MONTH BRINGS
STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS
Stephanie Davis, Publisher
Shanee Edwards, Contributing Writer
ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS
Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer
Fay Craton, Contributing Writer
Zsuzsi Steiner, Photos Robert Higgins, Photos
A LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS
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, including The Book Jewel, Westchester Family YMCA, Playa Pharmacy, Loyola Village Library, Playa Vista Library, Truxton’s American Bistro and Cantalini’s Salerno Beach.
ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS
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
Story ideas & Advertising: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com
Front page photos (clockwise from top right): Best Paint Company, Zuno Painting; Favorite Plant-Based Options, Beyond Vegan; Best Happy Hour, Cinco; Best Florist, Flowers by Felicia; Best Membership Organization, Westchester Family YMCA and Best Yoga Studio, Sunstone Yoga. YMCA photo by Robert Higgins. All other photos by Zsuzsi Steiner for the Hometown News.
LAX Coastal Chamber
Westchester Farmers’
Market
Drollinger Properties
Westchester Veterinary Center
Peter Kohly
Truxton’s American Bistro
The Coffee Company
Ayara Thai Cuisine
Cafe Solar
Westchester Bakery
Kanpai
Melody Bar & Grill
LaRocco’s Pizzeria
Covered by More
Westchester Pharmacy
SoCal Sports & Fitness
Edgar Saenz
The Book Jewel
The Ramen Joint
Beyond Vegan
Hart House
We’re proud to be home to these “Best of” winners...
Most of us can proudly say we’ve baked a cake before, even if the majority of ingredients came from a box. Most of us, however, don’t consider ourselves actual bakers. That’s because baking is hard; it’s like a science experiment. It involves precise measurements and following detailed instructions. The smallest deviation from the recipe can lead to big changes in the final outcome, like flat cookies and cakes that crumble. But for three local women, baking fancy cakes with elaborate toppings, flavors and themes is a science they’ve not only mastered, but the act of baking has become a means of self-expression. Oh, and a fun way to earn a living.
For Westchester baker Kelsey Branstetter, it was her love of spending time with her mom that got her started baking sweet treats.
“I grew up baking with my mom mostly around the holidays,” says Kelsey fondly. “She loves to make cookies, fudge and candy. That was always something we really loved to do together. And both of us have always had a major sweet tooth. To me, dessert has always been the best part of the meal!”
As an adult, Kelsey developed a passion for horror movies, even going to film school. But breaking into the highly competitive genre can be difficult, so Kelsey started expressing her creativity in less gruesome ways. She started teaching herself how to make French pastries, pies, tarts–anything she could think of in the dessert category. Soon, she became the go-to person among her family and friends for birthday or holiday treats but didn’t consider baking as a potential side business (her day job is in accounting) until she went through a big life change and decided to take her life in a new direction.
“Somebody around that time asked me, ‘If money were no object, what would you love to do with your life?’ And I just sort of blurted out, ‘Baking!’ and that was the first time I had said that out loud. I know it sounds really cliché and cheesy, but it just made so much sense,” she says.
But one scroll through Kelsey’s website, Sugar Kane’s Bake Shop, and there’s nothing cliché or cheesy about it. In fact, looking at the gorgeous pictures of her cakes, cream pies and custom pop tarts is like peering through the window of a 1950s sweet shop in Technicolor. Many of the cakes are topped with ruby-red Maraschino cherries, her Circus Animal Cupcakes are topped with those iconic pink and white cookies with rainbow sprinkles and her sweet and savory Elvis cupcakes are topped with crispy bacon. All her baked goods have one thing in common: they are a nostalgic dream come true.
“I knew from day one that my brand was going to be an extension of my personal style. I’ve always been into
classic Americana and vintage clothing–that’s just my vibe. Everything I do has to be super authentic so it just made sense the brand would be an extension of my personal aesthetic,” she says.
But what about her dreams of making horror films? There’s a bit of that in her baking too. Her coal-black Vamp Cake is made with black cocoa powder.
“It basically tastes like Oreos. It’s really dark!” she says.
One thing Kelsey has learned since starting her business is that people really resonate with nostalgia.
“It transports people back in time and provides a little bit of an escape from their everyday stresses,” said Kelsey. “If I can give my customers a few minutes of joy by offering them one of their favorite childhood treats, like a cosmic brownie or an oatmeal cream pie, then I’m excited about that.”
Kelsey is eager for the community to check out her treats at next month’s WAM Block Party where she’ll have a booth.
Playa del Rey mom Audrey Lai is a true artist when it comes to cake and cookie decorating. Her eye for beauty puts her in a sophisticated class all her own. Audrey decided to turn lemons into lemon meringue (so to speak) when she was laid off from a start up in 2011. To fill time while she was looking for another job, she experimented with making French macarons–those lovely pastel-colored sandwich cookies.
“They are actually one of the most difficult pastries to make because there’s a lot of things you have to get right,” says Audrey. “The temperature, the way you beat the egg whites, how much you fold the dry ingredients, the wet ingredients–all that determines whether the macarons will turn out nicely.”
Pretty soon, Audrey realized that she not only had a knack for pastry making, but it also made her happy.
“What appeals to me most is the aesthetic part of it because I’m a very visual person and as a woman, I like beautiful things. I was 38 at the time, and one day I just thought, why don’t I look into pastry schools?”
But she didn’t sign up for just any pastry school, she applied to the world famous Le Cordon Bleu in France. It was expensive and though she didn’t have a job, she decided to take the plunge.
“I thought, if I don’t do it, I’m going to regret it for the rest of my life! So, I went ahead and applied for it, and the next thing I knew, I was on the airplane going to Paris,” she said.
Audrey hasn’t looked back since. A decade later, her business, Audrey’s Atelier, is thriving. Her cakes and cookies are simply beautiful, all with fun and fanciful details. Her Busy Bees cake has cheerful black and yellow candy bees buzzing around; the matching cupcakes are decorated the same with honeycomb biscuits and honey-colored frosting. Her classy
Tiffany cake, decorated in their signature blue with an adorable image of Holly Golightly in that famous little black dress, will please even the most discerning clients. Take one look at her gallery of chocolate creations to find artistry that is almost too fantastic to eat.
Audrey credits local moms for helping her take her business to the next level, which makes sense since
her kids’ birthday cakes are also full of charm and whimsy.
“One mom recommended another mom and then another. Right now, I don’t even do much advertising. I’m kind of known in the community now,” she says.
Now that her daughter has gotten a bit older, she’ll sometimes help her in the kitchen.
(continued on page 52)
One of the best farmers’ markets in all of LA, the Farmer Mark Playa Vista Farmers’ Market is located at RUNWAY each Saturday, rain or shine, from 9-2pm. You will find the freshest organic fruits, seasonal vegetables, fresh flowers, baked breads, fresh pastries, handmade jewelry, and so much more! The market hosts live music each week, and provides and interactive KidZone for the community to enjoy! Parking is easy throughout the neighborhood or at the RUNWAY Mall parking garage.
One of the best farmers’ markets in all of LA, the Farmer Mark Playa Vista Farmers’ Market is located at RUNWAY each Saturday, rain or shine, from 9-2pm. You will find the freshest organic fruits, seasonal vegetables, fresh flowers, baked breads, fresh pastries, handmade jewelry, and so much more! The market hosts live music each week, and provides and interactive KidZone for the community to enjoy! Parking is easy throughout the neighborhood or at the RUNWAY Mall parking garage.
See you next Saturday!
See you next Saturday!
“Free Market Playa Vista is an ever-evolving collective that develops and markets curated products, services, and experiences by combining incubator strategy with artistic understanding and infrastructure strength.” Located in Playa Visa as part of RUNWAY, Free Market has ingrained itself as an attraction for greater Los Angeles with its collection of offerings ranging from restaurant favorites - Joliet & Loqui - to Health & Beauty options like HEYDAY. And don’t forget your summer stop in to visit Jeni’s Ice Cream!
Zacuto
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Sold $2,700,000
DRE 01972897
DRE 01972897
Our August edition means it’s “Best Of” season and time to celebrate the outstanding businesses, organizations and people from the Westchester/ Playa area and beyond!
The Hometown News is always about spotlighting our community and highlighting the people that make Westchester/Playa a special place to live, work and visit, but our annual Best Of Readers’ Poll is our supersized way to show our appreciation for our hometown!
With so many fantastic businesses, organizations and eateries in the area, we love giving you—our readers—an annual opportunity to vote for your favorites. You are the real experts, and you’ve been helping us honor these outstanding individuals year after year! Thank you for being a part of recognizing those who go above and beyond when it comes to serving their community!
Voting for our 12th Annual Best Of Poll took place on June 5 through July 11, and readers voted via a link from SurveyMonkey. Voting was limited to one vote per IP address.
The HomeTown News makes it a priority to shop local and support our fellow small businesses. When we support these businesses, they are able to support our neighborhood by sponsoring local events, donating to
nonprofit fundraisers, providing jobs and helping our community thrive. A special thank you to all our local businesses that make it a priority to give back to their community!
The results of our 2023 Best Of Readers’ Poll are located on the following pages. These pages feature those businesses that go the extra mile for their customers, clients and friends, inspiring the type of loyalty that gets our readers voting every year to make sure their favorites make our list.
Each category contains a “Best Of” honoree and two runner-up “Favorites.” While this poll is a fun way to celebrate the best of our community, it only represents a small portion of all the great things that make up our neighborhood. If you don’t see your top picks on this list, please remember to vote next year when our poll launches in June!
We hope you’ll consider patronizing our Best Of honorees! If you find a new favorite spot, make sure to tell them the HomeTown News sent you!
Lastly, as a small local business ourselves, our publication would not be possible without the support of our readers, all the Best Of voters, our advertisers and this community. We are grateful for every single one of you!
-The Westchester/Playa HomeTown News
Los Angeles World Airports congratulates the following winners of the noise recognition programs at LAX and VNY for achieving a commendable level of success in complying with noise abatement procedures.
Copa
ACI Jet Aero Air, LLC
FlyAlliance
flyExclusive
MGM Resorts International
Mira Vista Aviation
PAM JETS
Verijet, Inc.
Chrysler Aviation, Inc.
Clay Lacy Aviation
Gama Aviation
Jet Edge International
Latitude 33 Aviation, LLC
Mountain Aviation
Pegasus Elite Aviation
Prime Jet, LLC
Sun Air Jets, LLC
Tutor-Saliba Corporation
Wonderful Citrus Aviation
XCEL Jet Management, Inc.
For more information about these programs, scan the QR codes or visit the websites as provided below.
www.lawa.org/vnyffp www.lawa.org/laxfqp
As the owner of Zuno Painting, Westchester resident Sani Bozunovich has enjoyed getting to meet his neighbors and helping transform their homes–both inside and out. As a family-owned business, Sani takes pride in providing expert services and building relationships right here in his own community. When you’re ready for your home to get a new look, refinish your deck, update your cabinets or refresh your home’s interior, check out our “Best Painting Company” honoree! With all 5-star reviews on Yelp and Google, it’s no surprise Zuno Painting is a sought-after company for our readers!
The Book Jewel 6259 W. 87th St., Westchester
424.750.9991 or thebookjewel.com
When our readers are looking to shop, they are heading to our Best Of honoree, the Book Jewel! The popular book shop is celebrating three years in business this month, and is the perfect spot for all your gifting and bookbuying needs. This month, the store will host an anniversary “dinner party” featuring a “Taste of Westchester.” Attendees will have a chance to sample food from some of the neighborhood’s favorite local restaurants, while hearing from special guest Natasha Feldman, author of “The Dinner Party Project.” Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 19!
If you haven’t already, sign up for the Book Jewel’s e-newsletter to stay in the loop for all their events and book signings. Next time you visit, make sure to say “hi” to store mascot, Paiges the cat!
Favorites:
Flowers by Felicia
200 Culver Blvd. #A, Playa del Rey
310.305.1200 or flowersbyfeliciapdr.com
Lily Love Boutique
8125 B W. Manchester Ave. Playa del Rey 323.373.5490 or lilyloveboutique.com
Flowers by Felicia
200 Culver Blvd. #A, Playa del Rey 310.305.1200 or flowersbyfeliciapdr.com
Interested in ordering beautiful and creative arrangements? Our readers love Playa del Rey’s Flowers by Felicia! Topping our “Best Of” for a record 12 years, owner Felicia St. Denis makes it her mission to work with her clients to make their floral ideas come to life, whether it’s for a wedding, special event or a way to say “thank you” or “I love you!” Instead of calling in
your floral order, stop by her shop, located on Culver Blvd., to peruse her selection of unique gifts, plants and items for your home!
Favorites:
Playa del Rey Florist 307 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.821.0984 or playaflowers.com
La International Florist 8635 Truxton Ave., Westchester 310.641.1003 or lainternationalfloristonline.com
The Stephanie Younger Group 7296 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.499.2020 or stephanieyounger.com
The Stephanie Younger Group (SYG) takes our #1 spot again this year! SYG’s emphasis on collaboration and a focused commitment to success in every transaction has our readers giving this 34-agent team their votes year after year. No stranger to rankings and awards from industry groups, the team is ranked #10 in the nation by RealTrends, recognized on the 2023 Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Leaders of Influence” list for real estate, and last year was named by The Real Deal as the 7th highest producing sales team in Los Angeles! The team is also dedicated to supporting local events like the Fourth of July Parade, where they hand out water, and WAM, where they host the beer & wine garden.
Favorites: Suarez Team 8432 Pershing Drive, Playa del Rey 424.402.5386 or thesuarezteam.com
At the Suarez Team, they are proud of their unparalleled dedication to personalized service, their extensive market knowledge, and unwavering commitment to ensuring each client’s journey is marked by seamless transactions and unmatched satisfaction!
When it comes to our reader-voted favorite real estate team helping clients find their dream homes, they love the sense of empowerment and confidence that emerges when clients make informed decisions and discover the perfect home that aligns with their vision.
Team Tami
323 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.745.1600 or playavistaliving.com
For the last eight years, Tami Humphrey has led Team Tami with Palm Realty Boutique. Since starting out, her team has grown to nine people who are dedicated to educating their clients and helping them achieve their real estate goals! Realizing the importance of giving back to the community, Team Tami enjoys giving back to their neighborhood through sponsorships and hosting events like ice cream socials.
Runway Playa Vista
12775 W. Millennium Dr., Playa Vista 310.862.9461 or runwayplayavista.com
Our readers are raving about Runway Playa Vista, not only for being a great place to shop and eat, but also because it’s a cool place to hang out! Whether you’re having dinner at Superfine Playa, getting rejuvenated at RVIVL or having a drink at Joliet, Runway does not disappoint as a place to visit with your neighbors or meet up with friends. Runway
Playa Vista also stands out thanks to their robust event calendar that includes pop-up markets, holiday celebrations, live music and fitness fests. This month, they’re hosting a movie night featuring “The Secret Life of Pets” on August 16!
Favorites:
The Point El Segundo 850 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo 310.414.5280 or thepointsb.com
Waterside Marina del Rey 4700 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey 818.637.8921 or shopwaterside.com
Wendy Wan Turk, Gerber Kawasaki 2716 Ocean Park Blvd #2020, Santa Monica 310.441.9393 or GerberKawasaki.com
Wendy Wan Turk takes the top spot for the fourth year in a row on our Best Of list!
As an Investment Advisor Representative, Wendy’s emphasis is on providing financial solutions. She believes that with a good plan, persistence, and high-quality oversight, anyone can achieve their financial goals. For financial news, investing questions and interviews with everyday women about their experiences with money, check out her podcast, “Money Talks,” which is available on Spotify. Some of her latest topics tackle understanding bitcoin and retiring early.
Favorites:
Travis Gabler, Gabler, Nino & Associates 2029 Century Park, Suite 2550, Los Angeles 424.343.5107 or amerirpriseadvisors.com
Travis Gabler makes an appearance on our list for the first time this year! As a Westchester resident, local dad, and LMU alum, Travis is proud to be part of this incredible community. At his firm, Gabler, Nino & Associates, their mission is to help clients develop a financial plan with a purpose. With 19 years of experience, they utilize a comprehensive financial planning and investment planning approach, with an emphasis on aligning with a client’s risk tolerance, timeframe and goals!
Zachary Bainter, Gerber Kawasaki 2716 Ocean Park Blvd #2020, Santa Monica 310.441.9393 or GerberKawasaki.com
Zuno Painting
310.505.2167 or zunopainting.com
Zuno Painting takes home the #1 honor in this year’s poll for the first time! Owned by Westchester resident Sani Bozunovich, the sought after painting company provides quality craftsmanship and guarantees its customers’ satisfaction. Want to refresh the look of your home but need help selecting the color? Zuno Painting stays up with the trends and will provide color consultations for their clients to find the perfect colors to express their vision. Call them to discuss your next home painting project, and they’ll provide a free estimate.
Favorites:
Greg Oakland Painting
310.641.1515 or gregoaklandpainting.com
Jonathan Painting
323.240.0399 or jonathanspainting.com
NEAT Method LA South Bay
310.402.6447 or neatmethod.com
Are you ready to take your home from chaotic to composed? NEAT Method’s team of professional organizers, led by Playa Vista resident Nicole Longo, offer white-glove editing, unpacking and organizing services throughout Silicon Beach and the South Bay. To complement their organizing, NEAT Method also has a full line of essential organizing products for every space in your home! Book a consultation at nicole.longo@ neatmethod.com and get ready to get organized and love your space!
Favorites:
TK Lifestyle Organizer
310.251.1487 or tklifestyleorganizer.com
Clutter-Free Serenity
562.208.5553 or clutterfreeserenity.com
Kimberly Napolitano, Vergari & Napolitano
5777 W. Century Blvd. Ste.1580, Westchester 310.410.4014 or laxlawyers.com
Vergari & Napolitano take the top spot in our poll for the third time this year. Led by Kimberly Napolitano, the firm strives to build long-term relationships with its clients, while being committed to providing professional services with integrity. Kimberly specializes in estate planning, probate and trust administration, as well as corporate law.
Favorites:
Mike Arias, Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos, LLP
6701 Center Dr. W. 14th Floor, Los Angeles 310.844.9696 or aswtlawyers.com
Voss, Silverman & Braybrooke LLP
4640 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey 310.306.0515 or vsbllp.com
Dean Wong, CrossCountry Mortgage, Marina del Rey
12130 Millennium Drive, Playa Vista 310.344.3252 or ccm.com/dean-wong
Looking to buy a home or refinance your mortgage? Longtime Westchester/Playa
resident Dean Wong has been helping his clients successfully navigate the mortgage process for more than 20 years. On a typical day, he consults with buyers, pre-approves loans, and coordinates with real estate agents, but the best part of his job is when his clients receive the keys to their new home! With a love for real estate, financing and helping families realize their dreams, Dean and his team at CrossCountry Mortgage are ready to help!
Favorites:
Movement Mortgage, Westchester 7131 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 877.314.1499 or movement.com
Southwest Escrow 502 S. La Brea Ave. #A, Inglewood 410.674.7660 or southwestescrow.com
Alison White Homes alison@alisonwhitehomes.com or alisonwhitehomes.com
Alison White’s passion for design and the motivation to create some of Westchester’s most beautiful one-of-a-kind homes has not only made her a much sought-after name for those looking to buy their Westchester dream locale, but also has her topping our list again for the third year in a row! She is now working with select clients on major construction projects. Alison is also the admin behind the “Westchester Renovations Group” where she shares her expertise with community members.
Favorites:
Robert Pagan Construction
8125 Loyola Blvd., Westchester 310.649.6187 or robertpaganbuilders.com
Leigh Construction 310.528.7403
Law Offices of Christopher Blatter 6080 Center Dr. 6th Floor, Westchester 424.832.1141 or blatterlaw.com
Christopher Blatter tops our list for the fifth time this year! Since forming his own estate planning firm in 2015, Christopher gets satisfaction from
helping his clients navigate a sometimes difficult topic in a simple and comfortable manner. He says that every client must have a will, power of attorney and an advanced healthcare directive; and if there are significant assets or real property, a living trust is a must! A Westchester resident for more than 20 years and an LMU alum, Christopher is happy to be celebrating his fifth consecutive year at the top of our list and is thankful to his amazing clients who vote every year and refer their friends and family!
Favorites:
Kristen Wong, Seasons Estate Planning
475 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey 310.344.3015 or seasonsestateplanning.com
For 23 years, Kristen Wong has guided her clients through the process of creating a comprehensive and holistic plan for their estates. On a typical day, Kristen enjoys educating the community through webinars and in-person workshops, while she creates customized plans to ensure that her clients’ wishes are fulfilled.
Law Offices of Edgar Saenz
8921 S. Sepulveda Blvd. #101, Westchester 310.417.9900 or edgarsaenz.com
Edgar Saenz has devoted his practice to estate planning and is ready to help his clients with their wills, trusts and estates. A dedicated member of the community, Edgar is a past president of the Westchester Rotary Club and enjoys volunteering for service projects like the Makeover Project.
Stephanie Younger, Stephanie Younger Group
7296 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.499.2020 or stephanieyounger.com
For our best real estate agent honoree, Stephanie Younger, the best part about helping people find their dream home is the profound personal impact it has on individuals and families. It’s not merely a business transaction; it’s a deeply rewarding process that can change lives. Looking for your dream home? Sign up for Stephanie’s e-newsletter, which not only features some of the community’s most beautiful homes for sale, but also includes market insights and what’s new in the neighborhood and L.A.
Favorites:
Jane St. John, RE/MAX
155 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey 310.577.5300 or westsidebeachhomes.com
Jane St. John is dedicated to helping her clients find the home of their dreams. When you’re looking to buy or sell, she’s ready to chat about the local market and offer her support and services, both as a neighbor and an agent. Jane is passionate about supporting her community, and is a major sponsor of AMCS’ Spring into Well-Being Gala and hosts the annual Playa del Rey Toy Drive.
Robin Zacha, Zacha Homes
6605 W 80th St., Los Angeles 310.215.1981or Zachahomes.com
Founded in 1995, Zacha Homes offers a personal and authentic approach to buying and selling
homes. Robin Zacha specializes in helping her clients renovate their homes before they sell, to help them build their wealth. When it comes to supporting her community, Robin loves Westchester and supporting events like the Fourth of July Parade and the WAM Block Party!
Zsuzsi Steiner Photography
714.856.5737 or zsuzsiphotography.com
Everyone loves looking at family photos, and it’s important to update your family’s portrait so you can treasure it for years to come!
Zsuzsi Steiner has built a reputation for being Westchester’s go-to family photographer, thanks to photographing more than 1,000 local families! For the last few years, she has also been the official Fourth of July Parade photographer! View her work from this year’s event on page 54 and 55 of the HTN.
Favorites:
Lily Chan Photography lilychanphotography.com
Julie Arutunian Photography
215 Arena St., El Segundo 310.345.5856 or julieaphotos.com
ORGANIZING SERVICES
Bathrooms
Closets
Garages
Kitchens/Pantries
Offices
+ more!
MOVING SERVICES
Pre-move prep
Unpacking + Organizing + More
NICOLE LONGO
Owner, LA - South Bay 310.402.6447 | @lasouthbayneat nicole.longo@neatmethod.com neatmethod.com
Experience flight up-close and live the rich history of Southern California’s aviation and aerospace pioneers.
The Museum is now open from 12-4PM, Thursday through Saturday. With four unique aviation galleries describing the rich history of flight, learn about the founding of LAX and the airlines that served the region from 1946 to present day and beyond. Be sure to visit our Space Gallery, tracing the epic journey of human cosmic exploration and the critical role of pioneering local aerospace industries.
Start your trip today at: Flightpathlax.com
Richard Moon & Associates
5777 W. Century Blvd. #1580, Westchester 310.484.0800 or rmacpas.com
When your business needs assistance with tax, financial and business affairs, give the team at Richard Moon & Associates a call. Voted #1 in this category for 2023, this Westchester firm that has served the community since 1989, helps provide their clients assistance to improve their total financial well-being.
Favorites:
Moore Money
310.498.7338 or mooremoney.co
Grossman Ben-Tal CPA
310.348.9094 or grossmanbtcpa.com
House of Lourdes Interiors
310.455.8334 or houzz.com
House of Lourdes Interiors gets our readers’ top votes for this new category! For more than 25 years, Lourdes Russell of House of Lourdes Interiors, has been beautifully designing homes in Westchester and beyond. When working with new clients, Lourdes evaluates the design space, and then gets to work making her client’s personal style shine and their vision for their dream home come to fruition!
Favorites:
Michelle Mohlere Interior Color & Design
310.871.5056 or mminteriorcoloranddesign. com
With all 5-star reviews on Houzz.com, Michelle Mohlere loves helping homeowners who need design and color direction, especially when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms. Collaborating with her clients and contractors, she enjoys bringing the
whole home together for both functionality and visual appeal.
Live Inspired Home 310.403.5215 or liveinspiredhome.com
Inn at Playa del Rey
435 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.574.1920 or innatplayadelrey.com
When you’re planning your next staycation or have friends and family visiting, book a room at our readers’ top pick for Best Hotel/ Inn, the Inn at Playa del Rey! Located on Culver Blvd., the cozy and coastal hotel right on the Ballona Wetlands is renowned for its customer service, relaxing environment and complimentary breakfast.
Favorites:
Marina del Rey Hotel
13534 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey 310.301.1000 or marinadelreyhotel.com
Hotel June 8639 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 310.645.0400 or thehoteljune.com
Stephanie Younger Group
7296 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.499.2020 or stephanieyounger.com
The Stephanie Younger Group’s dedication to customer satisfaction is apparent in their meticulous approach to detail, collaborative communication and excellent service, which makes them a standout with our readers and the community.
Favorites:
Zacha Homes 6605 W. 80th Street, Westchester 310.215.1981 or zachahomes.com
RE/MAX Westchester
7131 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.802.6000 or eplahomes.com
Gerber Kawasaki
2716 Ocean Park Blvd #2020, Santa Monica
310.441.9393 or GerberKawasaki.com
At Gerber Kawasaki, they manage more than $2.2 billion in assets for people across the world, and they take pride in developing longterm relationships with clients.
Favorites:
Regatta Capital Group
880 Apollo St. #129, El Segundo
310.725.9102 or regattainvest.com
Since 2007, Regatta Capital Group has been helping their clients build their financial portfolios. Starting with building a balance sheet for each client, the firm gets to work helping get them financially organized and managing their money based on their goals.
Founder, Spencer Kelly has a long history in the Westchester/Playa community, and got his career started by knocking on doors in Westchester. Since Regatta Capital Group’s launch, the team has built their firm organically to manage more than $1 billion in assets for their clients.
Richard Moon & Associates
5777 W. Century Blvd. #1580, Westchester 310.484.0800 or rmacpas.com
B&J’s Service Center
6551 W. 80th Street, Westchester
310.670.4272 or bandjservice.com
This full-service auto repair shop in the heart of Westchester takes pride in their professionalism, while helping their clients with all their car needs.
Favorites:
Playa West Automotive
8145 Manchester Ave., Playa del Rey
310.822.9115 or playawestautomotive.com
Loyola Marina Auto Care
8315 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 424.331.9585 or loyolamarina.com
Kevin & Kaz
310.410.9777 or kevinandkaz.com
For more than 30 years, Kevin & Kaz have been top producing agents in the Westchester area and are our readers’ pick for this new category. Their love of real estate, their work ethic and their people skills make them a great duo to work with when you’re looking to sell your home.
Favorites:
The Kohl Team
881 Alma Real Dr., Pacific Palisades 310.720,3400 or thekohlteam.com
Sue Kohl and Courtney Kohl Paulson are ready to bring you home. This mother-daughter duo serves the Westside from Westchester to the Palisades and beyond, and have more than 30 years of experience. Taking pride in their elevated level of customer service, this team values honesty, loyalty and professionalism.
Corte Wright Team
225 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.578.7777 or cortewright.com
AP Remodeling
5555 Inglewood Blvd. #202, Los Angeles 818.748.8709 or apremodelinginc.com
AP Remodeling makes its first appearance on our list this year with this new category! At this local remodeling firm, their mission is to deliver high-quality projects on time, while providing their clients with excellent customer service.
Favorites: 360Builders
818.275.9026 or 360builders.com
Williamson Construction
8723 Bleriot Ave., Westchester 310.717.8963 or williamsonconstruction.com
Sarlo Income Tax
1842 Washington Way, Venice
310.823.6363 or sarlo.com
Whether you’re filing your personal taxes or taxes for your business, corporation or organization, Sarlo Income Tax is dedicated to providing clients with professional, personalized services and guidance. The firm has been in business since 1953 and is recognized for the fourth year in a row.
Favorites:
Richard Moon & Associates
5777 W. Century Blvd. #1580, Westchester
310.484.0800 or rmacpas.com
At our reader-voted favorite tax preparation service, Richard Moon & Associates help their clients navigate complicated tax laws to ensure the best outcome.
Westside Income Tax
12043 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City
213.290.4829 or westsideincometax.com
Peter Kohly, Farmers Insurance
6320 Drollinger Way #202, Westchester
310.641.3430 or agents.farmers.com
Peter Kohly makes his way to the top of our list this year, thanks to his straightfoward and personalized approach to helping his clients understand their insurance coverage.
Favorites:
Tatiana Ruiz More, Covered with
More
8705 Truxton Ave., Westchester
310.450.8833 or coveredwithmore.com
Tatiana Ruiz More is our reader-voted favorite insurance agent for the second year in a row!
Tatiana is a second generation State Farm Agent and prides herself on public and customer
service. Tatiana enjoys being involved with the community and is an active member of the LAX Coastal Chamber and the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club. She also serves on the Fourth of July Parade committee!
Kate Leung, State Farm
8404 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 310.641.8990 or kateleung.net
Drollinger Properties
8929 Sepulveda Blvd. Ste 130, Westchester 310.417.8048 or drollingerproperties.com
For more than 70 years, Drollinger Properties has proudly served the Westchester community! Their reputation as a caring, fair and Westchester-focused property management company, has them earning our readers’ top votes again this year! Looking to open an office or new business in Westchester? Give them a call and have them show you around the best spaces in town!
Favorites:
Matilla Property
225 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.306.9005 or matillagrouppropertymanagement.com
CCR Properties
8717 Delgany Ave. #106, Playa del Rey, 310.641.3383 or ccrprop.com
At Cinco, the drinks are always flowing, the food is top-notch and everyone is having a good time! Whether you’re a longtime fan or it’s on your list of places to check out, our Best Bar and Best Happy Hour honoree is inviting the community to come out to their “Endless Summer Fiesta” on Sunday, August 27 from noon to 4 p.m. Head to their patio to enjoy asada and pollo tacos cooked on the outdoor grill, slushy cocktails and live music! The Cinco Family would like to say, “Thank you to the Westchester community for voting us “Best Of!” This past March we celebrated our 10-year anniversary, and it’s been an incredible ride. Here’s to 10 more!”
Cinco
7241 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester
310.910.0895 or cincola.com
Our readers love hanging out at Cinco! Taking our Best Bar honor again this year, this popular locale is the place to be when you’re looking for delicious drinks and a spot to meet up with your buddies. Standouts include the Paloma, San Pedro and the Hamaika with hibiscus foam. The bar even has its own tequila brand, Angelisco, which pairs nicely with the Cinco Nachos, or really anything on the Oaxacaninfluenced menu!
Favorites:
The Manchester 8522 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester
424.541.7097 or themanchester.la
Tony P’s Dockside Grill
4445 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey
310.823.4534 or tonyps.com
Tony P’s Dockside Grill
4445 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey 310.823.4534 or tonyps.com
This Marina del Rey staple boasts a robust menu of tall drinks, full plates and patio dining with a marina view. When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, it’s always a good idea to visit Tony P’s and enjoy their signature items like the Mai Tai, Seafood “Guac” Tails and fish and chips!
Favorites:
Bacari PDR
6805 S. Vista Del Mar Ln., Playa del Rey 213.340.8196 or bacaripdr.com
Playa Provisions
119 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.683.5019 or playaprovisions.com
The Nook Breakfast Spot 8311 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 424.227.6809
The Nook Breakfast Spot on Lincoln has quickly captured our readers’ hearts– and stomachs–earning it the best new eatery honor in this year’s poll! Stop by the location for breakfast and lunch, and you won’t be disappointed with dishes like homemade biscuits and gravy, chilaquiles and lemon blueberry pancakes!
Favorites:
Hart House 8901 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester 213.320.5900 or myharthouse.com
SuperFine Playa
12746 W. Jefferson Blvd. #2200, Playa Vista superfineplaya.com
The Shack 185 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.823.6222 or shackpdr.com
Looking for the best burger in town? The Shack’s famous burger continues to win over our readers, who can’t get enough of the quarter pound patty topped with a Louisiana sausage link. Order up a round for the table, and get ready for the good times to roll while you wait for the game to start.
Favorites:
The Manchester 8522 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 424.541.7097 or themanchester.la
The Humble Potato 8321 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 310.910.0367 or humblepotato.com
The Good Pizza
8115 W. Manchester Ave., Playa del Rey
310.827.0500 or thegoodpizza.com
When it’s time for a pizza, our readers are all about The Good Pizza! Keeping their #1 spot this year, this beloved eatery is serving up giant pies, pizza by the slice and authentic Italian dishes made to order! Owner Nando de Stefano takes pride in every dish he serves up, and loves sharing his family recipes with his neighborhood. While we all know the pizzeria’s Playa del Rey location, this month, The Good Pizza expanded to a second location in Westchester on Sepulveda at Lincoln (right next to the 7-Eleven)!
Favorites:
LaRocco’s Pizzeria
8806 Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester
310.642.0029 or laroccospizzeria.com
When you’re craving a New York slice, there’s no better spot in town than LaRocco’s Pizzeria. Using the freshest ingredients and a sauce passed down for generations creates a pizza that won’t disappoint! Walk in for a slice or order delivery with their in-house service next time it’s pizza night!
Tower Pizza
8351 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 310.410.0986 or towerpizza.com
Melody Bar & Grill
9132 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester
310.670.1994 or melodylax.com
If you haven’t been to the Melody lately, make sure to pay them a visit! Their updated outdoor seating area is cozy and inviting, creating a little oasis for food and drinks off Sepulveda Blvd. Bring a friend or show up solo, because with their Cheers-style vibe, you’ll probably run into someone you know! And if you don’t, you’re bound to make new acquaintances. Make sure to come hungry, because for a bar, the Melody excels in their menu options, which range from sliders, tacos, salads, burgers, wraps and more. For a hometown favorite, try the Elvis wings available in 10 different styles and sauces. Give the “Amazing Blazin” sauce a try if you’re looking for something ultra spicy.
Favorites:
Tower Pizza
8351 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester
310.410.0986 or towerpizza.com
The Shack
185 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.823.6222 or shackpdr.com
Playa Provisions
119 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey
310.683.5019 or playaprovisions.com
Since opening in 2014, this unique 4-1 concept that includes Dockside, King Beach Cafe, Small Batch and Grain, has delighted our readers due to their fresh, seasonal offerings and breezy coastal vibe. Owned by Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson and husband, Nick Roberts, the restaurant not only has mouth-watering menu items, but also has a great outdoor area, making it the perfect spot when you’re looking for a nice meal.
Favorites:
The Manchester 8522 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester
424.541.7097 or themanchester.la
Caffe Pinguini
6935 Pacific Ave., Playa del Rey 310.306.0117 or caffepinguini.com
Cinco
7241 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.910.0895 or cincola.com
Invite your friends and stop in at Cinco on Mondays through Saturdays from 3 to 7 p.m. for our reader-voted “best” happy hour in town! Pick your favorite combo of street tacos for $8, enjoy a burrito with your beer for $8 and share an order of queso fundido with all your buddies while you peruse the drink menu. Signature cocktails are $11, and we recommend the Paloma or the Blue Jay Way with vodka, lavender and lime.
Favorites:
Melody Bar & Grill
9132 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester 310.670.1994 or melodylax.com
The Manchester 8522 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 424.541.7097 or themanchester.la
Benny’s Tacos 7101 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.670.8226 or bennystacos.com
When you’re looking for a local restaurant to cater your event, our readers’ recommend Benny’s Tacos due to their extensive menu and easy ordering. Crowd favorites include the fajita platter and the rotisserie chicken meal.
Favorites:
Truxton’s American Bistro 8611 Truxton Ave., Westchester 310.417.8789 or truxtonsamericanbisto.com
Rainbow Acres 13208 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles 310.306.8330 or rainbowacresca.com
Rainbow Acres has been serving customers and the community with healthy options since 1981! We love their selection of Rainbow Acresbrand snacks, including their trail mixes and spirulina popcorn, and we recommend checking out their deli area for a wonderful assortment of salads, desserts and to-go items!
Favorites:
Beyond Vegan
6208 W. 87th St., Westchester 424.312.1169 or beyondveganlifestyle.com
Sustainabowl
8338 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester eatsustainabowl.com
Kanpai Japanese Sushi 8736 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester 310.670.0533 or kanpai-sushi.net
Our reader-voted top sushi spot has two locations in Westchester–one on Sepulveda and one on Lincoln–so you know this eatery is a community favorite! With a menu that combines traditional Japanese cuisine with a California flair, expect sushi rolls, sashimi and more than 40 different kinds of sake.
Favorites:
Sushi Beluga
207 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 424.228.4573 or sushibeluga.com
Sugarfish
4722 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey 310.306.6300 or sugarfishsushi.com
Alejo’s 8343 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 310.670.6677 or alejosrestaurant.com
Alejo’s has been serving the community for more than 30 years and takes back the #1 spot for best Italian restaurant in our 2023 poll!
Favorites:
Cantalini’s Salerno Beach
193 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.821.0018 or salernobeach.com
At Cantalini’s, all the food is made with love and inspired by the recipes passed down to owner Lisa Schwab by her grandmother. Their signature ravioli (we recommend the pink sauce) and gnocchi are made fresh daily, and the menu is full of all your classic Italian dishes from penne vodka and chicken piccata to spaghetti and meatballs and linguini garlic olio. Schwab is also very generous when it comes to supporting her favorite community causes, like Rotary and AMCS.
Caffe Pinguini
6935 Pacific Ave., Playa del Rey 310.306.0117 or caffepinguini.com
Olive It 6231 W. 87th Street, Westchester 310.242.2092 or oliveit.com
Home to tasty sandwiches and healthy salads, Olive It prides itself on fresh ingredients, matched with fast and friendly service. Westchester/Playa fans love this local delicatessen, earning it our top spot this year!
Favorites:
Ayara Thai Cuisine
6245 W. 87th Street, Westchester 310.410.8848 or ayarathaicuisine.com
The Ramen Joint 6220 W. 87th St., Westchester 424.227.9328 or ramenjointlax.com
Cantalini’s Salerno Beach 193 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.821.0018 or salernobeach.com
Westchester Bakery 6216 W. 87th St. Westchester 310.215.9606 or westchesterbakery.com
This family-owned bakery specializes in custom-made cakes and yummy desserts, including our favorites: the Florentine cookie and fresh fruit tarts. Check them out on social media to view some of their fantastic cake designs that range from cute and whimsical to sophisticated and hyper-realistic.
Favorites:
KC’s Crepes Cafe
8320 Lincoln Blvd. #101B, Westchester 310.348.9697 or kcscrepescafe.com
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Playa Vista
12751 Millennium Dr., Playa Vista (inside Free Market Playa Vista) 213.814.0590 or jenis.com
Tony P’s Dockside Grill
4445 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey 310.823.4534 or tonyps.com
Nestled in the heart of Marina del Rey, Tony P’s Dockside Grill wants to invite you and the family to dine with them for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Favorites:
Hacienda Del Rey
8347 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 310.670.8588 or haciendafamily.com
Truxton’s American Bistro 8611 Truxton Ave., Westchester 310.417.8789 or truxtonsamericanbistro.com
Ayara Thai Cuisine
6245 W. 87th Street, Westchester
310.410.8848 or ayarathaicuisine.com
Ayara Thai continues to wow our readers with their delicious menu full of traditional Thai food favorites, like the Muay Thai Wings, Classic Papaya Salad and Pad See Ew. Always looking to innovate and collaborate, the team at Ayara, led by Vanda Asapahu, often has fun pop-ups, limited-time only offerings and special events. A recent collab with APL BBQ had a line around the corner filled with eager foodies!
In June, the restaurant reopened for indoor dining from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily (except Tuesdays). Their outdoor parklet is also open for take-out diners to enjoy their meals.
If you haven’t already, make sure to follow our best Thai restaurant honoree on Instagram @ayarathai to stay in the loop about new food offerings, events and what’s next for this special Westchester eatery.
Favorites:
Natalee Thai
10101 Venice Blvd., L.A.
310.202.7003 or nataleethai.com
Thai Talay 8411 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 310.670.3055 or thethaitalay.com
Hart House Westchester
8901 Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester
213.320.5900 or myharthouse.com
Hart House Westchester will celebrate its oneyear anniversary this month, and is our readers’ pick for best plant-based eatery in town! The flagship location, which is owned by actor and comedian Kevin Hart, has a tasty menu of plant-based burg’rs, chick’n sandwiches, salads, tots and milkshakes, that everyone can enjoy. The eatery is also proud to support its community and sponsored the Rock Roll & Run and a catered lunch at Wright STEAM Magnet.
Favorites:
Beyond Vegan
6208 W. 87th St., Westchester 424.312.1169 or beyondveganlifestyle.com
Planta Cocina 4625 Admiralty Way #104, Marina del Rey 310.362.7730 or plantarestaurants.com
Truxton’s American Bistro 8611 Truxton Ave., Westchester 310.417.8789 or truxtonsamericanbisto.com
When you’re craving classic American-style dishes, Truxton’s American Bistro hits the spot with their extensive menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches and entrees. Whether you’re ordering in or getting take out, make sure to add an order of monkey bread and ask about their dessert specials!
Favorites: J. Nichols 4375 Glencoe Ave., Marina del Rey 310.823.2283 or jnicholskitchen.com
Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey 310.823.4534 or tonyps.com
Playa Provisions
119 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.683.5019 or playaprovisions.com
There’s almost no better way to kick off the weekend than brunch with your friends, and Playa Provisions award-winning menu makes it a sought after spot with our readers! If you’re in the mood for breakfast, we recommend the Playa Breakfast Plate or the skillet baked eggs. Lunch more your thing? Put in an order for the roasted chicken and brie sandwich while you sip on your breakfast beer and enjoy the view!
Favorites:
Bacari PDR
6805 S. Vista Del Mar Ln., Playa del Rey 213.340.8196 or bacaripdr.com
Truxton’s American Bistro
8611 Truxton Ave., Westchester 310.417.8789 or truxtonsamericanbistro.com
Paco’s Tacos
6212 Manchester Blvd., Westchester 310.645.8692 or pacoscantina.com
Westchester’s best Mexican restaurant, Paco’s Taco’s, is ready to welcome you to their neighborhood institution! You can’t go wrong ordering up one of their giant burritos, combination plates or a refreshing margarita to complete your meal. As one recent review puts it, “Ever since we discovered Paco’s Tacos, we’re hooked...Generous portions, great value and super yum!”
Favorites:
Hacienda Del Rey
8347 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester 310.670.8588 or haciendafamily.com
Benny’s Tacos 7101 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.670.8226 or bennystacos.com
The Coffee Company
8751 La Tijera Blvd., Westchester
310.645.7315 or thecoffeecompanyla.com
When there’s always a line out the door, you know the restaurant must be good! Since 1978, the Coffee Company has been the go-to spot when it comes to breakfast for Westchester/ Playa diners. Bring your friends and family and order up delicious dishes like shrimp & grits, the classic two egg breakfast with hot buttermilk biscuits or the heavenly French toast.
Favorites:
Cafe Solar
6224 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 424.227.6486 or cahuengagroup.com/ cafe-solar
The Nook Breakfast Spot
8311 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester
(424) 227-6809
The Shack
185 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey
310.823.6222 or shackpdr.com
Heading to the beach and looking for a bite to eat? Stop by this Playa del Rey icon and order up a fries and a burger with all the fixings!
With yummy eats, regular karaoke nights and a fun casual atmosphere, you may find yourself making The Shack your regular hangout.
Favorites:
Aliki’s Greek Taverna
5862 Arbor Vitae St., Westchester
310.645.9555
Kebab Bar
8730 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester 424.800.2626 or kebab-bar.com
Caffe Pinguini
6935 Pacific Ave., Playa del Rey 310.306.0117 or caffepinguini.com
If you’re looking for a romantic night out, make reservations at Playa del Rey’s Caffe Pinguini for a memorable evening. As one Yelp review states, “This charming little gem hidden away at the end of Culver Blvd. takes me back to the cafes in beautiful Rome and other Italian locales!” Start your meal with prosciutto e melone before choosing between the risotto, homemade pasta or mouth-watering entrees. End the night with one of their delicious desserts to-go and a walk on the beach, just steps away.
Favorites:
Playa Provisions
119 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey 310.683.5019 or playaprovisions.com
Uovo Marina del Rey
4635 Admiralty Way #105, Marina del Rey 424.334.9336 or uova.la
Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey 310.823.4534 or tonyps.com
When readers want great restaurant service, they’re pulling up a chair at this Marina del Rey hotspot and enjoying the views. A neighborhood favorite year after year, readers may find a smiling Tony P. making a special appearance at their table to make sure their meal was memorable!
Favorites:
Caffe Pinguini 6935 Pacific Ave., Playa del Rey 310.306.0117 or caffepinguini.com
Truxton’s American Bistro 8611 Truxton Ave., Westchester 310.417.8789 or truxtonsamericanbistro.com
Happy August y'all - so much in season from all your favorite veggie and leafy green staples to peaches, nectarines, plums, SUMMER CORN, and watermelon. Your fish vendor has over twenty market selections perfect for summertime grilling, swing by every Sunday for over thirty vendors with kids activities, community booths, and live music. Catch us on social media for updates!
The Westchester Family YMCA’s leadership team are pros when it comes to creating community and bringing people together, which was evident at the July 26 unveiling of their new giant mural, entitled “Dream Big.” More than 100 community members came out to celebrate the occasion and the mural’s message for viewers to “reflect on their passions and potential.” The mural was created by Mobile Mural Lab artists David Russell, Renee Fox and Hunter Culberson with help from the YMCA Mural Task Force members and teens. Funding was made possible through donations from CD11 and the Westchester Rotary Club. Not a member of the YMCA yet? Give them a call or visit to learn why our readers continue to vote the Y their top membership organization!
Westchester Family YMCA
8015 Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester
310.670.4316 or ymcala.org/westchester
There are so many activities and events at the Westchester Family YMCA that it is hard to keep track of them! This reader-voted “Best Membership Organization” has had a banner year, with the launch of its new teen space, the recent unveiling of a beautiful mural, its inaugural Battle of the Bands and tons of support from its board and community! The Y
Airport Marina Counseling Service 7891 La Tijera Blvd., Westchester 310.670.1410 or airportmarina.org
AMCS can’t be beat when it comes to our readers’ pick for Best Nonprofit! AMCS has served the Westchester/Playa community and beyond for more than 60 years, and offers mental health services on a sliding scale to individuals, groups, families and couples. The nonprofit relies on fundraising and donations to fulfill their mission, and this month, they are partnering with Gateway LA for a progressive dinner called the “Century Stroll” featuring
The LAX Coastal Chamber celebrated its 70th anniversary earlier this year and is going strong with more than 625 members! While the chamber shines when it comes to building connections between local businesses, the organization also has an eye on community and hosts the Fourth of July Parade, the Teacher Eddy Awards to honor local educators and a Protectors’ Appreciation Week in February to say “thank you” to
Infant-ToddlersPreschool-Kindergarten
Carousel Preschool and Infant Center serves children birth through 6 years old in a nurturing, stimulating environment where the cultures and families are embraced and supported.
Services (DIS), which includes:
• Speech & Language Therapy
• Occupational & Physical Therapy
• Counseling
• Art Programs, Field Trips & Events
VOTED
THANKS
Westchester Arts & Music Block Party wamblockparty.org
Are you ready to WAM? The Westchester Arts & Music Block Party is #1 with our readers this year for the first time, beating out the Fourth of July Parade, which has held the top spot for 11 years! Mark your calendars for September 23 for a day of fun, live music, entertainment and hanging out with a few thousand of your neighbors. Organizers are hard at work finalizing the details for next month’s event, which is sure to be the can’t miss party of the season. Attendees can expect a bigger beer & wine garden for 2023, performances by artists from a variety of genres including indie, rock, Americana and R&B, and tons of booths to visit for family-friendly activities hosted by community groups. Don’t forget to check out the food trucks and art vendors!
Favorites:
LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade laxcoastal.com
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade mdrboatparade.org
Westchester Family YMCA
8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester 310.670.4316 or ymcala.org/westchester
If you’re looking for activities for the family, there’s no better place than the YMCA! From martial arts and swim lessons to dance and hockey, the Y has a full schedule of robust programming for kids to learn and find new hobbies.
Favorites:
Playa Music Lessons
8125 W. Manchester Ave., Playa del Rey 310.751.6830 or playamusiclessons.com
Musical Beginnings
6607 W. 80th St., Westchester 310.641.8518 or musicalbeginnings.org
LMU Athletics Sports Camps
1 LMU Drive, Westchester 310.568.6661 or lmuathleticscamps.com
When it’s time to sign up for summer camps, our readers are loving the offerings at LMU. With 11 sports to choose from, including softball, spirit squad, basketball, soccer, beach volleyball, swimming and more, students have the chance to work with LMU coaches and athletes to gain new skills, learn teamwork and make new friends.
Favorites:
Westchester Recreation Center
7000 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.670.7473 or laparks.org/reccenter/ westchester
Westchester Family YMCA
8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester 310.670.4316 or ymcala.org/wc
Westchester Elks Club
8025 W. Manchester Ave., Playa del Rey 310.821.3005 or elks.org
The Westchester Elks take home our “Best Of” honor for the first time this year. This fun community club has a passionate and involved membership base, which is getting ready to host their upcoming Car Show & Chili Cook-Off on September 9.
Favorites:
Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club
The Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club is known for having dedicated members that are ready to roll up their sleeves to support the community, as well as have fun with their happy hours, hiking trips and more! Learn more about the club by joining them at their annual pancake breakfast at Fire Station #5 on September 16!
Westchester Rotary Club rotary-westchester.com
Loyola Marymount University
1 LMU Drive, Westchester 310.338.2759 or community.lmu.edu
Loyola Marymount University has our readers’ votes when it comes to Best Community Partner. The university is known to collaborate with local community groups on a variety of projects, including the LAX Coastal Education Foundation’s Rock Roll & Run and the chamber’s Fourth of July Parade. Make sure to sign up for the LMU Community Relations’ newsletter to get a monthly overview of what’s happening on campus! There, you’ll also get reminders about the quarterly LMU Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) meetings, which help spark conversations between the university and its neighbors. The school’s fall semester begins on August 28!
Favorites: Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation
8929 S. Sepulveda Blvd. #130, Westchester drollingerproperties.com
Stephanie Younger Group
7296 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.499.2020 or stephanieyounger.com
Westchester Arts & Music Block Party wamblockparty.org
It’s not too late to support the community’s Best Charity/Nonprofit event! Sponsors are still being accepted for the community’s second largest event, and supporters will receive a booth at WAM, a banner to promote their business and recognition in the community! You can also support the event by attending and shopping with the art vendors. Get more details at wamblockparty.org.
Favorites:
St. Anastasia Parish Ball
7309 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.670.2243 or st-anastasia.org
Holiday Lights Tour westchestermhg.org
Grass Roots Neighbors
424.2O9.2777 or grassrootsneighbors.org
Over the last three years, Grass Roots Neighbors has built a dedicated team of local volunteers ready to help feed those in need. In their headquarters on Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey, volunteers meet weekly to pack and deliver bags of food to distribute to the families they serve. Inspiring their neighbors to get involved, you’ll often see people stopping by with freshly baked bread and sweets or dropping off extra items they picked up at the grocery store.
Favorites:
Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary playavenice.org
Annenberg PetSpace 12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista 424.384.1801 or annenbergpetspace.org
Playa Vista Farmers’ Market 12775 W. Millennium Drive farmermark.com/playavista
Get your Saturday shopping done at Playa Vista Farmers’ Market. Located in the Runway Shopping Center, the market features dozens of vendors selling organic produce, artisanal items, fresh-baked bread, pastries, flowers and more. Visit their website to sign up for their monthly newsletter for seasonal recipes, to learn about new vendors and special events.
Favorites:
Sunday Westchester Farmers’ Market 6200 block W. 87th St., Westchester westchesterfarmersmkt.com
Mar Vista Farmers’ Market 3826 Grand View Blvd., Mar Vista marvistafarmersmarket.org
Kentwood Elementary School ranks #1 again this year, thanks to the fact that this small, neighborhood school is focused on community and ensuring that all families are welcome and included. Current families, teachers and staff love welcoming new families to the campus and providing opportunities for them to experience the “Koala spirit” firsthand! To add to the fun of the school community, Kentwood offers a variety of events throughout the year for students and their caregivers, including movie nights, a trunk or treat, beautification days, picnics and more. The school also participated in this year’s Fourth Of July Parade and took home the “Spirit of the Parade” award.
WISH Community School
6550 80th St., Westchester
310.642.9474 or wishcharter.org
As WISH Community TK-8 embarks on their 14th year of operation in Westchester, they are thrilled to receive the honor of Best Public Charter School! WISH families, educators and the broader community have partnered together to create a school committed to serving its incredible students. Go Owls!
Favorites:
Citizens of the World Charter
11561 Gateway Blvd., Los Angeles
424.248.0544 or cwcmarvista.org
Open Magnet Charter
5540 W. 77th St., Westchester
310.568.0735 or opencharter.org
Covenant Preschool
6323 W. 80th St., Westchester
310.670.5758 or covla.org
Since 1963, Covenant Presbyterian has been serving the Westchester community with its popular preschool program. The faith-based preschool has a curriculum that emphasizes kindness, sharing and generosity, while offering a variety of activities focusing on the whole child. Its positive and nurturing environment make it a top pick for local families year after year when it comes to picking a preschool.
Favorites:
Westchester Lutheran Preschool
7831 Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester
310.670.5422 or wlcs.org
Young Minds Learning Academy
8065 Emerson Ave., Westchester
424.227.8898 or youngmindsla.com
AYSO Region 7 ayso.bluesombrero.com/region7
AYSO Region 7 reigns supreme when it comes to our reader voted “Best Youth Sports League.”
The league excels when it comes to supporting athletes to learn soccer skills! Now that the league has a newly refreshed field, players are eager to hit the pitch and score some goals! The fall season starts September 9.
Favorites:
Del Rey American Little League drall.org
Westchester Little League westchesterll.org
Visitation Catholic School
8740 Emerson Ave., Westchester 310.645.6620 or visitationschool.org
Visitation Catholic School takes the top spot in this category for the second time this year!
The TK-8th grade school excels in creating a diverse and fun learning environment with fun events like the Spring Sing and Concerts in the Park(ing) Lot. Visit the school’s website or follow them on social media to learn about their academic excellence, inclusive community and stellar athletics.
Favorites: St. Anastasia Catholic School
8631 Stanmoor Dr., Westchester 310.645.8816 or school.st-anastasia.org
For the past 70 years, St. Anastasia School has been committed to nurturing the holistic development of its students through religious, academic, physical and social-emotional growth. Its close-knit community, academics and opportunities to shine in activities like the annual musical, make St. A’s a reader favorite!
Westchester Lutheran School
7831 Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester 310.670.5422 or wlcs.org
Westchester Lutheran joins our list this year! The preschool through eighth grade school blends classic and contemporary learning with Christian values. Students can enjoy a plethora of activities and programs including participating in sports teams, clubs, band and musical presentations.
Kentwood Elementary School
8401 Emerson Ave., Westchester 310.670.8977 or kentwoodedfund.org
Kentwood Elementary School tops our 2023 list for the second time in a row due to its standout programs and activities like yoga, art, coding, PE, dance, theater arts, robotics and more. The school welcomes tours of its campus so potential families can feel the Kentwood spirit. Visit their website to schedule a tour!
Favorites:
Paseo del Rey Elementary School 7751 Paseo Del Rey, Playa del Rey 310.823.2356 or paseodelreyes.lausd.org
Playa Vista Elementary School 13150 Bluff Creek Dr., Playa Vista 424.228.1800 or playavistaschool.com
WISH Academy 7400 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.743.6990 or wishcharter.org
WISH Academy High School is our readers’ pick for Best High School this year! The school recently received the highest praise and honor from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges thanks to the collective efforts of the faculty, staff, students, families and board members. The school is known for its standout
STEM programs, where students can focus on hands-on learning, coding and other innovative activities to ignite a passion for these subjects and prepare them for the careers of tomorrow.
Favorites:
Venice High School 13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles 310.577.4200 or venicehs.org
Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets 7400 W Manchester Ave., Westchester 310.338.2400 or westchesterhs-lausd-ca. schoolloop.com
LMU’s Children’s Center 1 LMU Drive, Westchester 310.258.8900 or lmu.edu/lmucc
Congratulations to the LMU’s Children Center for topping our list for the first time this year! The center provides high quality programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, and prides itself in providing optimum supervision and care.
Favorites:
Carousel School
7899 La Tijera Blvd., Westchester 310.645.9222 or carouselschool.com
Covenant Preschool
6323 W. 80th St., Westchester 310.670.5758 or covla.org
Saint Monica Preparatory
1030 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica
310.394.3701 or stmonicachs.org
Saint Monica Preparatory tops our list for the third time this year! The school recently completed its first year as one unified school from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. Through the school’s rigorous academics and counseling, 100 percent of graduates are accepted into four-year colleges and universities. This year’s graduating class was accepted to competitive schools like UCLA, USC, University of Notre Dame, New York University and more.
Favorites:
Notre Dame Academy
2851 Overland Ave., Los Angeles
310.839.5289 or academy.ndasla.org
Voted a Favorite High School in this year’s poll, Notre Dame Academy is a Catholic, private all-girls high school that has been serving the community since 1949. Generations of students
from Westchester/Playa and 75 other zip codes have prepared for lives of purpose and passion at NDA. Check out their website for a list of upcoming events.
Loyola High School
1901 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles 213.381.5121 or loyolahs.edu
Loyola Marymount University
1 LMU Drive, Westchester 310.338.2700 or lmu.edu
LMU can’t be beat in our “Best University/ College” category thanks to its community of students, alumni, professors and staff that are dedicated fans of the Westchester campus.
Favorites: UCLA ucla.edu
USC usc.edu
• Our curriculum blends classic and contemporary learning with Christian values.
• Our students are educated from preschool through eighth grade and graduate with outstanding results.
• Our extracurricular programs encourage exploration and self-expression, from sports teams, special clubs, bands and musical presentations
• Our students discover their strengths and talents in a nurturing environment where their individual achievements are celebrated.
UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica
1250 16th St., Santa Monica 424.259.6000 or uclahealth.org/santamonica
UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica serves as the cornerstone of UCLA Health’s Santa Monica medical campus. The 281-bed, fullservice medical center provides the complete continuum of healthcare services, from prenatal and neonatal care to geriatric medicine, in a technologically advanced and welcoming facility.
Favorites:
Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital
4650 Lincoln Blvd., Marina del Rey
310.823.8911or cedars-sinai.org
Providence St. John’s Health Center
2121 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica 310.829.5511 or california.providence.org/ saint-johns
Westchester Pharmacy
8930 Sepulveda Blvd. #103, Westchester
310.670.3463 or westchesterpharmacy.com
Westchester Pharmacy tops our list for the second year in a row! Owned by Westchester resident Erin Cueto, the team at Westchester Pharmacy is ready to serve their neighbors with personalized service and in-depth consultations. The pharmacy prides itself in friendly service and free local delivery. Ready to make the switch from a chain pharmacy to one that is locally owned and operated? Transferring is easy because they do the work for you!
Favorites:
Playa Pharmacy
8131 W. Manchester Ave., Playa del Rey 310.823.4500 or playapharmacy.com
At Playa Pharmacy, Joe and Mary Chehade treat their customers like family. Since 2009, the Westchester couple has owned the business and believe in providing exceptional care with a personal touch. In addition to filling prescriptions, Playa Pharmacy offers compounding for people and pets, diabetes education and herbs and supplements.
Marina del Rey Pharmacy
4558 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey 310.823.5311 or marinadelreypharmacy.com
Sunstone Yoga
7929 Emerson Ave., Westchester 213.787.4484 or sunstoneyogastudio.com
Sunstone Yoga makes its first appearance on our Best Of List this year! Since opening last September, the studio, which is located in the heart of Kentwood across from Little Von’s, has become a hub for yogis interested in practicing their poses, focusing on their breathing and getting in a good workout.
Favorites:
LiveYoga Wellness
6700 W. 83rd St., Westchester 310.835.6700 or liveyogawellness.com
At LiveYoga Wellness, owner Teri Roseman and her team of yoga instructors have a goal of promoting self-health and healing through yoga and meditation. All classes are now virtually streaming, making it easy to enjoy the powerful benefits of yoga from the comfort of your own home.
Yoga Bliss
6218 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester 424.442.0647 or yogabliss-studio
SoCal Sport and Fitness
8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd. #111, Westchester 310.497.0863 or socalsport.com
Ready to make a change and focus on your health and fitness? The team at SoCal Sport and Fitness will not only help you achieve your goals, but they’ll also make sure you have fun while doing it! Each client is given a unique strength-training workout tailored to their needs and a supportive environment that has people sticking around for years to maintain their strength gains. Add in fun contests, planking challenges and a community of fellow gym-goers rooting for you to succeed, makes SoCal Sport & Fitness our readers’ top pick again this year.
Favorites:
FIT4MOM Westside westside.fit4mom.com
Real Fitness
8367 W. Manchester Ave., Playa del Rey 310.341.5892 or rftrain.com
Del Rey Optometry
8511 Pershing Dr., Playa del Rey 310.577.6401 or delreyoptometry.com
With more than 500 Google reviews with
a 5-star rating, it’s no surprise that Del Rey Optometry tops our list year after year. Using state-of-the-art technology, they help their patients maintain optimum eye health and take pride in exceeding the expectations of everyone that walks in the door of their PDR office.
Favorites:
Look! Optometry
451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., MB 310.796.5665 or lookmb.com
Westchester Eye Care Center 8610 S. Sepulveda Blvd. #100, Westchester 310.670.1888 or westchestereyecenter.com
FIT4MOM Westside westside.fit4mom.com
Westchester resident Kellie Fell is all about helping moms in all stages of motherhood feel their best with her unique brand of fitness classes. Whether you’re interested in bringing your little one to a “Stroller Strides” class or are interested in a mom-only program to improve your physical and mental well-being, Fell and the community she has built are ready to help you feel stronger and get moving! The classes are held in Playa Vista, and Fell recently expanded her business to Culver City.
Favorites:
Sender One Playa Vista 12775 W. Millennium #4-140A, Playa Vista 310.776.6935 or senderoneclimbing.com
The Studio (MDR) 12775 W. Millennium, Suite 150, Playa Vista 310.593.4323 or thestudiomdr.com
Kazuo Tomimatsu, DDS
8930 S. Sepulveda Blvd. #211, Westchester
310.641.4074
For more than 27 years, Dr. Kazuo Tomimatsu has been serving the Westchester community and making sure his patients have healthy teeth and gums. When reviewing their experience with our #1 voted Best Dentist, patients on Yelp describe Dr. Tomimatsu as professional, friendly and trustworthy.
Favorites:
Heather Winther DDS
4640 Admiralty Way #714, Marina del Rey
310.821.0839 or drwinther.com
Michael Parsons, DDS
8930 S. Sepulveda Blvd. #210, Westchester 310.670.0902 or michaelparsonsdds.com
Playa Vista Orthodontics
8540 S. Sepulveda Blvd. #700, Westchester 310.216.0101 or playaorthodontics.com
At Playa Vista Orthodontics, their goal is to help all their patients get the smile they’ve always wanted. They offer individualized treatment plans for all ages, while making sure that every patient has a positive experience.
Favorites:
Jun Park Orthodontics
8540 S. Sepulveda Blvd., #1110, Westchester 310.338.9499 or smilesbydrpark.com
Baum Orthodontics
8540 S. Sepulveda Blvd. #1012, Westchester 310.670.1411 or baumorthodontics.com
Cedars-Sinai Urgent Care Playa
Vista 12746 W. Jefferson Blvd., Playa Vista 424.315.2220 or cedars-sinai.edu
Cedars-Sinai Playa Vista Urgent Care, located in the Runway Shopping Center, has been voted number one by our readers for the third time in a row.
Favorites:
Kaiser Permanente West L.A.
6041 Cadillac Ave., Los Angeles 833.574.2273 or thrive.kaiserpermanente.org
UCLA Marina Immediate Care
4560 Admiralty Way Ste.100, Marina del Rey 310.656.1770 or uclahealth.org
UCLA’s Marina del Rey Immediate Care continues to be a reader favorite due to their world-class care for the whole family. The Marina location is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekends. In additional to internal medicine, they also offer family and sports medicine, x-rays and immunizations.
Dr. Danelle Fisher, Providence 12555 Jefferson Blvd. Ste. 302, Playa Vista 424.443.5600 or providence.org
Dr. Danelle Fisher tops our list again this year thanks to her cheery disposition and for being knowledgeable and thorough with the families she meets.
Favorites:
Dr. Peter Mikhail, Providence 360 N. PCH #3000, El Segundo 310.642.0100 providence.org
Dr. Shawn Chaikin, Cedars-Sinai 12746 W. Jefferson Blvd., 3rd Floor, Playa Vista 310.423.4843 or cedars-sinai.org
30 day money back guarantee
At first, the idea of participating in group therapy might seem intimidating. Who wants to share their story with strangers? But group therapy, in which two therapists lead a small group of people, can be very beneficial. In fact, participants are often surprised by how rewarding their experience can be. Sharing can be healing, and AMCS is here to help.
To join us for one of these educational therapy groups, please call 310.670.1410
Wednesdays | 6 - 7:30pm
in-person at AMCS • $15/session
Chloe Koslo (she/they) at ext. 155 & Robert Torres (he/him) at ext. 213
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8pm via Zoom • $15/session
Daniel at ext. 137 & Anna at ext. 244
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
NAVIGATING YOUR 20s
Thursdays | 5:00 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session
Helene at ext. 221 & Shimul at ext. 215
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
IN-PERSON
Wednesdays | 12 – 1:30pm
in-person at AMCS • $15/session
Milena at ext. 212 & Tara at ext. 249
VIRTUAL
Wednesdays | 5:30 - 7pm via Zoom • $15/session
Shimul at ext. 215 & Tara at ext. 249
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays | 10:00 - 11:30am | in-person at AMCS • $15/session
Anna at ext. 244 & Helene at ext. 221
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
We promise to continue exceeding your expectations and to be a pillar of support for your families.
Seven teams battled it out to see who would be this year’s champs at the Third Annual Westchester California Team Challenge (WCTC) on Saturday, August 5. The event was held at LMU’s Drollinger Field and was a chance for team building between community groups, who were also interested in a little local friendly competition.
Competitors from groups including the Westchester Elks, Westchester Family YMCA, LAX Coastal Chamber, WAM, Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary, Team Bestchester and the Bad News Hughes Team (featuring Councilwoman Traci Park), faced off at cornhole, bocce ball, a kettlebell relay race, football toss and a hold-therope dash.
In the end, team “Bestchester,” made up of residents from W. 87th St., were crowned victorious after placing first in four of the five games. “The Mamas & the Papas,” made up of YMCA supporters, came in first for the kettlebell relay and the “WAMbassadors” took home a medal for “Best Spirit,” thanks to their enthusiasm, use of a cow bell, customized T-shirts and temporary tattoos.
The event was created by longtime Westchester residents Amy Frelinger and Grant Francis, as a way to “get people moving” and support the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association (WSIA). The nonprofit is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of trees and plants along Sepulveda. This year, WSIA also launched an Adopt-A-Tree fundraising campaign so residents could support their efforts to create a walkable, green downtown Westchester.
“Our goal with the WCTC is straightforward: to build community through camaraderie and collaboration, while raising funds for our local charity that beautifies our thoroughfares,” said Frelinger. “With the generosity of our amazing sponsors, the team registrations and the volunteers extraordinaire, this year’s donation will be about triple those of our first two events.”
Save the date for next year’s Team Challenge on Saturday, August 3!
National Night Out happened to fall on the same day as the August Neighborhood Council meeting, so board members quickly took care of business and went out to celebrate the evening of community and fellowship with local LAPD officers, cadets and supporters.
At the meeting, the NCWP officially installed its new board members, elected earlier this year; and voted to install the following officers:
President: Paula Gerez
Vice President: Steve Donell
Recording Secretary: Geoff Maleman
Corresponding Secretary: Garrett Smith
Treasurer: Theresa Torrance
To stay on top of all the NCWP news, please subscribe to our email list at: ncwpdr.org/sign-up and get notified about everything going on in our community.
“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.”
CWP~ Plato
Since moving to Westchester in 2002, Tracy Thrower Conyers has made it her mission to keep her finger on the pulse of the community, first with her blog, and then with her volunteer work with a variety of neighborhood groups.
After working for more than a decade as an attorney and finding success as a web tech entrepreneur in the real estate industry, Tracy is now keeping things hyper-local with her business, Silicon Beach Properties. She’s found her niche with helping empty nesters like herself, who are looking to make a change and start the next chapter in their lives with a new property.
She says the opportunity to have more conversations with people in the community was a big reason for getting involved with groups like the Kentwood Home Guardians, the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP), and the Emerson Avenue Community Garden, where she nows serves as president, and a proud gardener.
Vegetable gardening was a happy accident in Tracy’s life, but after signing up for a plot while volunteering at the Westchester Arts
2 3 4 5
& Music Block Party, she has found a new calling. She’s now had a space at the garden for more than six years and enjoys growing pollinator plants and organic veggies. She’s so proud of her tomato crop this year, she’s even entering the garden’s annual Tomato Tasting contest on August 12.
With the recent discussion about zoning changes that are on the horizon for Westchester as part of the city’s Community Plan Update, Tracy is happy to be involved with groups like the Kentwood HOA board and the NCWP’s Planning and Land Use Committee. She’s hopeful they can use their collective power to advocate for a plan that balances the need for more housing with the neighborhood’s concerns about density.
“I am very unhappy with the lack of imagination the city is putting into our plan,” said Tracy. “But the city publishing maps with stupid density plans is sparking a community conversation I’m happy we’re having.”
We recently sat down with Tracy and asked her to share her thoughts, so here is “5 Questions With...Tracy!”
What’s one local spot you couldn’t live without?
I could not live without the Emerson Avenue Community Garden (EACG) in the heart of Kentwood. I joined the garden as a novice gardener after signing up for a plot on a whim. I love EACGC’s mission of teaching our community about sustainable waterwise organic urban gardening. I’ve learned so much about growing my own food and the harmony of the physical space is always a welcome escape in the middle of my busy urban life. The garden recently opened membership to non-gardeners who support our mission. I invite readers to check out membership benefits at eacgc.com/membership
What is the most rewarding thing about volunteering with community groups?
I do a lot of volunteering in our community and far and away my favorite part is meeting other committed neighbors with a similar love for our community. We have so much talent here, and I love that busy people are willing to bring their talents to volunteering. I also love it when our community groups collaborate. One plus one always equals way more than two when we cross-pollinate our groups.
Is there any business or organization you’d like to give a shout-out to?
I want to give a big shout out to the Westchester Rotary. I became familiar with their good works in the community when they took on our community garden during COVID to support our capital improvements project. Thanks to them, our garden space’s accessibility is greatly improved with concrete pathways, as well as other improvements to the space. Westchester Rotary is a group of committed local leaders doing so much great service work in our community.
I’m also a big fan of the Westchester Mental Health Guild and try to support their important work whenever I can. I loved being a docent a few years back for their Holiday Home Tour.
What’s your favorite community event or activity?
I am a huge fan of both the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade and the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party. Both of these events have grown into signature events and make me proud to live in Westchester. Both also bring us together as a community in a very special way.
What’s something the neighborhood needs more of?
I would really like to see a community hub developed with lots of walkability and meaningful services for our increasingly affluent community. I hope our Triangle can grow into that hub for us. I’m involved with the Planning and Land Use Committee for our Neighborhood Council, as well as the NCWP’s Ad Hoc Community Plan Update Committee, along with other groups, in hopes that I can be part of the conversation about how our community continues to grow.
Tracy has more than 200 domain names and collects them for potential projects.
At Tracy’s Facebook.com/ living90045 page, an offshoot of her blog, she posts community musings and shares information.
I love it when our community groups collaborate. One plus one always equals way more than two when we cross-pollinate our groups. “
Honored
Westchester Rotary celebrates at St. Margaret’s Center.
The Rotary Club of Westchester celebrated the completion of their nine-month renovation of St. Margaret’s Center with a reveal party on July 22. The center was the recipient of the club’s every-otheryear Makeover Project, and thanks to sponsors, more than $100,000 in improvements were made to the nonprofit’s space,
Some of the highlights of the revamp included building a custom counter for the lobby, creating staff workstations, furnishing and beautifying the mental health services office, installing new floors and adding energy-efficient lighting.
St. Margaret’s Center, which is a stone’s throw away from Westchester in Lennox, provides critical services to more than 10,000 low-income and unhoused individuals annually. In the past year, some of its services have included providing free groceries to more than 6,000 families, securing permanent housing for 85 individuals and providing counseling services.
The project, which was led by Rotary Club of Westchester member and Playa del Rey resident, Tori Hettinger, is the club’s largest community service initiative. Nearly all of the renovation work done on the 2,000-square-foot facility was done by volunteers and members of the 60-plus member club, which meets weekly at the Westchester Townhouse for lunch, as well as to share about local service opportunities.
Learn more about the club at rotarywestchester.com.
Last chance to check out summer movies & concerts in the park.
The Department of Beaches & Harbors is hosting movies and concerts in the park this month for the whole family to enjoy
On select Saturdays at 8 p.m., check out “Marina Movie Nights” for a mix of PG-13 classics and recent blockbusters.
The 2023 Marina Movie Nights schedule is:
August 12-Grease
August 26-Beverly Hills Cop
There are two remaining concerts of the season for pop and symphony fans.
On Thursday, August 10, Jazzantiqua
will perform. On Saturday, August 19, Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist, Gregory Porter will perform. Concerts are held at 7 p.m.
The movies and concerts are held at Burton Chace Park, located at 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey.
Enjoy movies under the stars at “Beach Movie Nights” at the Dockweiler Youth Center, located at 12505 Vista del Mar in Playa del Rey. Movies are on select Fridays starting at 8 p.m.
The 2023 Beach Movie Nights schedule is:
August 11-Toy Story 4
August 18-Jumanji
August 25-Luca
September 1-The Lion King
September 8-Free Willy
All concerts and movies are free, and seating is on a first-come, firstserved basis. Don’t forget to bring your low-back chairs, blankets and snacks! Parking is available onsite at Burton Chace Park and the Dockweiler Youth Center for a fee. Visit beaches. lacounty.gov for more info.
Enter our Third Annual Pet Photo Contest!
When you take your pet for a walk, do people stop you for photos? Does your pet have its own Instagram account? Is your phone filled with photos of your pup, cat or other fourlegged family member? If the answer, is “yes,” enter our Third Annual Photo Contest!
Take your best high resolution photo of your pet doing what it does best: making you laugh, waiting for some scratches behind the ears or just lounging around. Pay special attention to the lighting, background and composition to get an award-winning photo! Email us your snapshots by September 12 for a chance to be featured in our October edition and win some prizes for your pets.
All of the photos received will be uploaded to Facebook.com/ thehtn to create the cutest gallery of Westchester/Playa pets. Viewers will be able to give all their favorite dogs, cats, guinea pigs and more, a thumbs up, and the top two pets will be named our community’s “Cutest Pets” for 2023. Visit our website at thehtn.com for more details.
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(continued from previous page) Community Plan Update proposes new zoning for parts of Westchester.
The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP) Community Plan Update Ad Hoc Committee is encouraging the community to attend their upcoming meetings and learn about the zoning changes that the city is proposing for Westchester. Since forming, the group has met regularly to try to navigate the city’s constantly changing updates and inform the community of the potential impacts.
“As part of the Community Plan Update, L.A. City Planning is proposing in their Commercial Draft 2 Map that many residential streets that run parallel to major
corridors–including Sepulveda, La Tijera, Manchester and Lincoln–be rezoned to commercial mixed-use zoning,” said committee member Cory Birkett. “This would mean changing what is now single family zoning in most cases, or up to a four-plex, to commercial mixed use zoning for three to 15 stories.” Birkett will provide an update on the meeting in the September edition of the Hometown News.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. at 7166 W. Manchester Ave. in Westchester.
Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? We want to hear from you! Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured.
Congratulations to the Del Rey American Little League (DRALL) 10U team for finishing third in the SoCal State Tournament and making it further than any 10U DRALL team in the league’s nearly 70 year history!
Defying all odds, the young baseball enthusiasts became DRALL’s first 10U team to win Sectionals and secure a coveted spot in the State Tournament. Led by Manager David Kenny and the coaching trio of Jeff Dorman, Scott McGee, and Pablo Padilla, the All Stars team’s season was nothing short of extraordinary.
The Blues journey to Sectionals was a culmination of months of rigorous training and dedication. The team had put in hours of hard work on the field, honing their skills and strengthening their bond as a unit.
In a series of fiercely competitive matches, the DRALL All-Stars displayed nerves of steel and showcased their unwavering commitment to the sport. Each game was a battle of wills, with the young athletes giving it their all, and their teamwork became their greatest asset. Their
seamless coordination, both on offense and defense, made them a formidable force that proved challenging for their opponents to conquer.
Their triumph at Sectionals, which featured two games with extra innings, was met with cheers and pride from the local baseball community. As they progressed to the State Tournament, the DRALL All-Stars faced even stiffer competition from nine other teams that also had success in their respective Sectionals. However, the Del Rey youngsters stood their ground, undeterred by the pressure, and continued to display their incredible skills on the diamond. The State Tournament was a cauldron of talent, showcasing some of the finest baseball players from across Southern California.
Despite the intense competition, the DRALL 10U All-Stars remained focused and determined, battling their way through each game with grit and flair. Their impressive third-place finish was a testament to their resilience and ability to rise to the occasion on the grandest stage.
The entire Del Rey baseball community rallied behind the
team, cheering them on from home and celebrating every run. After seven days of play in Eastvale, California, the team would eventually strike out 8-3 against San Carlos, who went on to finish second in the tournament.
As the curtain falls on their unforgettable season, the Del Rey 10U All-Stars will forever be remembered as trailblazers who made history for their league.
Congratulations to this year’s team: Andrew Dorman, Andrew Silliman, Colt Cooper, Kaden McGee, Levi Larson, Lucas Padilla, Luka Novakovic, Mason Akers, Nick Lawrence, Noah Delfosse, Ryder Kenny, Rylan Chereck, Wylie Northenor and Tanner Larsen.
Congratulations to Manager David Kenny, Coaches Jeff Dorman, Scott McGee, and Pablo Padilla.
The Del Rey 10U All-Stars’ legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, as they embody the true essence of sportsmanship, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence. #DelReyAllTheWay! Learn more about the league and next year’s season at drall.org.
Opinion: If you ask 100 people what “strength training” means, you might get 100 different answers. Many might think about a huge bodybuilder or massive weightlifter you might see during the Olympics. Others may mention an athlete training for some other grueling competition. While all those people do perform strength training, there are millions of Americans that strength train who are not large bodybuilders, Olympic athletes or full-time athletes. Many of these strength trainers perform what is called “functional training” and this month, I am going to explain what that is.
Instead of focusing on sporting events or building large muscles, functional training improves overall health and improves the ability to perform “activities of daily living” (ADL). If you think of what you need to do physically during a given week, you will get an idea of what ADLs are. Climbing stairs, carrying groceries and moving things around the house are all examples of ADLs. “Push, pull, carry, lift” is a popular functional strengthtraining mantra.
Functional strength training focuses on exercises that work for several muscle groups at once since many daily tasks require more than a single muscle group. Think about bending down to pick up two heavy grocery bags. You will need to use your legs, arms, lower-back, mid-back and ab muscles. Deadlifts are an exercise that mimics picking up grocery bags from the ground. You need a little balance, some strength and the ability to stay upright as you carry the bags into your house. Carries are an exercise that mimics carrying groceries into the house. Once you pass 50-years-old, you may find activities that once were easy are now more challenging. By performing functional strength training, you will experience an increase in energy, stamina and strength to take on the challenges of the day. You will also keep the door open to enjoy more travel, hiking or other pleasurable activities outside your daily routine. Quality of life often improves quickly as muscles get stronger and balance improves. By progressively building up to somewhat heavier weights while working out, lifting and carrying the groceries will become easier over time. Is putting your suitcase in the overhead
bin a little more challenging than it once was? Presses and other exercises can improve your shoulder and core strength to make that travel chore much easier.
Individualization is another important functional strength training concept. While the term “strength training” may still invoke images of massive muscle, functional strength training meets people where they are. We once had a 97-year-old client at our personal training studio. We were not going to start him with the same weights as someone 50 years younger. He did get very strong over time, though!
People after 50 often have a variety of joint challenges. Individualization is key in those situations, as well. Functional strength training is never one-size-fitsall. A good functional training program can often dramatically improve those joint challenges. Shoulders, knees and lower backs all require some extra attention if they cause discomfort. The good news is (assuming you are not injured) some regular functional strength training can improve joint function and simply help them to feel better.
Although functional strength training
often focuses on daily tasks, it can be modified for sporting activity. Specific exercises can improve the power of your golf swing, make your tennis backhand come in hot or elevate your pickleball performance. The same ideas apply: figure out what movements are needed during your sporting event and train them in the gym. This does not replace the need to practice the sport. It can elevate your performance ceiling, though. A few hours in the gym weekly can transfer to a variety of your favorite hobbies or new activity you want to try. By starting with a reasonable weight and progressively increasing over time, you can enjoy the benefits of a functional strength training program, whether you just want a little more energy to get through the day or want to improve your weekend warrior game. Find a way to be consistent and you can see and feel results in less than a month. Best of luck as you start your journey.
Jeff Blair (M.S., CSCS) is the founder of the SoCalSport and Fitness Personal Training Studio in Westchester. The studio has provided approximately 50,000 personal training sessions since 2011. Contact him at jeff@socalsport. com for questions or comments.
Opinion: So why does having good relationships matter? You may be fine spending your time on your career and making money or on a hobby or sport while ignoring the significant people in your life. You may be thinking, “Don’t give me all that rubbish about being happy. When working or spending time on my hobby, people know who I am, and I have control over what I am doing. Isn’t status important? Isn’t money important? It buys the best things in life! Don’t give me that stuff about how to be happy. I am happy when I am in control.” Does this sound like you?
I can understand the satisfaction of excelling in a career, hobby or sport. To be good at something is a nice feeling. The question I want you to consider is what happens when you get older, or sick, or for some other reason, you can no longer focus entirely on what you are doing right now? Do you believe in investing in the future? Sometimes investing some of your time, attention and behavior in creating and maintaining highquality relationships can pay off longterm. Would you like some proof?
In 1938, Harvard University began tracking the health of 268 male Harvard sophomores. Additional cohorts were routinely added over the years. After World War II, women began to study at Harvard and began to be included; offspring and spouses of the participants were also eventually added into the groups. For more diversity, in the 1970s more Boston residents began to be recruited for the study. Over the 85 years of the study, there have been four directors.
A lot of data (including information about each person’s failures and successes in careers and marriage) has been and continues to be collected in the longitudinal study. Researchers learned about how a person’s life trajectory made a big difference in the health, happiness and wellbeing as they aged.
So, what does the study tell us about leading healthy and happy lives? It does not say money made anybody happy. Nor does it say career, hobby, or sports success had any lasting impact. The current director, Robert Waldinger, who is
also a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, is quoted in a 2017 issue of the Harvard Gazette as saying,“The surprising finding is that our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health...Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That, I think, is the revelation.”
Another of his quotes is, “It’s not just the number of friends you have, and it’s not whether or not you’re in a committed relationship. It’s the quality of your close relationships that matters.”
How can you figure out if you are on the right trajectory? Good managers ask, “What can we measure to determine if we are on the right track to reach our goals?”
The same measurement concept can be used in our personal lives.
We can measure how well we are taking care of our relationships with significant people and with our inner being. One way to do so is to keep a daily journal, recording:
• How well did you do in listening to your loved ones?
• Did you say or do something you regret?
• Did you say or do something that was positively received?
• Did you feel connected?
• Did you try to live a healthy lifestyle?
• Do you see any signs of progress in the quality of your relationships?
• What do you want to try tomorrow?
In your journal, make short notes and on a scale of 1 to 10, note how well you did that day. In this way, you can document and measure how you are doing.
Lasting happiness is found in quality relationships with significant others as well as in your inner being. My wish is for you to experience well-being throughout your life.
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) and she has an office in Westchester. If you have any questions, please contact Fay at (310) 645-6762.
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“She gets a piece of dough and will work next to me. We just have fun,” she says.
For Playa del Rey resident Michelle Leslie-Ouellet, learning to decorate cakes started as a way to relieve stress. Her love of baking was simply a hobby since most of Michelle’s time was filled working as a legal secretary for a high-powered attorney.
“I would come home like a lunatic every night and my husband thought it might be good if I learned how to make roses out of frosting. I’d sit there and make roses every night instead of being crazy,” says Michelle.
As a holiday present, her adoring husband Jim enrolled her in a cake decorating class at Gloria’s Cake and Candy Supplies in Del Rey, where she took classes for about a year.
“For another Hanukkah, he sent me to Wilton Cake decorating in Chicago for a two-week master class. It was the most fun I’ve ever had working so hard, but it was wonderful. There were 17 people in the class from all over the world, but I was the only one there doing it for fun,” she says.
Baking and decorating remained a hobby for Michelle–until it wasn’t. “When I retired at 70, all of a sudden it became a business,” she says.
It all began when she was asked to make a Frozen-themed birthday cake for a 5-year-old.
“I got a little carried away. I mean, it was a three-tier cake, plus the topper. I was having so much fun, I was still
working on it at three o’clock in the morning,” says Michelle.
The impressive cake, proudly displayed on her Facebook page, is
a winter wonderland created from frosting, figurines and a fairy tale castle. All those late nights creating roses paid off in the form of perfectly crafted
snowflakes and icicles. It’s definitely a showstopper.
“Once I put that on Facebook, I started getting calls,” she says.
Michelle says she enjoys making kids’ cakes most of all.
“I have so much fun, and I love seeing the kid’s face when I deliver the cake,” she says.
She also makes cakes for a charity called Icing Smiles that provides custom gourmet cakes to families affected by childhood illness. She recently made an incredible roller coaster cake for a 16-year-old that featured all the drama and thrill that any theme-park fan would appreciate.
Michelle relies on her social media posts to attract business. She absolutely loves getting positive comments on her cakes.
“I look for the likes. It means more to me than the money,” she says with a laugh.
These days, in addition to making cakes for both clients and charity, Michelle is busy teaching cake decorating classes at Gloria’s, while engaging in an active social life with her husband.
At 76-years-old, she admits she’s slowed down to making two cakes a week, but lucky for us, Michelle says she’s going to keep baking, “As long as my oven holds out.”
2023
The sun was shining bright and the streets were full of spectators for the 23rd Annual Fourth of July Parade presented by the LAX Coastal Chamber!
Nearly 50 entries made their way down Loyola Blvd. for the festivities, including crowd favorites like the Great Pyrenees, marching bands and the Calliope Car. New entries this year included the L.A. Ghostbusters and Westchester Park, who showcased all their happenings from pickleball and lacrosse to bingo at the Senior Center and skateboarding.
For this year’s theme, “Ultimate
Summer,” community members designed floats that highlighted their favorite summertime activities. The Westchester Arts & Music Block Party entry paid tribute to SoCal’s great outdoor music venues and had a live band perform, while WISH Community Schools’ entry was all about celebrating the ultimate summer beach barbecue, earning them the Chair’s Award.
St. Anastasia’s wowed the judges and spectators with their “Best Overall” float, which featured a giant wave and beach scene complete with mascot Peppy the Panther lounging in the
sand. The school scored extra points for using recycled materials in the design, including old homework and e-waste.
Kentwood Elementary School took home the “Spirit of the Parade” award for its depiction of “Camp Kentwood,” that featured fun camp activities like kayaking. The Mayor’s Award went to the 501st Legion, for bringing characters from a galaxy far, far away to Westchester!
The parade would not be possible without the support of the Parade Committee, the entries, more than 100 volunteers, the residents of
Loyola Blvd. and all the attendees who come out to celebrate July 4 at the event! Thank you to major event sponsors: Decron Properties, Zacha Homes, the Stephanie Younger Group, the Hometown News, Drollinger Properties, Rotary Club of Westchester, Jane St. John/REMAX Estate Properties, LAWA, Suarez Team, Unibail Rodamco Westfield, CedarsSinai, Otis College and Sunset Studios. Visit our website at thehtn.com or scan the QR code to get a link to view all of this year’s parade photos!
