The Marshes of Playa Vista

For decades, these marshes which were the habitat for various species, were damaged by developers. According to this article, the worse damage was done when they were building Marina Del Rey. 

Years later, developers and environmentalists butt heads over this area before apartment complexes, and businesses moved in what is today called Playa Vista. But the compromise was not an easy path. They even stabbed the city council member Ruth Galanter in her home, for wanting to protect the marshes.

Home to fishes, and wild life, this is an important birding area. On a day when the sun is out, and you're passing by, put away your cellphones, and you will hear the incredible voices of nature. 

Various bee species buzz around, and when there are too many, they put a yellow ribbon around a section, asking the public to be careful, especially if they're allergic to them. 

When I wear a yellow shirt, sometimes the bees land on my shoulder, and just sit there. Other times, they roam around my hair, smelling my conditioner. I keep telling them that I'm not a flower, but they don't listen 😄 

And on cool evenings, frogs and night creatures take over, making their voices heard. Unfortunately, there is not much left of these marshes, but I'm grateful for what is there and for the environmentalists who protect it. Now on to things built around the marshes...

I bumped into this pink trumpet tree, and had to take a picture. So, pretty.

4 p.m. Lunch at HomeState with a relaxed atmosphere, decent food, and good service. First time there. I got a potato Taco and mango green ice tea. 👍 Will try something else next time.

Coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee. When it comes to mixing espresso with almond milk, this place is the bomb. They have other locations, but I like this one. Rarely, a café or a restaurant gets this right, but this place knows exactly what they're doing. Will go back.

And if you don't know it already, I love, love, love sport cars, especially if they're stick shift, which I don't think this one is. My brother tells me to "grow up," you've past that age. He also tells me that I'm a woman, and not a man, and a Corvette is a "man's" car. But you know, I can't help it. This Corvette parked on the street, belonging to I don't know who, was hot hot hot, and I just had to take a photo. I cannot afford one, but I can always window shop. Right? 

Playa Vista, the home of Google, YouTube, and Yahoo

Playa Vista is a relaxing place to hang out on a weekend. It’s not overcrowded because it’s a hidden neighborhood, and offers something for everyone. The best thing to do is to drive around, and decide in which area you want to hang out. Then just park somewhere and walk. There is plenty of parking spaces, and areas where you can picnic. Village drive divides the area into east and west.

If you take village drive and go south to Bluff Creek Drive, cross the street, and walk west, there is a dog park. Go east and you'll find a nice path, perfect for walking or riding your bike. At some point you reach Spruce Park, a wooded area that wraps around behind the YouTube building and ends back on the road again. Look across the street and you'll find the black Google building. As you leave the dirt area, you’ll notice a sand volleyball court.

A little further down, there is an easy hiking trail at Bluff Creek Drive and Artisans Way.

Or you can continue walking until you see the Yahoo building across the street. If you cross the street, and go down a bit, You’ll run into Central Park Playa Vista. Dogs are not allowed here. This park can also be reached from Millenium Drive. From whichever path you get there, at some point, you’ll run into BlueBottle Coffee, and HomeState breakfast taco. These are popular spots for the locals, and people who work in the area.

Go West of Village Drive, and you’ll see a bunch of eateries. Sol Mexican Cocina is pretty good. Even my younger niece who is a picky eater, likes it. On Saturdays, there is a farmers’market, and sometimes musicians play. In the past, I have tried various foods here. They were just okay. The last time I was there, I had Indian cuisine which was good. They only have a few items on their menu. I had the only vegetarian dish they offered which was a crepe with potatoes and spices. The mango lassi was excellent.

If you keep walking west, passing by townhouses, and apartments, and toward the end where there is nowhere else to go, you’ll run into The Coffee Bean, a small market, a bunch of eateries, and a pleasant mini park in your path. On Sundays, sometimes they have events or concerts going on. The above musicians are Pine Mountain Logs. They move around, are friendly, and approachable. If you google them, you can find their venue. Sat February 10, they’ll be in Agoura Hills.

So, there you have it. Playa Vista is a peaceful area where you can easily spend hours, walking, hiking, biking, picnicking, dining, people watching, and listening to music without dealing with cars honking their horns, and driving impatiently.