Westchester/Playa HomeTown News May 2021 edition by Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News

westchester

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playa del rey

p l a y a v i s t a • m a r i n a d e l re y

May 2021

FREE MARKET OPENS IN PLAYA VISTA...PAGE 4 REQUEST YOUR BALLOT TO VOTE IN THE NCWP ELECTION...PAGE 6 Community members enjoy the grand opening weekend of Free Market in Playa Vista’s Runway.

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BUSINESSES You

LOVE It’s never been more important to share your local favorites, and we need your help in selecting our 2021 Best Of honorees! In our milestone 10th anniversary year, we hope you will join us in making this our biggest poll yet, and a chance to celebrate the eateries, businesses, places and organizations that make our community special!

2021

VOTING LAUNCHES MAY 21ST! VISIT THEHTN.COM FOR DETAILS.

Email us with any recommendations and to reserve your ad space at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. Page 2 • May 2021

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

This Month Brings You

help you prom help you prom nization or even l a c o L p o h nization orSin 2even 021! A look inside your HTN

Free Market opens in Playa Vista 23rd Annual Teacher Eddy Award Honorees 2021 Super Moms Volunteers help Clean UP Westchester In Pictures: LAXCEF Art Competition winners

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HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher

Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Fay Craton, Contributing Writer

Lydia Smith, Contributing Writer Consuelo Israelson, Contributing Writer

Front page photo courtesy Free Market and by Venice Paparazzi.

About The HomeTown News (HTN)

The HomeTown News is a monthly community newspaper dedicated to providing information about the people, events and happenings of Westchester, Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey and Playa Vista. Look for the HomeTown News the first Thursday of the month at your home or at one of our drop-off locations.

Connect with the HTN:

Mailing Address: 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110 #745 Westchester, CA 90045 • Email: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com • Website: thehtn.com • Facebook: facebook.com/thehtn • Instagram: instagram.com/thehometownnews The deadline for submissions is the 22nd of each month.

act us for rates and act us for rates and hesterhometo Now, more than ever, Westchester retailers and service providers need your help. Slammed by the pandemic

and stay-at-home orders, our small businesses need your help to survive. Please make “Shop Local” your

hesterhometo mantra for 2021– it’s not just a slogan, it helps keep the businesses we love and the families they support alive!

us on Faceboo to-date with news and us on Faceboo Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

May 2021 • Page 3

Free Market offers new retail experience in Playa Vista with 13 different shops & eateries

After months of anticipation and lack of new businesses celebrating grand openings, the community gave a warm welcome to Free Market when it opened on May 1 at Runway Playa Vista with a mix of shops, eateries and experiences. The 21,000-square-foot open space is touted as an experiential retail collective that will house permanent shops, as well as be a destination for hip and fun pop-ups. “After a difficult year and rightful pause on retail, we’re so excited to bring Free Market to Runway,” said Raan Parton, co-founder of Free Market. “We’ve pulled some of our favorite restaurant groups together with forward-thinking brands, merchants and services to rethink the traditional department store as a collection of things that are bought, not just sold, all while offering something fresh and new for the Los Angeles community to discover.” During opening weekend, visitors strolled through the collective’s 13 spaces, perusing records for sale, shopping for clothes and admiring the unique bouquets at County Line Florals. Others waited in line at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for a scoop of flavors like Wildberry Lavender and Savannah Buttermint in a freshly made waffle cone or at Loqui to order up the tacos that everyone was raving about. “Free Market is an amazing addition to Runway, a game changer both in experience and offerings. The architecture and design draws you in, and the brands at Free Market do not disappoint,” said Playa Vista resident and area real estate agent Kris Zacuto. “Runway is already remarkably unique for the westside of L.A., and Free Market adds a dimension that will add growth as a destination location. In a word, the community has been obsessed, and once you visit, it’s easy to see why.”

can mail specially designed postcards to their friends and family. A total list of Free Market’s current tenants include: • Alchemy Works: A coastal California retail, gallery and event space. • County Line Florals: An artfully curated retail experience that offers bouquets, branches and plants. • Heyday: A one-stop skincare shop where knowledgeable experts, customized facials and powerful products come together to help customers put their best face forward. • Studio C by C Magazine: A store that celebrates the very best in Californian design and creativity. • Natural Rough: A handmade clothing retailer known for its use of natural and sustainable fabrics. • Teresa Foglia: A designer of handmade, bespoke hats. • Period Correct: A maker of automotive motorsports vintage apparel. • Urbanic Paper Boutique: A L.A.based curated stationery boutique featuring unique and inspired greeting cards, gifts, home goods, office supplies, toys, books and candles. • Please Do Not Enter: A one-ofa-kind progressive luxury retail and exhibition space. • Spread Love Project: An art installation designed to foster love and communication featuring colorful hearts. • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: An artisan ice cream shop with unique Top: The Spread Love Project art installation is a popular spot for Instagram-worthy photos. flavors. Bottom: Playa Vista themed bags were a hit at Alchemy Works. • Loqui: A Mexican eatery focusing Another popular spot with visitors the launch of Free Market’s art and on tacos. culture programming and was created was the Spread Love Project art Joliet Café and Bar: A new bar by New York-based artist Nicholas installation featuring walls painted concept opening soon and serving up Konert. As part of the Spread Love with multi-colored hearts, which classic cocktails with a twist. Project’s mission to foster love and made the perfect backdrop for Free Market is located at 12751 W. communication, the experience selfies. Aiming to be more than just Millennium Dr. in Playa Vista. Learn a retail experience, the installation is includes an outpost where visitors more at freemrkt.co.

Other new local businesses to check out soon:

Oakberry plans to open a new location at Westchester’s HHLA this spring. The casual eatery specializes in all natural, gluten free and vegan açai bowls where guests are encouraged to pile on the toppings.

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Qargo Coffee is tentatively scheduled to open on May 13 in Westchester’s Playa del Oro development in the location that formerly housed Coffee Bean. The center will also welcome 123 Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant later this year.

Playa del Rey’s Cafe Boheme celebrated its grand opening on May 1. Stop by to get your fix of pastries, crepes and a variety of breakfast dishes. Specializing in French cuisine, the cafe is located at 8428 Pershing Drive in Playa del Rey.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

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Business & Nonprofit News

TheHTN.com

The Amoeba People rock out in The Book Jewel’s parking lot as part of the shop’s Independent Bookstore Day festivities on April 24.

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the parade with approvals and support from our local governmental agencies,” said LAX Coastal Chamber president Christina Davis. “Based on the state’s goal of reopening by June 15th, declining COVID cases and the news that nearly 50 percent of Californians have received at least one dose of the vaccine, we hope to be able to host this important and beloved community tradition this summer.” She said the feedback from participants, sponsors and community groups has been overwhelmingly positive. While she stresses the event will only be possible with sign-offs from health and safety officials, the committee is optimistic, especially after the Palisades Parade Association’s recent announcement that they are A parade spectator shows off some Fourth of July swag with a big smile at the 2019 event. moving forward with their July 4th the Westchester Library starting June 4 rescues dogs from California shelters event. and trains them to become psychiatric through Tuesday, June 8 at 8 p.m. Westchester Arts & Music Block service animals for combat veterans The NCWP will hold a Candidate Party (WAM) founder John Sharpe suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Forum on Wednesday, May 12 at 6 is also hopeful that his late summer Disorder. p.m. via Zoom. For more information, event will be able to proceed with Flags can be purchased by May 10 at please visit the ncwpdr.org. You can modifications and safety measures in givebox.com/521117. For more also view the seats up for election and place. He wants to get the word out information, please contact Julie the candidates’ statements by visiting to save the date for the September Lansing at julielansing@ymail.com. ncwpdr.org/meet-the-candidates. 18th event, which merges live music, community booths and art. Save the date for Westchester’s Woman’s Club hosts Memorial “After being apart from each other favorite events. Day Fundraiser. for a year, people are excited to be able The organizers behind two of The Woman’s Club of Playa del to safely resume some of their favorite Westchester’s most popular events– Rey is inviting the community to local traditions,” said Sharpe. “Hearing the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade participate in their Field of Flags from musicians, vendors, community and the Westchester Arts & Music fundraiser this month. For a $10 groups and sponsors, they’re all eager donation, people can purchase a flag in Block Party (WAM)–are starting to for this event to move forward, but honor of a loved one or for themselves. plan for this year’s festivities and are only if it’s safe. We expect WAM will anticipating holding in-person, scaled All the flags will then be displayed in be scaled down, but still fun and full of front of the Woman’s Club’s clubhouse down versions of the traditional community building.” events. located at 8039 W. Manchester Ave. For more info on the parade, please “We are working very closely with in Playa del Rey during Memorial visit laxcoastalonparade.com. For more our City and County officials for Day weekend. Proceeds will benefit info on WAM, visit wamblockparty.org. guidance and will only proceed with Shelter to Soldier, a nonprofit that (continued on next page) Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News Photo By Zsuzsi Steiner.

Request a ballot to vote in the Neighborhood Council election by June 1st. Want to make your voice heard in the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP) election? The NCWP represents the communities of Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista, and the advisory board is made up of stakeholders that live, work or own property in these communities. At their monthly meetings, the NCWP hears about important local issues, and provides community impact statements, feedback and ideas to elected officials including Councilmember Mike Bonin and the Los Angeles City Council. Voting takes place every two years, with half the seats up for election. Due to the pandemic, voting is all by mail this year, and requires voters to register to receive a ballot by June 1 at 5 p.m. on the City Clerk’s website at tiny.cc/VBMballot. There voters can register either via the online portal or by printing and mailing in a paper application. When signing up online, voters will be asked to create an account and provide their contact information. They will also be asked to provide proof of their stakeholder status (voters must be at least 16 years of age and live, work or own real property within the NCWP boundary) by uploading documents. These can include a driver’s license for proof of residency, or a driver’s license and a pay stub to prove you work within the area. Ballots will began being mailed to voters on May 10. Ballots may be returned by mail and must be postmarked by June 8. A ballot drop-off box will also be available at

AMY FRELINGER TEAM

at Douglas Elliman Real Estate

A sign promoting the NCWP hangs on the fence at the Emerson Avenue Garden. The NCWP’s elections are scheduled for June 8, but you must request a ballot by June 1st.

(continued from previous page) Hannon Foundation announces support of Y’s youth programs. The William H. Hannon Foundation recently announced another grant for the Westchester Family YMCA, continuing their longtime support of the local nonprofit youth organization. Since 2007, The William H. Hannon Foundation has supported the Y with grants totaling more than $200,000. The support will help fund the new Teens & Government (T&G) program. The program, which seeks to teach youth about civics and leadership skills, was launched last year and is specifically tailored to meet the needs of local students. “The William H. Hannon Foundation is proud to support initiatives that teach the next generation about the importance of leadership and give them a sense of civic responsibility,” said Kathleen Hannon Aikenhead, President of the Hannon Foundation. “The Teens & Government program provides opportunities and invaluable life skills that some youth may otherwise not ever have the opportunity to receive.” The Teens & Government program stresses the importance of participation in local government and provides educational programs and workshops for students. The program, which is modeled after the YMCA’s

traditional Youth & Government program, has transitioned online with virtual panels and discussions with professors, legal professionals, activists and civil servants. “Organizations like the Westchester Family YMCA are an integral part in forming the next generation of leaders and is a cornerstone in the Westchester community,” said Aikenhead. “This past year has especially highlighted the importance of participating in local government.”

Do you love where you live? If you need professional guidance with any of your real estate needs, call Amy today at 310.951.0416. AMY FRELINGER TEAM | 310.951.0416 | Amy.Frelinger@elliman.com | DRE# 01484711

Sign-ups now open for swim lessons at the Y. The Westchester Family YMCA is now open for gym use and exercise classes, and this month they are launching their swim lesson program for kids 3 to 13, just in time for summer. Classes start May 10 and will include added health and safety measures including wellness checks taken on arrival, physical distancing and instructors remaining on the pool deck during the lesson. Parents/ guardians will be required to be in the water during the lesson for children under 5-years-old. For more info, email aquatics@ ymcala.org or visit ymcala.org/swim. Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. for a chance to be featured.

Dine-In & Heated Al Fresco Dining Chef Specials • Fine Wine • Decadent Desserts Curbside • Delivery • Online 310-821-0018 • 193 Culver Blvd., Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

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A sneak peek of the discovery center’s interior murals designed with help from students at Otis College of Art and Design.

Historical society readies to launch discovery center By Cozette Vergari The new Westchester/Playa Historical Society (WPHS) Discovery Center is scheduled to open to the public on August 1st! Notwithstanding the challenges that COVID-19 has rendered, after an exciting year of strategic planning and implementation, the Westchester/ Playa Historical Society Board of Directors has been working diligently to bring its dream of a public location for visitors to explore the rich history of our local communities to fruition. The mission of the Westchester/ Playa Historical Society, incorporated as a nonprofit entity just over a year ago, is to gather, study and preserve the history of the communities of Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista, providing educational and research opportunities for all ages. The new WPHS Discovery Center will be a major component of that mission. The Discovery Center is located at 6207 W. 87th St. in the Westchester Triangle, which in and of itself is considered a historical commercial retail district within Los Angeles. Architect Lara Hoad was hired to collaborate with board members Cozette Vergari, Marcelo Cruz, Art Wexler, Mike Heffernan and David Russell, in the design of the buildout. Contractor Robert Sawyer was then engaged to implement the new design of the location. The WPHS board also collaborated with Otis College of Art & Design students to create Page 10 • May 2021

A circular map, circa 1940s, that appeared in a local neighborhood newspaper as an advertisement encouraging people to buy in Westchester.

region. The exhibits will also highlight individual pioneers who directly impacted the birth of our local neighborhoods in the early 1900s, and others who followed to protect and preserve thoughtful development. Individuals with historical ties to the community will be invited to record their oral histories to be housed among the historical society’s archives. The Discovery Center will be available for special events as well, once again partnering with The Book Jewel. As soon as reasonably possible, the WPHS Walking Tour and WPHS Driving Tour will be resurrected. When the pandemic shut our lives down, WPHS was forced to cancel its very first “sold out” tours that were planned for May of last year. Please visit the newly launched Westchester/Playa Historical Society website at wphistoricalsociety.org. If you are interested in supporting the efforts of the WPHS, please reach out at wphistorical@gmail. com. There are donor, contributor, exhibit sponsorships and volunteer opportunities available. Cozette is an attorney and lifelong resident of Westchester. She is the President of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society. Together with a group of dedicated volunteers, the organization is working on creating new programming and events to celebrate the history of the area and engage the community in preserving it for future generations.

Playa Historical Society Discovery new branding and installations in the Center will be open to the public on space, including the interior murals, Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. which dramatically and relevantly and by appointment. Field trips will depict local history as far back as be available to schools to help enrich 8000 B.C. Another major component the California mandated history of the work the team has done over curriculum, which requires students the past year includes implementing to study state and local history. technology to both serve and protect Beginning in September, there will access to its archives. be a full and ongoing calendar of Partnering with The Book Jewel historical exhibits, memorializing and other local businesses, as health major themes in the history of the protocols permit, the Westchester/ Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westchester/Playa is full of awesome Super Moms, and we love celebrating them annually in our May edition! Through this difficult year, we know so many moms that have supported their families through the pandemic, somehow managing to juggle online learning, working from home, and their own stresses, all while providing love and support to their family, friends and community. This is the sixth year that we’ve asked our readers to nominate moms that are making a difference through their dedication to their families, careers, volunteer work and education, and we are always inspired by reading the emails that land in our inbox from supportive friends, partners, kids and colleagues. With such a great pool to choose from, it’s always hard to narrow down our honorees to just a few each year! Below are our 2021 honorees, their original nominations and their “Super Mom Stats.” We hope you enjoy reading a little bit more about three awesome women in the community that all embody what it means to be a Super Mom! A special thank you to Playa del Rey’s Ballerini Cooley Studios for partnering with us on this and providing our honorees with a fabulous family photo shoot!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our community’s awesome Super Moms!

Meet Lynne: A Super Mom educator who inspires future leaders.

What better affirmation that you are a Super Mom than all your children following in your footsteps? Super Mom Lynne Allen is lucky enough to qualify for this unique club: all three of her grown children are successful teachers just like her! A lifelong resident of

Westchester, Lynne has taught school locally for almost 50 years. From teaching at WNS, lecturing at LMU and being the first Education Chair of the NCWP, she has gone above and beyond what it takes to be a super mom, super teacher and super role model!

Nomination: In the world of mothering, Lynne Allen is a natural superstar, with a long list of first graders she has taught over her lifetime who think of her as a second mom. Lynne is not only a popular first grade and gardening teacher at WNS (originally Westchester Neighborhood School, now Westside Neighborhood School), but she is also one of the original founders of the private elementary school. In 1980, she was instrumental in developing the original curriculum for WNS, now a premier independent K-8 school for L.A.’s Westside with more than 600 students. Lynne began her career in public education in 1969, when she joined the staff at Lindberg School in Lynwood as a first grade teacher, and then later taught for LAUSD as a specialist in the Gifted Program. Lynne’s public service extends to the community as well; in 2001, she was overwhelmingly elected by the community as the first Education Chair of the Westchester/Playa Neighborhood Council. During her tenure with the organization, great strides were made to coordinate educational interaction among all area schools. In 2002, then Mayor of Los Angeles, James Hahn, gave her a special commendation, recognizing her significant contributions to WNS and the Westchester community. The hundreds of visits Mrs. Allen receives from former students, some of whom have now enrolled their own children at WNS, are an enduring testimony to the loving, nurturing and developmental attention she gave to each one. They talk about hoping to catch Mrs. Allen in one of her crazy costumes, or with one of her trademark weird sunglasses, and enjoy again her wonderful sense of humor and wisdom. Her oldest son, Rick, the head of the Art Department at Hawthorne High School for more than 20 years, sums her up with,

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

“My Super Mom taught me that life, as well as teaching, is all about connection and relationships. She is patient, kind and a listener who focuses on you like a spotlight—nothing else exists but your thrilling moment, sad story or problem. Her devotion to her children, grandchildren and students is tireless. She gives of herself and puts others first, and it seems that whatever she gives to the rest of us, she always has more and it never seems to deplete her. That is her Nominated by her family. super power.”

LYNNE’S SUPER MOM STATS What is the best part about being a mom? Everything! My life’s dream

was to be a mother! I always imagined a house with a picket fence and a yard full of kid debris, bikes, skateboards, dolls, mud holes, etc. Teaching first grade for 35 years gave me a life filled with children. Their insights, laughter and light bulb moments continue to delight me every day.

What is the best tip you can share with other moms or local families? When our kids were little I

would ask them every night at the dinner table, “What was the best and worst today?” It seemed to open them up to feelings rather than experiences and gave my husband and I a chance to check in on their emotional well-being. Teaching kids to be kind, hard working and resilient happens in the little moments of our lives together. Look for every opportunity!

Favorite way to spend Mother’s Day? In my family, everyone has a

holiday and Mother’s Day belongs to my son. We all have the hospitality gene. I love to see his face lit up with a house full of relatives and burgers on the grill. He has a wonderful laugh, and it rings out over the chaos frequently. A true serotonin lift! May 2021 • Page 13

Sarah Musich exemplifies what a Super Mom truly is. She goes above and beyond in all aspects of her life including her home and family, her career and her love for community. Remaining positive no matter what life throws at her is one of Sarah’s super powers! Nomination: We are very proud and excited to nominate Sarah Musich as a Westchester Super Mom! Every day Sarah takes extraordinary steps to care for her family: Carter, 12; Sienna, 10; three cats; one guinea pig; and our aging dog. She always puts her family before herself, no matter what. Despite all of 2020s twists and turns, she has remained positive and supportive to everyone around her. When the kids are having a hard time with remote learning, she stays calm and caring, which seems like a miracle. Sarah works full-time, has two other jobs and fosters animals. In addition to her full-time job counseling at a local high school, she has her own private practice to offer therapy to adolescents and adults. During her nights and weekends, Sarah works with local adoption agencies to write home studies for potential adopters. Sarah’s abundance of love even extends to fostering kittens in the spring and summer months. Sarah is a tremendous role model in big and little ways. While she takes on the role as advocate for social justice and equality, she also goes the extra mile to make sure family meals are healthy and supports local business at every opportunity. She keeps her body and mind strong through daily exercise, which is inspiring for the whole family.

Meet Sarah: A Super Mom with positivity that is contagious.

She does all this and still maintains long-term friendships. These are just a few examples of why we love our mom and why we know Sarah is a Nominated by her family. Super Mom!

SARAH’S SUPER MOM STATS What is the best tip you can share with other moms or local families? Be gentle with

yourself. Being a parent is hard work! When you are constantly trying to care for everyone in your home it is easy to forget to care for yourself or to be really hard on yourself when something goes wrong. It’s so

important to treat yourself with an extra dose of self-compassion in the moments when we stumble.

What is the best part about being a mom? For me, the best

part about being a mom is getting to witness my kid’s development and growth. I feel so lucky to be their mom and get to witness them growing into the people they will become. I also love sharing things that I love or loved as a kid with them.

As a Super Mom, what do you consider your “super” power?

multi-tasker, as are most moms. I’m also good at helping my kids find calm when they are worried. I’m a good cook as well.

Favorite place in the community to take your kids or family? It’s hard to pick just

one! We love to go to the Westchester Library, the YMCA and the Farmers’ Market.

Favorite way to spend Mother’s Day? A quiet brunch at

home with my family and then a little dose of “Sarah time!”

Such a good question. I’m an amazing

At Playa Del Rey’s Ballerini Cooley Studios, mother and son team Kathy Cooley and Bill Ballerini mix their mastery of image composition with a relaxed and fun candor to bring out the best in their clients. Whether in their natural light PDR studio or on location at your home or business, you can count on BCS to help you conceive, compose and execute your vision.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our community’s Super Moms!

Cherishedto family milestones should be on the wall to honorees. be seen and treasured daily. Thank you to the generous businesses that provided gift •cards this year’s Super Mom • Don’t leave your love life up to an algorithm...dating profiles that feature professional photos are 6x more likely to be viewed. • You and your team are your business’ BEST asset, don’t only rely on SEO to give you the results that smiles have been giving for decades.

2014 Becca Zambotti Courtney O'Donoghue Dr. Toya Jackson Erin Inatsugu Julie Zaller

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Krstina Sebez Lory Sarlo Ragon Duffy

2015 Diane Lynch Dr. Lori Baudino Dr. Michele Cooley-Strickland Fiona Godschalk

Bill Call/Text: Kathy Call/Text: 310.849.8281 310.874.0658 2016 2017 2017 bill@bcs76.com kathy@bcs76.com Betsy Sichi Kim Allard Abby Lagunoff Beverly Migliazzo

Audrey LaPonza Grace Yao Christy Skura Joy Fehily

Amanda FawcettSwanlund Jackie Cookerly Aguilera Mary Ann DiMaria

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Contemporary Classic with amazing views

6534 Hedding St., Westchester List Price: $3,000,000 Panoramic ocean and mountain views welcome you as you enter this 3bd/2bath home with living rooms upstairs and down. This is an oasis above the city located at the end of a quiet, highly coveted cul-de-sac in exclusive North Kentwood. It sits on a 13,000 sq foot lot with quintessential indoor/outdoor living and open concept. The spacious living room has rich hardwood floors, a fireplace and floor to ceiling windows offering bright sunlight and ocean breezes. Formally dine by candlelight or al fresco on the large wooden deck. The gourmet kitchen features beautifully polished wood cabinetry and s/s appliances. The upstairs features 2 BR

with a modern bathroom with gorgeous sea glass tile. Head downstairs where a sizable living room complete with a second fireplace is ready to entertain your guests in luxury and style or perfect for your suite hideaway. It includes a bedroom and spa-like bathroom. The stunning backyard is an ideal getaway for a entertaining or your own quiet retreat. While lounging under the covered patio or resting in the hammock you will feel the peace and enjoy the calming sounds of the waterfall, and become mesmerized by the views. The perfectly manicured landscape makes for a very private lifestyle. Unwind with a soak in the jacuzzi, while watching the sun fade into the Pacific A true contemporary classic and once in a lifetime home!

Luxurious Playa Vista home with all the amenities

6241 Crescent Park #103, Playa Vista List Price: $1,725,000

One of a kind opportunity in Playa Vista! Looking for a gorgeous, private home plus all the benefits of community living? Then look no further! This 3 bedroom/3 bath, single-level unit is located on the corner of the luxurious Dorian and offers everything you need! Grand formal entry leads to an oversized living room worthy of hotel living: high ceilings, intimate fireplace, and expansive windows that look out to a private balcony and majestic views of the marshes and wetlands. The formal dining room and additional family room make this home an entertainer’s dream. Enjoy a gourmet chefs kitchen with large center island, granite countertops, wine fridge, and stainless steel appliances. Two suites, plus a spacious bedroom, each with its own bathroom. Retreat to the master en-suite, boasting a large walk-in closet, dual vanity, soaking tub and huge spa shower! Designer finishes, tasteful upgrades, gorgeous pecan hardwood floors and recessed lighting throughout, electric blinds, double paned windows.

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Super Mom Sandy Binder expresses her love for her family and her community through her tireless work at home, at her job and in the neighborhood. Whether she is feeding those in need or putting dinner on the table for her family, her thoughtfulness and kindness are always evident. She is respected and loved by all members of her family, including the four-legged ones! Nomination: I wish to nominate Sandy Binder, mother, wife, medical professional, athletic coach and grandmother. She is the most beautiful and amazing lady I have ever seen. I feel proud that our children and grandchild have her in their lives. Selflessly, she puts herself out to help the sick, feed the hungry and support the community. Sandy works as a full-time medical director at UCLA, all the while keeping up with our freshman’s school obligations, water polo and swimming commitments. Always thinking about the family first before herself, she is the house veterinarian, looking after a dog and a bearded dragon. She also uses her nursing skills to clean and mend the ever-present cuts and scratches that occur in a busy family! And just when the day is over, and dinner has been served, she is organizing community field hockey teams and packing food for women in need. The following words describe her almost perfectly: “A Real Mom” by Rachel Martin “Emotional, yet the rock. Tired, but keeps going. Worried, but full of hope. Impatient, yet patient. Overwhelmed, but never quits.

Meet Sandy: A Super Mom who juggles family, career and volunteering. Amazing, even though doubted. Wonderful, even in the chaos. Life changer, every single day.” Nominated by husband David Binder.

SANDY’S SUPER MOM STATS What’s your favorite way to spend Mother’s Day? We’re

very outdoorsy, so a family picnic at the beach after a bike ride or hike together is by far the best way to spend Mother’s Day.

What is the best part about being a mom? Motherhood

definitely has its challenges as well as its bright and special moments,

but watching your babies grow up to become responsible adults who are independent and in control of their lives provides an amazing sense of accomplishment that isn’t matched by any other achievement.

What is the best tip you can share with other moms or local families? We live in

a perfect location that is close to beaches and open parkland and trails. A family favorite is an easy short hike along Waterview Trail to watch the sunset over the ocean. For daytime fun, the new Stoneview Nature Center is beautiful with a bridge that links into Kenneth Hahn Park.

As a Super Mom, what do you consider your “super” power?

My locater beacon. I can find any “lost” item, from a pair of swim goggles to the Parmesan cheese that is apparently never in the fridge unless I look.

Favorite place in the community to take your kids or family? Toes Beach. You’ll often

find us down there swimming and the boys skim boarding in the mornings. We enjoy many evenings down there watching the sunset as well.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our community’s Super Moms! Thank you to the generous businesses that provided gift cards to this year’s Super Mom honorees.

2014 Becca Zambotti Courtney O'Donoghue Dr. Toya Jackson Erin Inatsugu Julie Zaller

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Krstina Sebez Lory Sarlo Ragon Duffy

2015 Diane Lynch Dr. Lori Baudino Dr. Michele Cooley-Strickland Fiona Godschalk

2016 Betsy Sichi Kim Allard Abby Lagunoff Beverly Migliazzo

2017 Audrey LaPonza Grace Yao Christy Skura Joy Fehily

2017 Amanda FawcettSwanlund Jackie Cookerly Aguilera Mary Ann DiMaria

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

May 2021 • Page 17

SCENE Our Guide To Treat Mom in PV If you’re looking to celebrate Mother’s Day in Playa Vista this year, you are in for a treat! Some of our favorite spots at the newly revamped Runway Playa Vista have got you covered, whether you’re looking for gifts, a fun activity or delicious eats! Here are our top picks to help create a memorable day for mom:

Banter & Bliss

Take your pick: either treat your mom to an afternoon workshop of candle making and flower arranging or sign up yourself to make these special handmade gifts for your favorite mama! The experience includes a gift box from Banter & Bliss Candle Co. with a bath bomb, modern matchstick bottle and a bar of artisan handcrafted soap! This event takes place on Sunday, May 9th. Space is limited and RSVP is required. The cost for the workshop is $110 per person. @banterandbliss

Heyday

Heyday is one of Playa Vista’s newest attractions! Located in Free Market at Runway, Heyday is on a mission to help each client learn about their unique skin and are ready to recommend a personalized routine to get your skin glowing. To pamper mom on her special day, or any time of the year, book her for their signature 50-minute facial at heydayskincare.com, or just stop by to browse in-store for skincare gifts. @heydayskincare

Bull & Butterfly

What would Mother’s Day be without taking mom out to eat? Bull & Butterfly has launched a new brunch menu just in time to celebrate! This eatery, which has quickly become a PV hotspot, is a fresh light take on a California steakhouse experience, and their brunch service is sure to impress. They’re guaranteed to book up quickly, so make your reservations to enjoy great food, and don’t forget to raise a glass of your favorite cocktail to all the special moms in your life! @bullandbutterfly

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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8pm | Call Josh at ext. 138 via Zoom • $15/session

Thursdays | 5:00 - 6:30pm | Mark at ext. 246 via Zoom • $15/session

Thursdays | 6pm - 7:30pm | Call Nikki at ext. 206 via Zoom • $15/session | 8 weeks

Wednesdays | 4:30 - 6:00pm Call Lara at ext. 156 or Stephanie at ext. 216 via Zoom • $15/session | 6 weeks

Tuesdays | 5:00 - 6:30pm | Call Nikki at ext. 206 via Zoom • $15/session | 10 weeks

Now forming | Time TBD | Call Nikki at ext. 206 via Zoom • $15/session | 10 weeks

Tejal Yarmand, LMFT Lic. #42428 Diana Hoffman, Ph.D. #PSY19281

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

May 2021 • Page 19

Random Notes/Opinion

TheHTN.com

Take a tip from mom about exercise this Mother’s Day

By Jeff Blair

She did some research and found the Milestone Wellness Center in Louisville. She learned all ages and Opinion: My mom, Judy Blair was fitness levels are enthusiastically born in Louisville, Kentucky and has welcomed there, so she signed up lived there her entire life. She rode and became a member. In spite bikes, played with friends and did of Milestone being a good fit, she normal kid activities as a youth. She struggled with consistent attendance. played grade school softball, but no She felt like she needed someone to other organized sports. She never support her. considered lifting weights. Throughout her life, she had She met my dad when she was 19. become close friends with her They got married and started having sister-in-law (my aunt) Linda. Linda a family. She became mom to five played tennis and generally lived a kids. She worked as a bank teller and healthy lifestyle. Mom asked Linda worked up to being an investment advisor. Between balancing work and to join Milestone with her, so she did, and they started going to the kids, life was busy and stressful. She gym together. They supported and lived the working parent lifestyle of encouraged each other. ballgames, homework and tuition Mom and Linda wanted to get bills. stronger, but did not know how to do She tried dance and different so safely. They went to the front desk physical activities but nothing ever and were assigned trainer Lisa Groft. stuck. Gyms were not really on the Lisa had an exercise science degree radar. In spite of never working out, and held a respected personal training she always had good strength. She could lift things around the house and certification. Lisa instructed them on proper exercise form. She designed an in the yard pretty easily. When she individualized workout program for entered her 50s, she first noticed a serious strength loss. She couldn’t lift them. After showing up consistently for things around the house like she could a while, something funny happened. in her 30s and 40s. After the kids were grown and after Workouts became a habit for mom and Linda. They started working out my dad experienced some health issues, she retired in 2002. She started consistently three days per week. They developed a fun ritual of eating traveling and enjoying life. My dad at the gym café after their workout. passed away in 2007, and mom’s life They have become friends with many totally changed. She had been with of the Milestone employees and other him 43 years. There was an obvious emotional loss. She was also suddenly members. Mom feels like she has found a community there. They have on her own and had lots of free time. now been Milestone members 12 Due to her loss of strength and years. other quality of life challenges, she When gyms shut down due to thought about joining a gym. She was COVID, mom’s workout routine was uncertain, though. She was 62-yearscompletely disrupted. Like so many old and had never belonged to one. people, she was not sure what to do. She did not know what to expect She wanted to be safe, but she also or even how things worked. She experienced a major strength loss wondered if everyone else would be as the pandemic dragged on. After in great shape. She wondered if she weighing the pros and cons and after would feel too uncomfortable to go if being away many months, she decided she did join.

Jeff and his mom at her home in Kentucky.

to return to Milestone in September. She has been regaining her strength and is now about 80 percent back to pre-pandemic levels. She’s hopeful to return to pre-pandemic strength in the coming months. Mom enjoys many benefits from working out. She was in Costco recently and a lady in her 50s was struggling to lift a case of water. Mom helped the lady lift the water and put it in her cart. When she goes to the home store to buy mulch, she politely declines when people offer to lift the bags for her. She thinks it’s important

to continue to do it herself. She continues to travel and looks forward to resuming trips post-COVID. Jeff Blair, MS CSCS, is Judy Blair’s proud son and also enjoys working out a little. He has been a Certified Personal Trainer for 18 years in Westchester and founded SoCalSport and Fitness Personal Training Studio in 2011. He is a fitness author and his second fitness book is currently in the editing stage. Say hi via his email: jeff@socalsport. com.

YOU CAN HELP! FOOD PANTRY, LAX

Emergency Food Distribution to those in need. Sponsored by the Westchester Clergy Association

Open Tuesday & Friday, 10am-12pm 355 Beach St., Inglewood

Bring donations of non-perishable food to Covenant Presbyterian Chuch. Volunteers and money donations also welcomed and encouraged!

For more information, please call (310) 677-5597 Ad donated by the Covenant Presbyterian Church

Page 20 • May 2021

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Do you and your partner feel valuable to each other? By Fay Craton Opinion: Do you remember how proud you were of your first car? You might have kept it waxed and made sure your car was maintained. You learned how to change its oil, check the air pressure in the tires and keep it clean. You invested in it by earning money for gas, car payments and insurance. As you matured, while you quite likely continued to care about–even cherish–your car, your world expanded to include other things like a career, your own home, romances, committed relationships and/or marriage. Life unfolds, expands, contracts and changes. Your experience is always deeply influenced by your own emotional and mental views. When driving your first car, you might have felt special, independent and grown up. You might have been valuing your car to get to school, work and run errands. Just as your internal processes were part of your relationship with your car, they are part of how you relate with other objects, as well as with pets, and especially people. When you find the special person with whom you decide to commit to in a life partnership, it is important to consider how your role is perceived by your partner’s inner awareness. A highly important aspect of commitment is to cherish each other. In thinking back to your first car, you might have cherished it. Having the car resulted in you feeling satisfied. Your specific behaviors were making sure the car received proper care. In considering a loved one, to cultivate the experience of being cherished requires behaviors the loved one’s inner experience recognizes as being treasured. In a life partnership, both people need to feel cherished and both need to be practicing behaviors nourishing the cherished experience. It is not a case of the other person needing to do something first; it is not a competition. It is not about having the most control. If you love someone, building a strong relationship is of very high importance. Cherishing a person provides a sense of stability for both of you. It includes acceptance, nurturing and a willingness to let go of control. You place the other person first. It includes authentic, warm appreciation for your partner’s skills,

thoughts, needs and dreams. Relationships flounder when either partner feels continuously devalued. Some people think bashing or mocking others is okay. It is not okay–it is abusive. It undermines relationships, destroying a sense of self-worth. Contemptuous body language and word emphasis is not funny or lighthearted. Claiming what was said was a “joke” does not erase the damage done to a loved one. Instead of acting cold, speak to your partner in warm tones. Developing an environment of support and appreciation requires effort by both partners. Certainly, verbally expressing on a daily basis how you appreciate them is a step in the right direction. However, actions often speak the loudest. Consider what you can do to demonstrate support for your partner today. Think of an action you can take. It can be small or large. Examples of actions could include: • Bringing a cup of coffee to them while they are working. • If you suspect they are having a difficult day, delivering some lunch to their office. • Showing moral support by going to difficult events with them. • Making small sacrifices for your partner. • Occasionally stepping way out of your comfort zone to demonstrate how important they are to you. • Stepping up to occasionally do tasks that your partner normally does. • Fully listening to your partner and using supportive language to indicate you heard them. There are many ways to show support. Use your imagination. Each of you should plan on doing at least one small action each day to demonstrate you care. Make sure the other person is not always sacrificing for you; be sure you also sacrifice for your partner. My wish is for you to have loving, supportive relationships around you. I want your primary life partnership to be enduring and healthy. You are valuable. You deserve to have the experience of being appreciated and so does your partner. Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc40011), which is the psychology license specializing in relationships (with ourselves or with others). She provides video-based counseling and is located in Westchester. If you have any questions, please contact Fay at (310) 645-6762.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 10:00 a.m. (Indoors & Livestream)

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING ALL MOTHERS AND SPECIAL WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE

7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 Pastor, Larry Becker

WWW.WLCS.ORG 310-670-5422

310.417.8048 www.drollingerproperties.com

8929 S. Sepulveda Boulevard, #130 Westchester, CA 90045

May 2021 • Page 21

Clockwise from top left: 1. Organizer Grant Francis poses with the Thompson family. 2. John Sharpe shows off his Clean UP Westchester shirt. 3. Volunteers pose for a group picture. 4. The Sun family show off their trash haul from the event.

Volunteers help Clean UP Westchester Westchester resident Grant Francis is no stranger to community service and jumping in when he sees a problem that needs to be solved. With parents that instilled in him the importance of giving back to your neighborhood, over the years Francis has volunteered with the Westchester Townhouse, the YMCA’s Mens Club, Neighborhood Watch and more. In 2019, eager to create a new local event, along with Amy Frelinger, he launched the Westchester Team Challenge, a day of field games for adults held at LMU that created friendly competition between neighbors, businesses and community groups. With the pandemic putting what they hoped to be an annual event on hold, Francis got to work brainstorming about other ways he could get more involved with helping Westchester. After volunteering with the Venice Chamber on a clean-up effort, he thought the same formula would work great in his own neighborhood. In March, he launched Clean UP Westchester, a monthly volunteer opportunity that invites community members of all ages to help beautify different areas in Westchester. Page 22 • May 2021

“I sent out some feelers to my neighbors asking for volunteers,” said Francis. “After I had a flyer created, I was able to share that with community leaders and the response was very positive, with people wanting to get involved and sponsor the activity.” While the first outing only had five volunteers, the April 24 event to clean the Westchester business district along Sepulveda brought out 35, along with help from local businesses. The Coffee Company donated drinks, Drollinger Properties donated bags and access to their dumpsters and Westchester Eye Care Center, the Stephanie Younger Group, Westchester Pharmacy and the Amy Frelinger Group donated money for gloves, supplies and trash grabbers. The funds will also be used to print neon Clean UP Westchester T-shirts that will be provided to everyone on the volunteer beautification team. The next Clean UP Westchester Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 from 9 to 10 a.m. near the CVS in the Ralphs Shopping Center on Sepulveda. Volunteers interested in signing up can call Grant Francis at (310) 216-9365 or email granttfrancis@gmail.com for more info.

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT HUMANITARIAN, EDUCATION, & COMMUNITY PROJECTS LOCALLY & INTERNATIONALLY THOUSANDS OF BOOKS IN EXCELLENT TO GOOD CONDITION Thank you in advance for adhering to physical distancing guidelines. Masks are mandatory.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

May 2021 • Page 23

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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westchester’s Dominic Saienni made a rare triple play during an April 12 game while playing third base for Del Rey American Little League’s Major Reds. The play happened in the bottom of the fourth inning with Dominic’s team leading 2-0 over the Major Yankees. The Yankees were batting with no outs and the bases loaded, when a hard line drive was hit up the third base line straight to his glove for the first out. He then stepped on third base before the runner going home could get back to the base making the second out. Next he

quickly threw the ball across the diamond to the first baseman who completed the play by tagging out the runner who was off the base. With a narrow lead at the time, the play was key to securing the eventual win. The team is currently tied for first in the Majors division. This isn’t the only rare sports achievement the straight-A student and Student Council Sports Commissioner from Visitation has completed over the past year. In June, he sunk his first hole-in-one. Congratulations, Dominic!

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

May 2021 • Page 25

Local K-12 students shared their creativity and their “Reflections of COVID” at the LAX Coastal Education Foundation’s (LAXCEF) 1st Annual Art Show and Competition last month. Fifteen Westchester/Playa area schools participated in the event and sent their school’s winning artwork to be displayed for two weeks in the windows of Westchester Triangle businesses. A panel of seven judges made up of community members, sponsors and artists had the unenviable task of viewing all the pieces and selecting three artists in each age category to take home this year’s top awards and cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50. The first place winners will also receive an art extension class at Otis College of Art and Design. With the foundation’s Spelling Bee and Rock Roll & Run unable to take place this spring, LAXCEF pivoted to organize the art show as a way for students to express their feelings about the pandemic, as well as raise money for arts education. With the support of sponsors, more than $34,000 was raised. Each participating school will receive $250 for art supplies, and every school in the foundation’s footprint is eligible to apply for $2,500 grants to support their art programs for the 2021-2022 school year. “One of the foundation’s goals is to give students the opportunity to shine through events like the Spelling Bee and the Rock Roll and Run, and now our art competition,” said event chair and LAXCEF Vice President Lory Sarlo. “It was wonderful to see students express themselves though this show and be able

to share that with our local community. We’re planning on making this an annual fall event, and hope to hold another competition later this year.” Next up for the foundation is STEM Grants with SoCalGas, supporting the Teacher Eddy Awards and the school expo in the fall. Learn more at laxcef.org. Congratulations to this year’s Art Competition winners: In the TK to 2nd grade category: 1st Place: Vidhan A., 2nd grade at Playa Del Rey Elementary School 2nd Place: Joan O., TK at Westchester Lutheran 3rd Place: Kiran C., 1st grade at St. Anastasia In the 3rd to 5th grade category: 1st Place: Julius S., 3rd grade at Goethe 2nd Place: Shay T., 5th grade at St. Anastasia 3rd Place: Morgan F., 3rd grade at Goethe In the 6th to 8th grade category: 1st Place: Sam Z., 8th grade at Westchester Lutheran 2nd Place: Josh S., 8th grade at Westchester Lutheran 3rd Place: Ryan J., 7th grade at Westchester Lutheran In the 9th to 12th grade category: 1st Place: Julia W., 9th grade at St. Bernard 2nd Place: Julian V., 10th grade at WISH Academy 3rd Place: Jhacob B., 10th grade at St. Bernard People’s Choice category and The Book Jewel gift card winners: - Joan O., Westchester Lutheran School - Judith O., Westchester Lutheran School

Photographed winners from left to right from top: Kiran C., Ryan J., Julian V., Morgan F., Jhacob B., Shay T., Julius S., Julia W. and Josh S. Bottom right: The Book Jewel displays artwork from elementary and high school students in its window.

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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News