Venice Blvd. will be closed on Sunday, May 18th from Ocean Front Walk to Sepulveda for the inaugural running of the Venice Beach Half Marathon.
The road will be closed and there will be no way to cross Venice to go North or South West of Sepulveda during the race, which is expected to last until at least 11am. So plan ahead.
Race Map Venice Beach Half Marathon
More Information About the Venice Half Marathon
RACE DAY START TIMES
7:10 A.M. – Wave 1 / Half Marathon
7:20 A.M.. – Wave 2 / Half Marathon
8:00 A.M. – Wave 1 / 5k
8:10 A.M. – Wave 2 / 5k
8:30 A.M. – Junior Dash (1.1 Mile)
8:40 A.M. – Family Dash (1.1 Mile)
10:00 A.M. – Kids gRUNion run
About the Race Course
Ocean Front Walk, Muscle Beach, the Venice Canals, Venice High School, the original Venice Police Station and Fire Stations before a spectacular finish under the historic Venice Sign!
Where’s the Finish Line for the Venice Beach Half Marathon?
The Venice Fest is back with a Spring street festival happening on Saturday, March 18th from 11am – 7pm. Venice Blvd will be closed to traffic from Inglewood to Centinela and instead it will be filled with thousands of people having fun.
The festival supports local small businesses in Mar Vista and is a terrific way to see neighbors and friends. There will be music, games, dancing, dining, drinking, and shopping, too! There’s even a Vintage Car Show at the Venice Love Fest.
Support local small businesses “in the heart of Mar Vista” this Saturday, November 20th from 3-8pm when Venice Blvd. gets turned into a block party for The Venice Fest!
The Venice Fest will take over Venice Blvd. – and it will be closed between Grand View Blvd. and Centinela Ave. in order for this fantastic celebration to take place, so be aware of that.
This event is hosted by The Gym Venice, and will feature shopping at local shops, booths with local vendors, games, crafts, live music, food, drinks, and more!
All are welcome and this event is dog-friendly as well. Follow them on Instagram to get the up-to-the-minute scoop on vendors and entertainment.
We love to support small businesses! There’s a new Robeks Smoothies and Juices spot opening at the corner of National Blvd. and Barrington. And they’re having a Grand Opening on Sunday, November 14th.
There will be many fun activities for all attendees, like giveaways, a photobooth, fun art project activities, face painting, live performance of The Wong Quadruplets, and more surprises – plus there will be a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!
This new business is investing in our community, too, and they will donate 50% of the day’s proceeds to Mar Vista Elementary School.
Robeks Mar Vista Grand Opening Sunday, November 14th
Robeks Smoothies and Juices 11700 National Blvd, Unit K, Los Angeles CA 90064
Celebrate National Night Out with the LAPD Pacific Division on Tuesday, August 3rd at Penmar Park. This annual event is designed to help foster building a better community, and for creating strong bonds between neighborhoods and police.
The LAPD Pacific Division has a long tradition of hosting these events, and each one has always been an opportunity for fun, eating good food, and getting to know each other better. Past events have been held in Playa Vista, Venice, Mar Vista, and this year it’ll take place at Penmar Park.
There will be an inflatable obstacle course, Face painting, a Balloon artist, and more!
National Night Out
Founded in Pennsylvania in 1984 as a way to bring police and community members together under positive circumstances, National Night Out events now take place in communities all across the country, always on the first Tuesday in August.
Typically, volunteers help organize the food donations and gear to set up one of these events, and that’s true this year as well.
National Night Out Pacific Division 2021
This year’s event takes place at Penmar Park, 1341 Lake Street, Venice 90291, from 6-9pm on Tuesday, August 3rd.
The Mar Vista Neighborhood Council, commonly referred to as the Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC), is holding its next election on June 8, 2021, and this year all ballots will be Vote-by-Mail only. However, unlike other recent California elections, you will not be automatically mailed a ballot. You have to request a ballot – and the deadline to do that is June 1st.
There are two ways to request a ballot for the Neighborhood Council elections. You can register an account online with the LA City Clerk’s Office and complete an application there, or you can fill out a paper application and send it to the City Clerk’s Office, either by mail, fax, or email. You’ll find detailed information on both ways to do it in this article.
Who Can Vote in the Neighborhood Council Elections?
There are 99 Neighborhood Councils within the City of Los Angeles, and each one has slightly different rules about who can vote, but the general idea is that each neighborhood allows stakeholders in that neighborhood to vote. So it’s a matter of who is defined as a stakeholder and who isn’t.
The Mar Vista Community Council‘s rules state that a stakeholder is anyone over the age of 16 who lives, works, owns property, or claims a community interest in Mar Vista, as defined by the boundaries you can find on this map. Is this you? Then read on. This map will also show you what MVCC Zone you claim, which you’ll need to know as you register.
(Click to see the image larger.)
How to Request a Ballot for the MVCC Election ONLINE
Step 1.
You’ll start by clicking over to the Empower LA website, the section on Elections. (Empower LA is the City Department that oversees the Neighborhood Councils.) There’s more information here as well, like about the candidates, so it’s a good idea to bookmark it. From here, you’ll scroll down to find the button that says “Request Your Ballot,” under the “Get Your Ballot” section, and click on it.
Step 2.
Once you click on the button, you’ll be taken to another page with information about voting, but now it’s on the LA City Clerk’s Neighborhood Council Elections website. Lots of information here, including a link to Youtube videos explaining the process. Scroll down to the bottom and you’ll see a section in green with “How to Apply for Vote-by-Mail (VBM) Ballot.” Click on the link that says “VBM Application (Portal)”.
Step 3.
After you click on the VBM Application (Portal) link, you’ll be taken to the 2021 Neighborhood Council Vote-by-Mail Portal Voter Login page,but you most likely don’t have an account yet or you wouldn’t need this article – so instead choose to use the part that says “Create New Account.”
Once you choose Create New Account, you’ll be taken to this first account creation page and asked to begin filling in your information.
Step 4.
The registration requires you to fill in your name and email address. You’ll then receive an email that asks you to confirm your account creation. Click on that to confirm, and then you’ll be taken back to a page that asks you to create a Password. Once you’ve created a password, you’ll be directed back to the log in page, where you must log in to begin the actual vote-by-mail application.
Yes, I agree – this is already a lot of steps to take in my opinion, but this is the process if you want to apply Online. Let’s keep going!
Step 5.
OK, once you log in to the account you’ve just created, you’ll see a button labeled “Create Voter Application”. Click on that and you’ll be asked to supply more information about yourself, like your name again, your telephone number, date of birth, and contact preference. Note that entering your phone number is optional.
After this section is completed, and you click “Next,” you’ll be taken to the Stakeholder info section.
Step 6.
At this point, you need to know what MVCC Zone you either live in, own property in, work in, or are claiming a community interest in – because you have to choose a ballot based on that designation. Take a moment to decide which Zone is yours, and select the appropriate ballot.
Also, please note that when you are selecting which Stakeholder type you are from the choices in the screenshot above, you will need to provide an address for each. And you will have to provide a mailing address for the ballot as well. After filling out this information section, you will see a pop-up box asking you to agree that you are providing correct information under penalty of perjury. Click and move on.
The final step in the process requires documentation to establish your Stakeholder status. You’ll need to upload scanned images/pdfs of the documents or you can take a picture of your documents.
Step 7.
What Document Types are Accepted as Proof of MVCC Stakeholder Status?
Here’s a list of document types that are accepted as proof of stakeholder status include a CA Driver’s License or CA Identification Card, Property Deed, Work ID, Student ID, Renter’s Insurance, Business License, and many others. Each type of Stakeholder must provide different types of documentation.
If you claim stakeholder status because you Live in Mar Vista, you can provide a copy of your CA Driver’s License or CA ID Card, which will show proof of name and age, as long as it reflects the same name and address you used in the voter application.
If you are a Mar Vista Renter, you’ll need to provide proof of identity as well as proof of your renter status, which would include documents like a Residential Lease or Agreement, Rent Receipt, Renter’s Insurance, or a Letter from your Landlord.
If you work in Mar Vista, you’ll need to provide proof if identity as well as proof of your employment, with documents like a Pay Check Stub, Business Card, or W2.
If you own a Business in Mar Vista, you can show documents like a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC), or a Letter from the Chamber of Commerce.
If you are a member of a Community Organization, like a church, you’ll be asked to provide a Letter from the Organization.
Finally (and I do mean finally), after you upload your documents, you click SUBMIT, and you’ll be done. You may log back in anytime to update your application.
If you have any questions, you may contact the City Clerk’s Office by phone at (213) 978-0444, (888) 873-1000, or by emailing clerk.electionvbm@lacity.org.
How to Request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot on Paper
If you prefer to use paper and not create an online account, you can use the Vote By Mail Application attached here. You’ll fill it out, noting your Stakeholder status, name, address, etc. And then you’ll need to attach copies of your supporting documentation (see above).
Looking for a Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten (TK) school in Mar Vista? Beethoven Elementary is hosting a Virtual Meet and Greet on February 19th at 4pm, and another one on March 16th at 4pm.
Prospective parents and families are invited to attend, to learn more about the school, and their TK and Kinder programs. You can meet the teachers and get a virtual tour, as well as a presentation about the school.
Looking for a cup of joe? Mar Vista may be small, but we have a ton of places to get Coffee. Whether you’re looking for a Coffee To Go, a snack or pastry to go with your java, or a place to sip caffeine and write the next great American screenplay, Mar Vista has it all.
This local fave has terrific decor, a back patio, a few select indoor spots, and a set of tables out front, perfect for seeing and being seen. There’s even a parking lot! Order online for quick pick-up.
Having an iced coffee, watching the world go by, at Alana’s Coffee Roasters
The Coffee Connection is a non-profit coffee house serving up hot beverages and pastries 6 days a week (they’re closed on Sundays for Church) – and, when possible, it’s a great meeting place, with multiple rooms available for rent, and ample seating for drop-ins.
Mavro Coffee 12224 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles 90066
Taking over the spot where the Venice Grind used to be, Mavro serves up coffee to go – with a back patio available as well.
Starbucks Multiple locations in Mar Vista and around the world
While they are maligned for their cups and their ubiquity, Starbucks is nonetheless a terrific place to get coffee – and snacks. They pay a living wage to their employees and they are good community partners. App-based ordering and payment – plus there are now 2 drive-throughs open in Mar Vista.
Sick of cooking? Too busy? Or just craving a favorite delicacy? Consider ordering Take-out food from one of these terrific Mar Vista Restaurants.
Wondering which Mar Vista Restaurants are open and offering Take out or food to go right now? We’ve got the latest scoop. Whether you’re looking for fast food or fine dining. Whether you want to pick it up yourself or have dinner delivered.
Even snacks and desserts are available close by! Note that some places don’t have big websites, but you can order delivery via one of the many apps, like Doordash, Postmates, Grubhub, or Uber Eats.
Casa Sanchez 4500 S. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 90066
This restaurant in Mar Vista/Del Rey is well known for their delicious Mexican food, their banquet and catering options, and for hosting Mariachi performances. They’ve also got food to go, for individuals as well as Family-style meals.
El Sazon Oaxaqueño 12131 Washington Place, Los Angeles 90066 310-391-4721
Well known for their Oaxacan food, this restaurant also has a bakery. Try the mole sauce, on anything, or their tamales.
Delicious Thai food, from papaya salad, to Tom Yum Kai soup, to Thai curry and of course Pad Thai.
Little Fatty 3809 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles 90066
Known for their Taiwanese Soul Food, Little Fatty has been a neighborhood staple for years. Try the scallion pancakes, the General Tso’s cauliflower, the Taiwanese Sunday Gravy, 3 cups chicken – and any of the rest of their terrific menu. Now also serving beer, wince an cocktails to go from their adjoining bar, accomplice.
This relatively new addition to the Mar Vista dining scene offers modern Vietnamese cuisine, served fast-casual style. Build your own bowls, from ingredients like rice or vermicelli, chicken or tofu, cilantro and peanuts – and much more.
Terrific sushi to go. Choose from rolls, sashimi, tempura, it’s all good.
Pitfire Pizza 12924 Washington Blvd., Culver City 90066
Pitfire has got you covered when it comes to pizza, pasta and salads. They’ve even got kids’ pizza making kits and family-style meals to go.
Rasselbock 3817 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles 90066
This German restaurant and pub serves hearty German food with a twist, with schnitzel, sausages, Bavarian pretzels and their famous apple strudel, not to mention their impressive German beer list.
fried egg on avocado toast from Rustic Kitchen
Rustic Kitchen 3523 S. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 90066
Rustic Kitchen serves up comfort food and groceries if you need them. Try the burgers, poutine fries, and more. Open for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner.
Rutt’s Café 11707 Washington Place, Culver City 90066
A little bit of the Islands here in LA, Rutt’s serves up authentic and delicious Hawaiian food. known for huge portions and great prices, Rutt’s is a favorite in Mar Vista. They also cater for larger groups.
Sakura Japanese Restaurant 4545 S. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 90066 310-822-7790
This restaurant doesn’t seem to have a website, but they’ve been around for (is this possible?) 65+ years! They are a neighborhood stand-by, with regulars galore and a wait out the door – for table service. Get their terrific sushi to go and you won’t be disappointed.
Saby’s Café 12900 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles 90066 310-313-3867
This great neighborhood cafe is well known for delicious Mexican food, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – as well as juices, baked goods, and coffee.
Take-out is right in their name. The MV Grab and Go has a breakfast menu, as well as multiple options for lunch, like tacos, sandwiches, salads, plus specialties in their deli case.
Tut’s Grill 12114 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles 90066
Part of the Rutt’s family of restaurants, Tut’s Grill serves Egyptian cuisine you will surely love. Choose from Kebabs, shwarma, felafel, gyros – and so much more.
Family-owned and in business since 1972, this bakery specializes in French and Japanese baked goods. Try the cream puffs, the strawberry shortcake, the chiffon cakes, the dobash cakes – heck, try them all!
Hotcakes Bakes 4119 S. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 90066
This bakery is well known for cakes and pastries, including their amazingly delicious Canneles. Order ahead for special occasions or just because.
Family-owned and in business since 1956, Primo’s has terrific donuts any time, but they’re well known for seasonal specialities that are worth the wait in line to try. Buttermilk bars are the bomb!
Famous for their breads, especially pretzel bread, but just as well-known for their café menu, this neighborhood favorite is part of a larger food empire.
Chipotle may be the originator of the Fast Casual dining experience. They offer Mexican food in an assembly-line, add what you like and avoid what you don’t. They offer individual meals and can do catering as well.
El Pollo Loco 12860 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City 90066
Delicious chicken and tons of sides, this chain serves food fast, but we think of it more as healthy Mexican-style food, perfect for when you’re hungry and want to eat!
Grocery Stores with Deli Counters
Sometimes the meal you’re craving comes from the grocery store deli counter – plus you can pick up some milk and eggs at the same time! These grocery stores serve everything from sushi to sandwiches, carne asada to tamales, soup to nuts – and everything in between.
The new Marina Drive-In movie series means old-school entertainment in the comfort and safety of your own car! Starting February 12th, gather with your household to watch movies on the big screen by the sea in Marina del Rey.
The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors presents Marina Drive-In Movie Nights at Parking Lot #2 Public Boat Launch. Local restaurants nearby are open for outdoor dining, so come early and have dinner with a waterfront view or place a takeout order.
Make it a staycation and enjoy activities with your crew like kayaking, whale watching or simply taking a sunset stroll along the water at Fisherman’s Village or Burton Chace Park.
2021 Drive-in Dates and Titles
Friday, February 12: The Princess Bride (PG)
Saturday, February 13: Bohemian Rhapsody (PG-13)
Sunday, February 14: The Notebook (PG-13)
Friday, February 19: Up (PG)
Saturday, February 20: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (PG)
Friday, February 26: Bill and Ted Face the Music (PG-13)
Saturday, February 27: Black Panther (PG-13)
FAQs
DO I HAVE TO BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE?
Pre-paid tickets are required for admission. Drive-up purchase is not available.
PARKING LOCATION & ADMISSION
Parking spots are available on a first come, first served basis. Movies start at 6:30 p.m. but cars may arrive one hour prior to showtime. Tickets must be pre-purchased in advance. When you arrive, please show the QR code from your ticket to staff. Tickets can be presented either on your mobile phone or printed out.
FOOD
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drink. We encourage you to order takeout or make reservations and eat beforehand at any of the restaurants in Marina del Rey.
![Marina del Rey Drive-in Movies [New for 2021]](https://marvistamom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-Marina-Drive-In-w-titles-FINAL-copy.jpg)