Critics, including In Defense of Animals, Sierra Club and Food & Water Watch make a strong argument that this so-called “restoration” has a hidden agenda: to allow the fossil fuel industry to refurbish crumbling gas storage infrastructure, a well-kept secret at Ballona.

Community Corp of Santa Monica is a non-profit that restores, builds, and manages affordable housing for people of modest means. For four decades, we’ve worked to make Santa Monica and the west side of Los Angeles more inclusive, caring, and environmentally sustainable. Our work improves neighborhoods, changes lives, and contributes to the distinct character of our region.

As a leader in the industry, we know that increasing the supply of affordable housing creates opportunities for working families of modest means to remain housed, contributing to our region’s distinct character and rich tapestry of life.

United to House LA (UHLA) has drafted a game-changing community-led initiative to significantly increase affordable housing and tenant protections. Community Corporation of Santa Monica is a proud supporter of this important measure which will bring millions of dollars to affordable housing.

Community Corporation of Santa Monica will keep working to create the community we all want to see, where everyone gets the affordable housing they need. Voting Yes on Measure ULA is a step in the right direction.

To learn more about CCSM and our work, head to: https://communitycorp.org/

Advertorial

Building Businesses

Playa Vista entrepreneur finds success with multiple ventures

BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN

The entrepreneurial blood runs thick in Geoff Shames’ veins. From sell ing marked up candy to classmates to co-founding two marketingrelated agencies, the Playa Vista entre preneur has made a career of building businesses that cater to his passions and talents.

It all started in the salad days of youth when Shames’ parents took him to a 7-Eleven, gave him $5 and told him to go crazy.

“I was doing things like charging other kids for candy on the playground,” Shames says. “I was out wheeling and dealing candy, turning it into anything else I wanted like better candy or somebody’s sandwich.”

By the time he was 15, Shames was ready to get more serious and organized with his business ventures. A fan of punk music, he and several friends managed to scrounge up $500 and formed their own record label.

“We printed a bunch of physical CDs for some local bands in the Bay Area,” Shames says. “That was our record label. We did not have contracts, there was no accounting, I don’t even know if we made money. We probably didn’t, but we did that.”

That would launch a career of making a living in a creative fashion where Shames was his own boss. He left California and moved to Boston to attend college. During that time he became a promoter, throwing weekly dance parties with friends in venues around the city, and eventually in several states.

“For a number of years, we were arguably the largest 18+ dance party in

Playa Vista entrepreneur Geoff Shames has made a career of building businesses and is the co-founder of Crowd Control and Upper Echelon Studios, two marketing-related agencies.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

Prior to founding his businesses, Shames also co-founded a record label, was a successful events promoter, and worked at a talent agency.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

PEOPLE

Continued from page 32

Boston,” Shames says. “We were booking national touring talent that would come through the city to play at our events.”

Eventually they developed a couple of sub-brands, but mostly focused on being a district and event producer in Boston. Shames worked at a talent agency for a long time, building up their marketing department, and his bosses became his current partners in businesses.

“Even during that time, I was spinning up side businesses and doing things with one of my other partners at the time,” Shames says. “I’ve always done different things that are spinning a bunch of plates.”

His focus now is on two businesses: Crowd Control and Upper Echelon Stu dios. Crowd Control is a full-service digital marketing agency that does a lot of work with entertainment and lifestyle-based properties such as musician’s festivals or, as Shames puts it, “anything that is fun.”

“If we’re doing marketing for consumer goods, it’s probably alcohol or cannabis,” Shames says. “If we’re doing fashion, it’s probably streetwear. Everything (we do) leans a little bit younger, a little more fun.”

They provide such services as digital strategy, social media management, paid media management, email marketing and creative services. Crowd Control was born in 2015 when they had unofficially been doing the work through the marketing de partment at Circle Talent Agency. A client asked them what their legal entity was, and they realized they didn’t have an answer.

That’s when they spun off Circle Talent Agency into its own company. Shames says their main goal is to help people drive awareness and sales for whatever they are doing. He likes to describe it as a mega boutique, a service that is more nimble than many of their competitors.

“We go toe-to-toe with some of the larger agencies in the space, but we aren’t bogged down with too many staff, too much overhead, or a really long lead time for everything,” Shames says. “We’re used

to moving a little bit faster. That’s some thing we hear from people who get chewed up and spit out from larger agencies: they paid for two months and all they got was two months of a really long onboarding process. No work was actually done.’”

Shames says that because they cross many different industries and verticals, they can help a variety of companies— Crowd Control does it all. While there are no shortage of e-commerce agencies, they might not know anything about music or have experience with cannabis.

“I like to think we’re a pretty unique business at the end of the day,” Shames says. “People always ask me what differen tiates us from other companies and outside of everything else, it’s really just that we truly care. That’s sort of a weird statement, but I’ve talked to one too many people who decided to go with a marketing partner and had a marketing plan delivered without seeing if it worked.”

The second business is Upper Echelon Studios. It was their “Web3 and blockchain services” company that spun off of Crowd Control. They were already doing work in the space and decided to make it a sepa rate company.

“It’s a services-based company doing a

lot of white-labeled work for other brands and IP holders to bring their Web3 proj ects to life,” Shames says. “We have grown the classic company so fast that we forgot to backfill basic things like the website. We are going through the process of brand ing that and effectively launching it online because we’ve been so busy with clients.”

Shames enjoys having the flexibility to do whatever he wants and says he truly finds it fun to run his own businesses.

“I’ve had record labels, clothing compa nies, event management, brands,” Shames says. “The one throughline was always marketing. That’s always what I was doing and where things came from. I was both a digital and marketing person. Once I fig ured that out, that’s where Crowd Control came from, as a true agency model. Within that, knowing that I like to touch a bunch of different things, to experiment and have fun all over the place, an agency model made sense.”

Shames says he’s doing something different every 30 minutes. He might be enmeshed in cannabis one minutes then recording music the next. Each thing though, has the same sort of goal. He’s

Crowd Control is a full-service digital marketing agency that does a lot of work with entertainment and lifestyle-based properties.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson )

PEOPLE

Continued from page 34

always learning from everything that they do, touching on different things that make them better at everything.

“Something that we learned from a jewelry campaign might help us with selling K-pop tickets,” Shames says. “There’s that flexibility and breadth of experimentation.”

After graduating from Boston Univer sity, Shames made his way to Los Ange les—in part because he found Boston to be too cold. After living near Playa Vista for years, he always knew that he would end up there.

“We always really liked the neighbor hood,” Shames says. “It’s like being in the

burbs without being in the burbs. It’s nice, clean and quiet, but we’re 10 minutes away from anything we want. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Shames can do a lot of his work any where, so he’ll often work from home, in a park or at a coffee shop. He always meets interesting people in the neighborhood. He lives in Playa Vista with his girlfriend, Win ter Morvant, who is also an entrepreneur. She owns Winter Fate Bakes, a company that bakes a wide variety of treats for people and their dogs.

When Shames isn’t working in Playa Vista, he’s at the house his partners bought in Culver City, which is where their formal office is located and where the rest of the

team works. Like most businesses, they struggled at the beginning of the pandem ic. About half of their business was tied to live music and events. They had just started diversifying into e-commerce work and the pandemic pushed them further into that.

Within three months they scaled their business up and were growing. Shames says they didn’t have to let a single person go and gave out bonuses halfway through the ordeal to thank their employees for putting up with the craziness.

“It gave us a kick in the right direction,” Shames says. “It made sure that we were future proofed, that we wouldn’t have too many eggs in one basket.”

He says it also gave them the opportu nity to explore some things they’d been wanting to explore. As they move forward, Shames is starting to transition from the guy who did everything to one who is focused on more strategy and big picture stuff, and willing to delegate responsibili ties.

“Given the nature of Crowd Control, we can pivot very easily if a new type of busi ness pops up,” Shames says. “We can learn how to market it and go after it. If there’s a new social network, we can learn how to grow people on it. We’ll continue to scale and innovate as things happen. That is half the fun.”

He’s determined to care about all the businesses that trust them with their liveli hood, saying that at the end of the day if they’re asking for help with marketing, they are truly excited about it and ever dollar and follower matters.

“I’ve said to my staff many times, we’re basically playing a video game with real rewards,” Shames says. “We’re doing fun stuff and sometimes you win. It’s really exciting. There are real world prizes at the end of the game.”

Crowd Control crowdcontroldigital.com

Instagram: @crowdcontroldigital

Shames often works out of the Culver City office he shares with his business partners and team.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

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.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER ISSUE Ad Space deadline Wednesday, November 9 Publishes November 17

For more information, please call 310.574.7655

TASTE

Fall Flavors

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams debuts special seasonal treats

BY KAMALA KIRK

Now that autumn is officially here, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is getting everyone into the spirit of the season with the “How is it fall already?” collec tion, which features five classic flavors including Green Mint Chip, Boston Cream Pie, and Cookies in Cream.

Pumpkin Cake Roll is the ultimate fall flavor infused with the same nutty and creamy character of the classic dessert, bursting with brown sugar and warm spices like cinnamon, fennel, star anise, white pepper and ginger.

New to the fall lineup this year is the highly-requested High Five Candy Bar, a mix of ultra-creamy peanut butter ice cream with caramel, chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate flecks and a touch of honey that makes the flavor really pop.

“We lovingly refer to our fall collec tion as our ‘care package flavors,’” says Ami Desai Mathur, chief commercial officer at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. “There’s so much feel-good, nostalgic comfort in every bite. These are ice creams and flavor combinations that feel familiar, but made only like Jeni can— completely from scratch and with the best ingredients we can find.”

Cone Coins are also back in Jeni’s scoop shops starting on Sept. 29, which are kid-size gift cards dressed up with spooky backers—making them the per fect trick-or-treat handout. Every coin (available in bundles of 20 for $35) is redeemable for one kids cone at a Jeni’s scoop shop.

Jeni’s Free Market at RUNWAY 12751 Millennium Drive, #PU-4, Playa Vista 213-814-0590 jenis.com

Just in time for autumn, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams’ fall collection features five classic flavors including Pumpkin Cake Roll, High Five Candy Bar, Green Mint Chip, Boston Cream Pie, and Cookies in Cream. (Photos courtesy of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams)

TASTE

Brazilian Steakhouse

Fogo de Chão opens new location in El Segundo

BY KAMALA KIRK

Internationally-renowned

Brazilian res taurant Fogo de Chão recently opened the doors to its third Los Angeles loca tion in El Segundo.

Located just minutes from the Westside, the new location features a stunning marble and gold exterior, soaring windows, modern chandeliers, natural wood paneling and rich furnishing colors that pay homage to the restaurant’s Brazilian heritage. The dining room includes a white Carrara marble Market Table and an open-air churrasco bar where guests can dine and watch gaucho chefs butcher, prepare and grill different cuts of mean over an open flame, displaying the culinary art of churrasco.

Other unique and experiential elements

at the location include dry-aged meat lock ers for in-house aging of prime cuts such as a 32-ounce long bone Tomahawk Ribeye, along with two covered outdoor patios for al fresco churrasco dining. Guests can enjoy an all-day happy hour while discovering an impressive selection of craft cocktails and South American wines at the Bar Fogo area with lounge seating.

Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old cooking technique of churrasco, the art of roast ing high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame. The menu includes seasonal salads and soup, fresh vegetables, imported charcuterie and simply-seasoned meats that are butchered, fire-roasted and carved

tableside by gaucho chefs.

“Since opening our doors just a couple weeks ago, we have received such an amaz ing welcome and wonderful support from the community,” says Ashley Retzloff, gen eral manager of Fogo de Chão El Segundo. “We’re thrilled to bring Fogo’s unique dining experience and warm hospitality to our guests.”

Fogo de Chão

2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1399, El Segundo 424-397-1660 fogodechao.com

Internationally-renowned Brazilian restaurant Fogo de Chão recently opened a brand-new location in El Segundo, its third restaurant in Los Angeles. (Photo Credits: Evan Scott Pierce Photos )

Adoptable Pets

FROM ANNENBERG PETSPACE

Sherlock

Sherlock is a cuddly boy who finds lots of joy in playtime. He loves a good toy to chase and a good cuddle session to follow. Bring this cutie into your home!

Eddy

Check out this cute dude! Eddy is at the perfect age to enter a new home and follow your lead. Show this little guy the ropes and take him on all your adventures. Bring home the perfect companion today!

Monthly Puppy Yoga

COURTESY OF WALLIS ANNENBERG PETSPACE

Stretch it out for a good cause while adorable PetSpace adoptable puppies prance around your yoga mat. Downward dog takes on a whole new meaning during this one-hour Vinyasa Flow charity class led by instructor Toni Longoria from SWEAT YOGA Playa Vista.

Class is $30 per person. Guests must be 18+ years to attend. Bring your own mat. In an effort to get class started on time, please arrive 15 minutes prior to class.

Class will take place at PetSpace inside located in Wag 1 room. Proceeds from Puppy Yoga will go towards the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace Extraordinary Care Fund, which supports our work on behalf of the animals in our community who are most at risk and face barriers to adoption. This fund enables us to transfer in, and treat, animals from California shelters and rescues who are currently unadoptable as a result of advanced medical conditions.

Piggy

Talk about a total catch! Sweetheart Piggy is a big lovable squish that you just can’t get enough of! Piggy loves to make new friends both human and four legged. Fall in love with her at PetSpace today!

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

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

EVENTS CALENDAR

Restoration at LAX Dunes

Saturday, Oct. 1

Please join the monthly restora tion event at the LAX Dunes. Since 2015, The Bay Foundation, Friends of the Lax Dunes, and Los Angeles World Airports, along with thousands of volunteers, have worked to restore, enhance and protect this unique habitat. Come volunteer to help remove non-native and invasive vegetation and learn more about this historic site. Capping at 50 participants. Register online.

LAX Dunes (Waterview gate across from park), Trask Triangle Park, Playa del Rey, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., santamonicabay.org/events

Ballona Community Restoration Event

Oct. 4, 7 & 14

The Ballona Wetlands Commu nity Restoration Project focuses on removing invasive iceplant and other non-native vegetation that can impact native California plants such as pickleweed, salt grass, and alkali weed. Participants will help to remove non-native plants by hand. Capping at 50 participants. Register online. Parking behind Gordon’s/Alka Water Market and a short walk up Culver Boulevard to the restoration site, registration

is required.

303 Culver Boulevard, Playa del Rey, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., santamonicabay.org/events

Stand Up for Pups Comedy Show

Wednesday, Oct. 5

Join Annenberg PetSpace as they transform their Barks and Rec play yard into the Westside’s premier comedy venue. Laugh until you cry with your four-legged best friend by your side. Can’t Even Comedy is bringing the best of the best comedians to PetSpace for this hilarious night all for a good cause. Hosted by Caitlin Benson and featuring music by DJ

Vfresh, the lineup includes SNL’s Melissa Villaseñor, Ian Bagg, Claire Santangelo, Malik B, Sam Taha, and Julia Austin. Individual seating and tables will be available for you to relax in the PetSpace Barks and Rec play yard. Tickets include two drinks from Three Weav ers Brewing. A portion of ticket sales will go towards the PetSpace Extraordinary Care Fund. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $30, purchase online. Dog-friendly event, recommended for audience members 18 and up. Food trucks will be pulling up sling ing delicious bites.

12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista, 7 to 9 p.m., annenbergpetspace.org/events

Creative Communal Artisan Market

Saturday, Oct. 15

Creative Communal is back at RUNWAY for some fall family fun. Come out and enjoy the day with your crew and support incred ible small businesses and vendors. There will be over 40 local makers, photo ops, live music, brunch and BBQ. Pet-friendly and kid-friend ly event. Free admission.

12775 Millennium Drive, Playa Vista, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., runway playavista.com

Freeway Funk Yard Standup

Comedy

Thursday, Oct. 20

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. Lineup includes Joe Bartnick, Dwayne Perkins, Maria Boulin, Dustin Ybarra, and James Frey. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $15 per person. RSVP online.

5301 Grosvenor Street, Los Ange les, 8 to 10 p.m., bit.ly/3dC9FNc

Monster Dash 5K Walk/Run Sunday, Oct. 30

Participate in this Halloweenthemed, family-friendly run/walk through the beautiful community of Playa Vista, and Halloween After Party hosted by RUNWAY. Presenting sponsor is Team Tami Real Estate. Race starts at 10 a.m.; limited race day packet pick-up will be available at the start line from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. $45 to register for ages 16 and older; $25 to register for ages 5 to 15.

12702 W Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista, 10 a.m., bit.ly/3SnfMna

— Compiled by Kamala Kirk

On Thursday, Oct, 20, come see some of LA’s top comics perform Freeway Funkyard Standup Comedy in an outdoor Playa Vista speakeasy, hosted by Nick Hoff and Ryan Churchill. (Photo: Chris Mortenson)

On Oct. 4, 7 and 14, come volunteer to help The Ballona Wetlands Community Restoration Project by removing invasive iceplant and other non-native vegetation. (Courtesy photo)

ABOUT THE ASSIL EYE INSTITUTE

• 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.

• 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.

ABOUT DR. AVNEET K. SODHI GAUR

• 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.

“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 dis comfort! “

“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

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!”

N. Roxbury

Santa Monica Blvd., Suite

Hills, CA

90210

Santa Monica, CA

310-651-2300

90404

310-382-5050

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