westchester
YO U R
C O M M U N I T Y,
•
playa del rey
YO U R
C O M M U N I T Y
playa vis ta • marina del rey
N E W S PA P E R
September 2026
E REPAIR CAFE Don't toss it, fix it... Page 4
DON'T MISS END-OF-SUMMER EVENT FUN ... PAGE 6
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SEP. 20 1:05PM
CHARGERS VS RAIDERS
SEPT. 21 5:15PM
RAMS VS GIANTS
SEP. 27 10AM
$50K SUNDAY SPECIAL
Page 2 • September 2026
TAILGATE
TAILGATE
POKER TOURNAMENT
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU A LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN AA LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU A LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN Repair Cafe readies to open in Westchester Save the date for end-of-summer fun A life lived with gratitude and possibility Hear from your community: recognize warning signs In Pictures: Summer Westchester Saturday Stroll
04 06 14 16 26
AHOMETOWN LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Cory Birkett, Contributing Writer Sylvia Wilson, Contributing Writer Shanee Edwards, Contributing Jeff Blair,NEWS Contributing Writer ABOUT THE HOMETOWN Writer Zsuzsi Steiner, Photos ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS
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: Grant Francis–and fellow volunteers Linda Brown, Maria Bains and Stephanie August–are readying to help community members fix their broken items at the inaugural Repair Cafe taking place on October 24. Grant hopes the event will eventually grow into a service project that takes place a few times a year. Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
September 2026 • Page 3
Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner
Repair Cafe offers neighbors a chance to fix their items and save them from the trash By Shanee Edwards
about bringing the concept home. “I said, ‘You know what? This can’t Have a toaster that no longer toasts? be that hard to get something going like this in Westchester,’” said Grant. A bicycle with a stubborn brake? A He began calling friends and favorite shirt that needs mending or a small appliance that suddenly stopped within weeks a small group had come together. Francis says 16 people working? have already volunteered to serve as Before you toss it in the trash “Fix-it Coaches,” with skills ranging and buy a new one, some handy from sewing and bicycle repair to Westchester neighbors would like a chance to help fix it. The first Westchester Repair Cafe will take place Saturday, October 24, from noon to 3 p.m. at 6716 W. 87th St., offering residents a free opportunity to bring in broken or non-functioning household items for assessment and, hopefully, repair. The first-ever Westchester Repair Cafe will have volunteer “Fix-it Coaches” to help troubleshoot the problem. The volunteers will provide workspace, specialty tools and expertise, while residents are encouraged to participate in the repair and learn something along the electronics and mechanical repairs. Exactly what they’ll be asked to fix way. is still anyone’s guess. For longtime Westchester resident “I have no idea,” Grant, a retired Grant Francis, the idea began after a woodshop teacher at Venice High, friend told him about a Repair Cafe says with a laugh. “We’ll see what event in Long Beach. comes in.” Francis went on his own, and what Potential items include electronic he saw impressed him. “I was blown away by all the people gadgets, small appliances, computers, there doing all this stuff,” says Grant. toys, bicycles, clothing and other fabric items, as well as small pieces “It seemed like there were as many of furniture. There is one important volunteers as there were clients limitation: if you can’t carry it into bringing stuff in.” the Repair Cafe, it’s probably too big. Grant talked to some of the So, leave the car that needs an oil participants, watched how the event change at home. worked and quickly began thinking
“
The landfill has got enough junk in there. We don’t need to put this stuff in there as well.
Page 4 • September 2026
When residents arrive, they’ll first check in and fill out a form describing the item and its problem. They’ll then be matched with a volunteer who has the appropriate skills. From there, they’ll head to a work area and see if they can get the item functioning again. There are no guarantees, of course. Some items may be beyond repair, and others may require replacement parts that aren’t available at the event. Participants are asked to provide any necessary replacement parts themselves, and small donations are encouraged to help replenish consumable supplies. But successfully repairing every item isn’t necessarily the point. Even when something can’t be fixed, participants may come away understanding more about how it was made, how it works and what went wrong. And rather than simply handing over a broken object and waiting for someone else to repair it, residents will have the opportunity to work alongside volunteers and learn how to tackle similar problems themselves in the future. That educational component is particularly important to Ann Madden, who plans to share her sewing skills during the event. Ann learned many of her sewing skills from her grandmother and later from teachers at Westchester High School. She thinks the Repair Cafe is a way to keep that kind of practical knowledge moving from one person to another.
Photo by Robert Higgins
Grant Francis is ready to start on his next community project, a Repair Cafe, with help from his crew of volunteers, including Linda Brown, Maria Bains and Stephanie August. Below: Grant is a dedicated volunteer with Clean Up Westchester, which he founded.
“These are the things we want to share with our community, the things that we’ve learned and we’ve applied throughout our lives that hopefully we can teach those coming in as well,” says Ann. There’s also an environmental benefit to giving old possessions a second chance. “The landfill has got enough junk in there,” Grant says. “We don’t need to put this stuff in there as well.” (Continued on page 8)
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
September 2026 • Page 5
TheHTN.com Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner
Business & Nonprofit News
WAM Block Party. Community members congregate in the Beer & Wine Garden in front of the live music stage at the WAM Block Party. Money raised from drink sales go to support the Westchester Family YMCA’s teen health and wellness initiatives.
Save the date for these September community events. As we enjoy the last days of summer and head into the fall season, the community is gearing up to host a variety of fun events and community fundraisers you don’t want to miss. Save the date for these upcoming events in the 90045 and beyond: • Join the Westchester Rotary Club for its 71st annual Book Sale taking place September 3 through September 7th. The sale will be in a new location this year, the Westchester Family YMCA’s Annex (8020 Alverstone Avenue). Stop by between noon and 7 p.m. on opening day or 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the weekend, to shop for thousands of books in all genres. Bring a bag on closing day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and fill it with your favorite titles for $30! • Bring the whole family to the Westchester Elks’ Annual Car Show & Chili Cook Off! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day of checking out dozens of classic cars, voting for your favorite chili recipe, and other festivities. The event is free to attend, and attendees can buy tickets for the chili tasting, BBQ lunch or raffle tickets to support the Elk’s service projects. The Lodge is located at 8025 W. Manchester Ave. in Playa del Rey.
Page 6 • September 2026
Elks Car Show and Chili Cook Off. If you enjoy classic cars and community, you don’t want to miss out on the Elks Lodge’s annual event on September 12 featuring a parking lot full of swoon-worthy vehicles.
• Mark your calendars for a fun weekend of rides, games and treats at St. Jerome’s Bi-annual Carnival taking place September 11 through 13. Other activities include a talent show on Friday night, raffles, food, Bingo, and live entertainment. The event runs Friday 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday 3 to 10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. St. Jerome is located at 5580 Thornburn St. in Westchester. • Get your tickets for “Viva Las Vegas,” the Westchester Mental
Health Guild’s fall fundraiser set for September 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Playa del Rey. Each ticketed guest will enjoy $100 in gaming chips, a drink ticket, Vegasstyle entertainment, including an Elvis tribute singer, a DJ playing Rat Pack classics, and a light buffet. There will also be a silent auction and a raffle where winnings can be used to compete for fabulous prizes. Tickets are $125, and the money raised helps
the Guild’s mental health support to AMCS. Get tickets and more info at westchestermhg.org. • The Westchester Arts & Music Block Party is ready to welcome friends, neighbors and community members to its 11th annual end-ofsummer celebration! Festivities kick off on Saturday, September 19 at noon with performances from House of Venice, The Bad Clams, The Lads, Goodnight Irene, Upstream, and Gold Rush Country. New this year, WAM is adding a “Lounge Stage” at the north end of the street, featuring acoustic acts like Abby Posner and Joselyn & Don. Stay all day to enjoy a Saturday of music, art, vendors, community booths, family-friendly activities, giveaways, and more! A variety of treats and food, from churros and charcuterie to poke bowls and pizza will be available for purchase. And of course, the Beer & Wine Garden will be open throughout the event for refreshments and soaking up the good vibes with your crew! The event is a fundraiser for the Westchester Family YMCA’s teen health and wellness initiatives. WAM is held on Emerson Ave. in Westchester between 80th Street and 80th Place. Visit wamblockparty.org for more details. (Continued on next page)
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
CELEBRATE OUR BEST SANDWICH WIN! Our way of saying Gracias for your support!
Coffee with the Senator. Nearly 100 Westchester area residents attended a community gathering hosted by the Office of Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas on August 22. This was the first “Coffee with a Senator” event for Westchester, and was held at the Westchester Family YMCA Annex. The event brought together neighbors to connect with Senator Smallwood-Cuevas over coffee to discuss key issues impacting 90045 and the surrounding area. During the event’s Q&A segment, the State Senator gave legislative updates and addressed important community questions posed by attendees.
Coming soon to Westchester/ Playa. This fall, the community will welcome a variety of new eateries to the area when Read the Room Coffee, Chipotle Westchester, Petros Restaurant and Go Greek open their doors. In Westchester, Read the Room Coffee, located in the Westchester Triangle, just announced a Sunday, September 13 grand opening. The coffee spot has recently held a number of successful pop-ups, and looks to be a unique addition to the burgeoning scene on 87th Street. The signs are up and construction continues at Chipotle’s new location in Westchester, which plans to open in the next few months. Located on Sepulveda and Howard Drollinger Way, the site formerly was home to the short-lived vegan fast food joint, Hart House. In Playa del Rey, Petros Restaurant recently announced that they are expanding their current café into a fullservice restaurant. Petros shared that their Manhattan Beach location, which they operated for 21 years, would be relocated to 431 Culver Blvd. The restaurant is known for its Greek dishes
and California-inspired cuisine. Set to open before the end of the year, Go Greek will add a location at RUNWAY Playa Vista, complete with a yogurt bar and café serving its customizable frozen yogurt and smoothies to guests. Coastal Clean Up Day. Help clean the coastline and keep the Ballona Creek trash-free at two volunteer opportunities in the community on September 19. Join Traci Park and the CD11 team for a Ballona Creek Clean up from 8 a.m. to noon. Visit her social media for more details! Then from 9 a.m. to noon, the L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors and Heal the Bay are hosting a trash pick-up event at Dockweiler Beach. After the clean-up, attendees can enjoy an arts-and-crafts station and a traveling tide pool experience. All participants will be required to sign a waiver. Visit beaches.lacounty.gov for more info and to RSVP. Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured.
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
September 2026 • Page 7
Repair Cafe offers neighbors chance to fix items (cont’d) (Continued from page 4) Repair Cafe volunteer George Kaplan points out that throwing something away and replacing it also consumes additional resources. “It’s not only the landfill, but the resources that are needed to make these things,” he says. “We might as well just use what we have.” George has spent years fixing things around his own home and helping friends with repairs. At the Repair Cafe, he expects to work primarily on bicycles, simple electronics and mechanical items. When asked whether artificial intelligence might play a role at the Repair Cafe, board member Stephanie August initially joked that the event would rely on something a little more old-fashioned. “I don’t think we need AI for this,” she says. “This is more like NI, or natural intelligence.” George, however, says he regularly enlists the internet when he needs information or a manual while working on something and expects he may do
the same at the Repair Cafe. So perhaps Westchester’s Repair Cafe will offer the best of both worlds: A little modern-day technology combined with plenty of natural intelligence. For organizers, however, repairing objects is only part of the mission. They also hope the event helps repair something less tangible: the connections between neighbors. Stephanie, who lives near LMU, remembers being more involved in the community when her children were younger and participating in activities such as soccer and Scouts. “As your kids grow up and go away, you don’t get as involved,” she says. “So, this is a great way to get involved and to help people.” Ann, who grew up in Westchester, agrees. “I want the people moving into Westchester to know what a great place it is to live and that we can always depend on our neighbors to help us,” she says. “It’s a good place to get to meet people as well and to know
their strengths.” That sense of community is familiar territory for Grant. Born in Westchester in 1942, he has spent most of his life in the neighborhood and previously founded Clean Up Westchester, which brings together residents every other Saturday to beautify the community. He sees the Repair Cafe as another way to get neighbors working together. “It’s not only an exciting thing to get people involved with, but it’s making the community better,” says Grant, who also co-founded the Westchester Team Challenge. Stephanie believes those connections could even prove valuable in an emergency. Knowing which neighbor can repair something, solve a mechanical problem or handle another practical task could become especially important following a natural disaster. “I hope to see more community connectedness coming out of it,” she says. The October 24 Repair Cafe is technically a trial run, but Grant
is already thinking ahead. He has reserved four Saturdays next year at the Westchester Senior Center in hopes the Repair Cafe can become a regular community event. For now, organizers are eager to see what and who shows up at the first one.
The inaugural Westchester Repair Cafe will be held Saturday, October 24 from noon to 3 p.m. at 6716 W. 87th St. Services are free. Participants should bring any replacement parts their items may require, and small donations are appreciated to help replenish supplies. For questions or more information, please contact granttfrancis@gmail.com. Sponsors include Westchester Pharmacy, Drollinger Properties, Tomat, Jags Barber Shop, Law Offices of Edgar Saenz, Olive It, SoCalSport, Ayara and Compari.
And the honorees are...
OUR BEST OF WRITE-INS REVEALED!
During our Best Of Poll, we asked survey takers to share their opinions about their neighborhood with a few write-in questions! Check out the results below: When we asked, “What is the best local street?” plenty of community members wanted to chime in and show pride for their block, and we loved reading everyone’s answers. Plenty of readers felt they had the nicest neighbors, the best vibe, and the most fun block parties. But in the end, El Manor residents are taking home our 2026 Best Street Award for their tight-knit community and watching out for each other. A shout-out to Emerson Ave. and 87th Street (Triangle) for getting lots of love and write-ins from community members who love the bustling activity on these streets!
A round of applause is in order for all our community volunteers! Our HTN area residents have a reputation for civic engagement, and we recognized most of the names that appeared in this category for their commitment to groups like Rotary, local schools, youth sports organizations and nonprofits. This year, our Best Volunteer honorees are Gwen Vuchsas, for her work supporting the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club and local education; Grant Francis for his grassroots beautification effort, Clean Up Westchester; and John Sharpe for his dedication to all things Westchester Family YMCA.
When it comes to the community’s favorite Instagram profiles, our readers were all over the map when it came to sharing their recommendations! When it came to food, locals love watching the reels from @thegoodpizza due to their creativity, having fun with viral trends, and the behind-thescenes look at making their most popular dishes. The @stephanieyoungergroup also got high marks for combining market updates, real estate inspo, open house invitations and community updates on their grid.
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Page 8 • September 2026
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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WPHS announces additional documentary screenings and tribute to a Westchester trailblazer By Cozette Vergari Community members are buzzing about the Westchester/Playa Historical Society’s (WPHS) screening of the film, “The Price of Progress, LAX and Its Neighbors,” which played to a sold-out crowd in August. Due to popular demand, the WPHS is excited to host two more showings of the film, which will take place at the Cinemark Theatres in Playa Vista on Sunday, October 4th from 4 to 6 p.m. and Monday, October 5th from 7 to 9 p.m. After the film, filmmaker Kevin K. Williamson will host a Q&A. Filmmaker Williamson, who has longtime ties with the Westchester/ Playa community, not only delves deeply into the history of the area’s geographic footprint, but also focuses on the expansion of the original Los Angeles City Airport evolving out of Mines Field in Westchester. In 1928, the City of Los Angeles’ newly formed Department of Airports leased 640 acres of the Mines Field farmland, to create an airport for the city, bringing about the construction of the original Air Terminal, now known as Terminal 1. It still exists today on the airport’s land east of Sepulveda. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to catch this informative film, because there won’t be any further screenings added. To purchase a ticket, please visit support.6207wphs.net. To learn more about the film, check out the-price-ofprogress.com. Questions can also be sent to fromthewphs@gmail.com. A tribute to a Westchester legend The WPHS and the Westchester Rotary Club would like to salute the memory and accomplishments of Rowena Ake, who passed away on August 20. Rowena was a longtime Westchester community member and, in August 1987, became the first woman inducted into the Rotary Club of Westchester. She eventually served as the first woman president in the club from 1996-1997. Rowena was a successful local business owner and ran several companies, including a real estate office and a dry cleaners on Lincoln that still bears her name. After graduating high school in Oklahoma, she moved west, where she met and married her husband George Ake. She
Page 12 • September 2026
Rowena, who passed away at age 93 on August 20, will be remembered for her volunteer and philanthropic work with numerous organizations.
made Westchester their home in the 1950s. After her husband’s untimely passing at a young age, she continued running the family businesses. She was a mother, a grandmother and a generous friend to many in the Westchester community. I go back with Rowena to when I was a kid. She was one of the inspirations for girls and women in our community. She persevered through a lot of tough challenges. “Rowena was indomitable. Bigger than life: businesswoman, woman of faith, mother, civic leader, community volunteer, and a model Rotarian,” says Edgar Saenz, who served with Rowena in the Westchester Rotary Club. “She experienced more than her share of heartbreak and setbacks, but she never lost her optimism and can-do spirit. I can still hear her no-nonsense, Oklahoma accent. RIP Rowena.” Rowena was most proud of her volunteer and philanthropic work in the community. She was a trailblazer, not only as the first woman president of the Rotary Club of Westchester, but also as the first woman Honorary Mayor of Westchester. She dedicated years of service to community nonprofits and organizations, including the Flight Path Learning Center, Westchester Vitalization, the American
Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, Westchester Women’s Club, Aero Club of Southern California, the Westchester Family YMCA, Loyola Marymount’s Future Advisory Board, Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital, and the Westchester/LAX Chamber, to name a few. Her family and friends will lay her to rest at Inglewood Park Cemetery on September 19. There will be a “Celebration of Life” following the service. --You can learn more about the history of the area and its people by visiting the WPHS Discovery Center, located in the Westchester Triangle. Our current exhibit pays tribute to the many celebrities and notable people who have lived in the Westchester/Playa community. Our display features more than 70 famous residents, who either grew up in our community or made the area their chosen hometown. From sports stars and actors to politicians and musicians, Westchester/Playa’s history boasts famous personalities who were nurtured by and drawn into this special community, including an astronaut, a Mouseketeer, inventors and more! The Discovery Center is open to the public on Sundays, between 9:30
a.m. and noon during the Westchester Farmers’ Market, or by appointment. The WPHS Discovery Center is located at 6207 W. 87th St. in the Triangle in Westchester. And remember, if you have historical artifacts, photos or art related to Westchester/Playa, please contact us to see if your donation is a good fit! The WPHS Board of Directors are Cozette Vergari, Mike Heffernan, Art Wexler, David Russell, Chris Spry, Denny Lennon and Terry Marcellus. The board thanks its donors, who support the WPHS. They are a nonprofit and depend upon community support! Get involved at wphistoricalsociety. org and scan the QR code to purchase a $20 ticket for the “The Price of Progress.” Cozette is an attorney and lifelong resident of Westchester. She is the President of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society. Together, with a group of dedicated volunteers, the organization is working on creating new programming and events to celebrate the history of the area and engage the community in preserving it for future generations.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
September 2026 • Page 13
Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner
GRATITUDE & POSSIBILITY Shardé Skahan has created a life built with purpose, gratitude and quiet determination By Sylvia Wilson
him. Growing up, she learned early There are people whose stories what it meant to work hard, to stay unfold like a steady flame, never grounded, and to appreciate the flashy, never loud, yet impossible to opportunities her parents fought to give ignore. Shardé Skahan is one of those her. Their sacrifices shaped her sense people. Her life has never hinged on a of responsibility, and their example single dramatic moment, but on a long shaped her sense of purpose. She left sequence of intentional steps, choices Minnesota for Southern Methodist rooted in courage, curiosity, and a University in Dallas, then returned quiet momentum that has carried her home for law school at the University forward. of Minnesota. These two very different Her story begins in Minnesota, where worlds broadened her perspective and winters stretch long and crystalline, sharpened her ambition. summers glow with possibility, and Her boldest chapter began after community is woven into the fabric of graduation, when she packed her everyday life. She spent her childhood life into boxes and moved to Los on Lake Minnetonka, a place that Angeles. She arrived with no job shaped her sense of joy and movement. and no professional network, only When the weather warmed, she and determination, a bar exam to study for, her three siblings rode their bikes along and a sister living near LMU. She settled tree-lined streets, fished off the dock, into Playa Vista. and spent long days boating, jet skiing, “It was a great way to get acclimated or tubing across the lake’s wide, sunlit to a new city and get to spend time with surface. Some of her fondest memories my sister,” she recalls. are of cruising along the water while She now describes that risk with a her parents’ favorite Motown music mix of humility and pride. She spent played, the soundtrack of a childhood long hours studying, longer hours rooted in warmth, rhythm, and the easy networking, and made a cold call that togetherness of a full house. would change everything. She reached Shardé remembers her mom “joking out to the then-President of Black that I’ve been organized since I was Women Lawyers Los Angeles, hoping two” and a planner ever since. only for guidance. Instead, she found a “I had a typical 90s childhood, playing mentor who opened doors, introduced outside all day with my siblings and the her to colleagues, and eventually freedom and independence to explore,” became a friend. That single act of she recalls. “I was always a responsible bravery became the foundation of her kid, but I am thankful to have grown up legal career, the first step on a path she in such a family-friendly place.” had not yet imagined. Winter in Minnesota brought its own Her introduction to Seyfarth kind of magic. Bundled in layers, she Shaw came through another kind of and her siblings ran off their energy connection: friends who believed outside, ice skating or inventing any she would thrive at a firm known activity that kept them moving through for excellence in employment law, the cold. Growing up in a big family her chosen practice area. Their with three siblings and a constellation encouragement nudged her to explore of aunts and uncles meant her whether it could be the right home childhood was full of noise, laughter, for her work. It was. Today, she is a and the kind of closeness that becomes Partner, a milestone that reflects both a lifelong compass. That closeness her expertise and her steady, purposeful shaped her, and it is something she now ascent through the profession. Along intentionally recreates with her own the way, she continued to gather family. It is also a value she shares with mentors, people who saw her potential, her husband, who grew up in a similarly invested in her growth, and helped her tight-knit household, full of gatherings navigate the complexities of the legal and the comfort of a home that never profession. Each relationship added a felt empty. new layer of confidence and direction. Movement and creativity were always But the people who inspire her most part of her identity. She grew up as are the ones waiting for her at home. a competitive dancer and a hurdler Her parents, whose hard work and on her high school track team, even sacrifices paved her path. Her children, making it to the state championships who remind her daily of the kind of in the 300-meter hurdles. She was person and mother she wants to be. also deeply artistic, a trait that has “I want to be a good example of a working mom,” she says. “Someone threaded itself through her life in who works hard but is present. subtle, enduring ways. Today, she sees Someone who raises good people.” those same sparks in her children. Her Her proudest professional daughter loves to dance and create accomplishment reflects that same art, while her son seems powered by devotion. Shardé served as the 50th pure kinetic joy: running, playing, and President of Black Women Lawyers of embracing any sport placed in front of Page 14 • September 2026
Shardé poses in Playa Vista, the place her journey began in L.A.
Los Angeles, Inc., a milestone she still speaks about with reverence. She joined the board as a young lawyer, simply hoping to meet people. She never imagined she would one day lead the organization. Her presidency focused on building the pipeline of future lawyers and honoring the organization’s legacy rooted in community, advocacy, and the belief that representation matters. “It was meaningful,” she says. “I learned so much.” A Love Story and a Life Built with Intention Her personal life has its own beautiful origin story. She met her husband through a mutual friend before a scholarship dinner during their second year of law school. They soon realized they shared a couple of classes, and from there, everything unfolded naturally. She remembers the warmth of that first conversation, the easy humor, the spark of recognition that felt both surprising and familiar. They dated through the remainder of law school and into the early stages of their legal careers before getting married in the place where it all began, Minneapolis. Her husband, who grew up in San Diego and attended UC Berkeley, loves hiking and camping and has carried their family into corners of California Shardé might never have discovered on her own. Their two young children are growing quickly, reminding them to savor the small moments. One of their favorite traditions is the family run, her husband pushing the stroller, their oldest biking alongside them, and all of them moving together in a rhythm that feels like joy. When it came time to choose a place to raise their family, they found Westchester almost by accident. Neither of them knew the area well, but
once they arrived, it felt like a secret worth keeping: quiet streets, friendly neighbors, and a sense of community that felt both rare and familiar. “It’s a hidden gem,” she says. “A nice community in a convenient location.” Her life is full with work, family, leadership, and community, yet she still finds space for the things that delight her. Concerts with her husband. Travel. Running. Crafting. Baking. Rediscovering old hobbies like tennis. She is known for boxing up homemade treats for her kids’ teachers or sending baked goods with her husband to his office. Friends sometimes place requests, which she happily fulfills because any excuse to bake is a welcome one. She also takes her family back to Minnesota often, giving her children the classic Midwest experiences that shaped her: lake days in the summer, ice skating and hot cocoa in the winter, and the kind of simple pleasures that root a person in belonging and memory. A Life Shaped by Purpose, Gratitude, and Quiet Determination This may be the clearest portrait of who Shardé is, someone who lives fully, gives generously, and keeps moving with purpose. Someone who took a risk, built a career, found a community, and created a life rooted in gratitude and possibility. Someone who reminds us that the most compelling stories often begin with someone’s faith in themselves and unfold beautifully from there. In Westchester, she has found a place where her roots can deepen, where her children can grow, and where her family can run together beneath the wide California sky. In her work, she continues to open doors for others, just as others once opened doors for her.
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Hear from your community Know the warning signs and notice, listen, and act during Suicide Prevention Month By Eden Garcia-Balis
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and remind ourselves of something profoundly important: reaching out can save a life. When someone is struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, loneliness or overwhelming life circumstances, it isn’t always obvious. People who are experiencing suicidal thoughts may not look or act the way we expect. They may continue going to work, caring for their families, attending school and interacting with friends, while privately struggling with enormous emotional pain. That is why knowing the warning signs, and being willing to ask, is so important. Someone who may be considering suicide might begin talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, worthless or being a burden to others. They may say they have no reason to live or that people would be better off without them. Other warning signs can include withdrawing from friends and family, dramatic changes in mood or behavior, increased use of alcohol or drugs, giving away possessions, saying goodbye in an unusual way, or suddenly appearing unusually calm after a period of severe distress. None of these signs by themselves means someone is suicidal. But a significant change in someone’s behavior is a reason to pay attention. And perhaps the most important thing we can do is simply ask. Many people worry that bringing up suicide will put the idea into someone’s head. It won’t. Asking directly and compassionately, “Are you thinking about suicide?” can actually provide an opportunity for someone to talk about what they are experiencing. Listen without judgment. Don’t minimize their pain or rush to offer solutions. Let them know they don’t have to face it alone. If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, take them seriously. Stay with them if you believe they are in immediate danger, help reduce access to anything they could use to hurt themselves, and connect them with professional or emergency support. Calling or Page 16 • September 2026
Eden shares about the importance of mental health services and asking for help during the nonprofit’s annual Spring into Wellness Gala.
texting 988 connects people with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For those who are struggling, therapy can be an important part of finding a way forward. A therapist provides a confidential, nonjudgmental place to talk openly about thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to share with family or friends. Therapy can help people understand what is contributing to their distress, develop healthier ways of coping, challenge hopeless or destructive thinking, strengthen relationships and create a plan for navigating future crises. Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of self-care and, sometimes, an essential step toward staying alive. Suicide prevention doesn’t require us to have all the answers. It requires us to notice, listen and act. Check in on the friend who has been unusually quiet. Call the family member who seems to be struggling. Take someone’s pain seriously. And if you are the one who is hurting, please tell someone. You don’t have to solve everything today. You simply need to take the next step and allow someone to take it with you. Eden Garcia-Balis is the CEO of Westchester’s Airport Marina Counseling Service. She has been in the mental health field for more than 20 years. Eden has a passion for working with the underprivileged and underserved and believes all people, regardless of their socioeconomic status, deserve quality mental health
services they can afford. Eden is also a licensed Marriage and Family
Therapist. Learn more about AMCS at amcshelps.com.
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ACT. LISTEN. CONNECT. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT SOMEONE IS CARRYING. September is Suicide Prevention Month. One conversation can remind someone that they are not alone. If you’re worried about someone, reach out. If you’re struggling, reach out. If you don’t know what to say, reach out anyway. Hope begins with connection. Airport Marina Counseling Service Helping people find their way forward.
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Taste of RUNWAY guests were treated to a lively evening of live music and a variety of samples from restaurants, including standouts Hopdoddy, P.V. House, and the soon-to-open Dizzy Bird.
Taste of RUNWAY highlights the best of Playa Vista's food scene By Cory Birkett There’s no better way to get to know a neighborhood than by eating your way through it—and that’s exactly what I did at this year’s Taste of RUNWAY. The annual event brought together restaurants throughout RUNWAY for an evening filled with food, drinks, live music and plenty of community spirit. Instead of sitting down for one meal, I made my way from restaurant to restaurant, sampling a little bit of everything—from Mexican street food favorites and juicy burgers to BBQ chicken pizza, a loaded chicken wrap and, of course, ice cream. The hardest part? Trying to pace myself. By the end of the evening, I was happily full—and had a much longer list of restaurants I wanted to come back and try again. Here are some of the bites that stood out: Sol Cocina: A Taste of Baja with a Playa Vista Vibe Sol Cocina brings a fun, modern Baja-inspired approach to Mexican food, with tacos, enchiladas, seafood, margaritas, and plenty of other dishes that are made for sharing. First up was grilled esquites, a delicious take on the Mexican street-food favorite. The sweet corn was grilled and tossed with butter, then finished with a smoky chipotle drizzle, fresh lime, cotija cheese and scallions. The combination of sweet corn, salty cheese, smoky chipotle and bright lime made every bite pop. Then came dessert: the Caramel Sea Salt Budin with Dark Chocolate Rum Ganache. This was definitely on the indulgent side, combining creamy caramel pudding with dark chocolate rum ganache, whipped cream, crème liqueur and a chocolate pistachio cookie. It was rich, decadent and definitely the kind of dessert you want to share— although I wouldn’t blame anyone for keeping it all to themselves. Page 20 • September 2026
Hopdoddy: Burgers Worth Coming Back For If you’re craving a burger, Hopdoddy is an easy stop at RUNWAY. The restaurant is known for chef-driven burgers, fresh ingredients and creative combinations that take the classic burger beyond the ordinary, including a selection of chicken, ahi tuna and veggie burgers that offer a variety of choices for all palates. There are also fries, salads, shakes and plenty of casual favorites, making it a popular choice for families and groups. At Taste of RUNWAY, I sampled one of their sliders. It was the perfect size for an evening like this—small enough that I could keep moving and try more food, but flavorful enough to leave me wishing I had room for the full-size version. P.V. House Restaurant & Sports Lounge: A Place to Gather P.V. House has that comfortable neighborhood restaurant feel that makes it an easy gathering place for families, friends and sports fans. With TVs throughout the sports lounge and a menu filled with burgers, sandwiches, wings, pizza and other crowd-pleasing favorites, it’s the kind of place where you can settle in, order a few things for the table and stay awhile. During the event, they served BBQ chicken pizza, topped with tender chicken and smoky barbecue flavor. The combination of barbecue sauce, chicken and pizza hits that familiar sweet-andsavory comfort-food spot. P.V. House is a good reminder that sometimes you don’t need anything fancy. Give people good pizza, a comfortable place to sit and a game on TV, and you have a pretty good recipe for a neighborhood night out. Dizzy Bird: Coming Soon One of the most fun parts of Taste of RUNWAY is getting a sneak peek at what’s coming next. This year, that meant Dizzy Bird, the new chicken-
focused restaurant coming soon to Playa Vista’s social hub. The concept is centered around casual, flavorful chicken dishes, and they gave guests a preview with their chicken wrap. The wrap featured shredded chicken, crunchy pickles and a zesty sauce. The tender chicken and tangy pickles worked especially well together, while the sauce added a bright kick that kept the wrap from feeling heavy. It was exactly the kind of food that sounds perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner—something you can grab when you’re hungry but don’t want a sitdown meal. I have a feeling Playa Vista residents will be keeping a close eye on its opening details! Loqui: Mexican Comfort Food with a California Twist Loqui has become known for its fresh, California-inspired take on Mexican food, with tacos, burritos, bowls and other flavorful combinations. Their menu brings together handmade tortillas, slow-cooked meats, beans, rice, fresh salsas and plenty of bright, bold flavors. I tried the birria and bean taco wrap with spicy aioli, and this little taco packed a lot into one bite. The savory birria and creamy beans provided a hearty base, while the spicy aioli added a creamy kick that pulled everything together. It was rich, flavorful and just spicy enough to make you want another bite. That’s one of the things I like about Loqui—it’s casual enough for a quick meal but has enough interesting flavors and combinations to make you want to explore the menu. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Because There’s Always Room for Dessert And then, of course, there was Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Because no food festival—and no evening spent walking around RUNWAY sampling food—is complete without something sweet. Jeni’s is known for its creative flavors and rich, creamy ice cream, with
combinations that go well beyond the standard vanilla and chocolate. Half the fun is looking through the flavors and trying to decide whether to stick with an old favorite or take a chance on something new. Jeni’s also reinforces an important rule for any future Taste of RUNWAY visit: save room for dessert. More Than Just a Night of Food What I enjoyed most about Taste of RUNWAY was that it wasn’t simply an opportunity to eat a lot of food in one evening. It was a chance to experience just how much variety there is right here in the Playa Vista community. Within a short walk, you can have a burger at Hopdoddy, enjoy Bajainspired Mexican food at Sol Cocina, grab a taco at Loqui, share a pizza at P.V. House, or finish everything off with ice cream from Jeni’s. And soon, Dizzy Bird will add another option to the mix. That variety is one of the things that makes RUNWAY such a fun part of Playa Vista. You can meet a friend for coffee, grab lunch, have dinner with the family, meet up for drinks, catch a game, pick up something quick on the way home—or simply walk around and see what looks good. And maybe that’s the best takeaway from Taste of RUNWAY. You don’t have to wait for the event to come around again to experience it. You can create your own little food tour any time. Pick a restaurant you haven’t tried. Order something you’ve never had. Bring a friend or the family and make an evening of it. You never know—you might just discover your new favorite neighborhood bite. Join the Conversation I want to hear from you! What is your go-to local dish—the one you’d tell a new neighbor they have to try? Drop a comment, send me a message, or say hi if you see me at the market. Let’s keep swapping favorites! Email me at birkettcory@gmail.com.
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NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA Working together to improve our communities!
“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.” ~ Plato
What is A Neighborhood Council Anyway? The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP) gives our community a direct voice in the decisions that shape Westchester, Playa del Rey, and Playa Vista. Created under the Los Angeles City Charter, the NCWP represents residents, business owners, employees, property owners, and anyone with a stake in our neighborhoods. Led by a 31-member Board of Directors elected by local stakeholders, the council works with City officials to advocate for community priorities, address local concerns, and help guide neighborhood improvements
The NCWP also invests City funding in projects that benefit our community and receives early notice of many City actions that could affect our area, ensuring local voices are heard before decisions are made. Board meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month and are open to everyone. Whether you’re interested in neighborhood safety, transportation, parks, local businesses, or community events, we encourage you to attend a meeting, get involved, and sign up for email updates to stay connected with what’s happening in your neighborhood.
Next Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa Board Meeting:
6:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2026 @ CD11 Community Room | 7166 W. Manchester Ave., in Westchester
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Random Notes/Opinion
TheHTN.com
Try a midlife health strategy shift
By Jeff Blair
importance of cardio for decades. More recently, strength training Opinion: has started to get the attention it It seems like when we were in our deserves—and for good reason. As we 20s and 30s, we could get away with a get older, we gradually lose muscle lot more, health- and fitness-wise. We mass and strength. This can affect our could stay out later, drink a little more, metabolism, physical function, and eat a little more, and generally pay less overall health. Maintaining or even attention to our health. At some point, building muscle can be one of our though, things change. For many of greatest allies. If we are slowly losing us, this happens when we get some muscle and our scale weight stays the feedback from a doctor, notice that our same, our body composition is actually quality of life is declining, or become worsening because our body fat more aware of our family history. percentage is increasing. This is why Whatever the reason, midlife is often maintaining muscle mass is crucial to when we start thinking more seriously overall health. The American Heart about our health. Association recommends both aerobic The problem is that there is so exercise and muscle-strengthening much health and fitness information activity to protect heart health. In online that it can be difficult to other words, you don’t have to choose know what is actually worth doing. between cardio and strength training. It seems anyone can make almost Doing both is the best strategy. any claim about any product online 2. Don’t major in minors. Like the with little or no support. The Internet sirens calling sailors from the shore in can be an incredible resource for “The Odyssey,” the “Fitness Internet” information and communication, but is constantly calling to us with quick many fitness claims are misleading, at diet fixes, “magic” supplements, and best. This month, I want to focus on other distractions. three simple, scientifically supported Some supplements can provide real strategies that can help maximize your benefits, but they should generally be health in midlife and beyond. viewed as secondary—not primary— 1. Add strength training to your strategies. Most short-term diet plans cardio. We’ve heard about the are not sustainable for most people.
Page 24 • September 2026
The fundamentals are much less exciting, but they are far more important: • At least two strength-training sessions per week • Consistent cardio • Adequate protein • Adequate fiber • Sufficient sleep • Effective stress management We all know that checking all of these boxes isn’t easy when you are juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. Taking a supplement is much easier, and I suspect that is part of the appeal. I’m not anti-supplement. I simply encourage people to focus first on the big things that have the greatest impact. Don’t major in the minors. 3. Prioritize consistency above all else. Many of us have started a highly restrictive diet or demanding exercise program, only to give up after a few weeks or months. Instead of trying to change everything at once, I encourage a more sustainable approach. Start with changes you can realistically maintain. For example, if you can consistently get in two strength-training sessions per week, you are meeting the strength-training recommendation of major health
organizations. And that routine is much more sustainable than trying to exercise six days a week. One of the problems with many fitness programs is that they don’t leave much room for real life. But real life happens. Work gets busy. Kids get sick. We travel. We get tired. When a program doesn’t allow for these things, it becomes much harder to stick with. Consistency beats perfection. By incorporating both strength training and cardio, focusing on the fundamentals rather than the latest fitness trend–and prioritizing consistency–you can build a strong health strategy for midlife and beyond. Combine these three strategies with regular visits to knowledgeable medical professionals, and you’ll put yourself in the best possible position to protect your health and maintain a high quality of life for years to come. Jeff Blair (M.S., CSCS) is a certified personal trainer, fitness author and founder of the SoCalSport Personal Training Studio in Westchester. The studio has provided many tens of thousands of personal training experiences to Westchester and Playa del Rey residents since 2012. Reach Jeff at jeff@socalsport.com for questions or comments on his article.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Therapy Corner with Ann O’Brien By Ann O’Brien
Opinion: Should we give our child a trust fund? My son turned 18 last year and is heading off to college. We are in a good place financially and may set up a trust fund for him, but we are worried it will take away his motivation. What is your opinion as a therapist? Dear reader, Thank you for introducing a fascinating topic: the psychology of inheriting money. With a subject this complex, I’d prefer a full hour discussion to a 600-word article. But I’ll give it my best shot. First, let’s acknowledge this milestone. A child leaving for college can bring a whirl of emotions: excitement, sadness, concern about how they will fare, and uncertainty about this next chapter for your relationship. My heart is with you during this emotional time. Parents often feel that one way to continue to provide and protect is financially. Generosity can be beautiful, psychologically and practically. But too much protection can interfere with developing grit and accountability, qualities related to the “motivation” you hope your son will have. Our journey as parents begins with a dependent human being who, over time, if we are lucky, becomes autonomous. Now envision a parallel financial journey, from dependence toward autonomy. Consider: under what conditions would we feel comfortable passing the financial baton, and how can we help create those conditions? What does money mean in your family? We ascribe all sorts of meanings to money. For some, it is practical. For others, it symbolizes achievement, power, or belonging. Some think money is best used for opportunity; others for security or luxury. Money can also carry emotional tensions: freedom versus obligation, vulnerability versus safety, selfpreservation versus generosity. Reflect on the meaning you attach to money and whether it aligns with a purposeful and joyful life. Then consider what messages your son has absorbed. Your family’s values, his peers and broader culture will influence what money means to him and how he uses it. Financial literacy As a therapist, I’ve come to see financial literacy as empowerment. This includes knowing how much money one has and earns, the real costs of lifestyles, and how to create and preserve capital and invest wisely. If your son will eventually manage substantial assets, part of becoming ready is learning how money works. Financial literacy can help him use it thoughtfully, rather than simply consume it.
What about work ethic? I suspect this is at the heart of your question: If financial necessity disappears, does motivation disappear too? Sometimes, but not necessarily. Work ethic involves a belief that work is important and a commitment to doing one’s best. It requires meaningful goals, initiative, persistence and self-reliance. Our children develop these qualities partly from what they see in us, but also through lived experience: struggling, failing, trying again, learning good habits, developing competency and seeing that having goals matters. You can see how a strong work ethic can exist independently of wealth. Beware of coddling or entitling, which often reflect our own anxieties and can interfere with our child’s work ethic. Instead, encourage creating meaningful goals and experiences that build motivation and resilience. Financial security can make it easier to walk away when something becomes unpleasant. Consider instilling the belief that no worthwhile undertaking is perfect, but persevering matters for our well-being. Some closing thoughts As your son heads off to college, perhaps ask a larger question: What kind of relationship with money supports his whole well-being, and how can I help him develop that? Langston Hughes wrote, “Hold fast to dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.” As your son takes flight, consider how material support might give his dreams room to grow without becoming a substitute for the effort, struggle and purpose that give our lives meaning. I love your questions and comments. Keep them coming! Ann O’Brien, LCSW, MSc, is a Playa del Rey resident and therapist, specializing in relationships. Contact her with questions or comments at ann@annobrientherapy.com or visit annobrientherapy.com. You can also visit her Substack, Relational Insights: at annobrientherapy.substack.com.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
September 2026 • Page 25
Photos by Ellie Taylor
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The summer edition of the Westchester Saturday Stroll, was another hit with the community, who packed the Westchester Triangle for an afternoon of festivities and fun. Guests came in their best Aloha attire, showing off the “Island Vibes” theme for the August 15 celebration of community. The afternoon featured live music from Detroit Nights, a Polynesian dance performance and activities and giveaways hosted by sponsors and community groups. Schools like Paseo Elementary, WPNS Page 26 • September 2026
and Messiah Christian Preschool provided engaging art projects for the whole family. The Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary helped cool down the crowd with scoops of ice cream; Visitation gave a preview of the treats they’ll be selling at their upcoming carnival; and Starcuterie served up spam musubi to hungry guests. While Drollinger Properties gave out Westchester spirit totes, the Hometown News celebrated its 15th Annual Best Of, with a claw machine filled with prizes, including a PopMart
Stitch! And of course, 87th Street businesses welcomed their hometown crowd with specials, including: Ayara celebrating its 22nd anniversary with a one-night-only menu; Olive It offering a variety of event-friendly snacks; and Westchester Bakery drawing people to their pop-up with a mouth-watering dessert station! The August Stroll presented by the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association, was made possible by support from Drollinger Properties,
Los Angeles World Airports, Cityview, Councilwoman Traci Park & CD11, SRM Development, LMU, Playa Venice Rotary, Westchester Rotary, Westchester Veterinary Center, Westchester Pediatric Dentistry, and the HTN. Save the date for the next Stroll on Saturday, October 10! Want to host a fall/Halloweenthemed booth for 90045 peeps and neighbors? Email organizers at secondsaturdaystroll@gmail.com for details on supporting this event!
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PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY, LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY, GERBER KAWASAKI, SOCALGAS, JOHN AND NANCY EDWARDS FOUNDATION, ALISON WHITE HOMES, WESTCHESTER PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, FOSTR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, ESTATE PROPERTIES, WESTCHESTER ROTARY, WISH CHARTER SCHOOLS, TEAM TAMI, COAST ACADEMY FARM FRESH TO YOU, PLAYA ORTHODONTICS, LAX COASTAL ED FOUNDATION, ZACHA HOMES, FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL, WONDERWORLD, BUSINESS EXITS, WESTCHESTER PARK, WESTCHESTER PHARMACY, NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL WESTCHESTER/PLAYA, BALLENTINE ARCHITECTS, WESTCHESTER LIVING Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News