Your Best Life – Scott Houston, candidate for Assembly District 66 and Cathy Cesarz, Village Vibe (VV)

This month on Your Best Life, I’ll be sharing something personal: my professional reset and exploration of what’s next in my journey. I believe that at every stage of life, we have the opportunity to pause, reevaluate, and realign our priorities. Sometimes, that means seeking guidance from experts who can help open new doors.

After decades of corporate sales, advocacy, community involvement, and countless public appearances, I’ve decided that my next chapter should be as a Spokesperson—helping brands reach the vibrant and growing 50+ market. My passion has always been helping people live their best life, no matter their age, and I see this as a natural extension of that mission.

I’m grateful to have been referred to and accepted into the BizFed Advocacy Institute, an outstanding program. The Institute equips advocates with the expertise and resources needed to spark change, build strong communities, and sustain a healthy economy.

For the past eight years, I’ve dedicated much of my advocacy to supporting cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach, with a focus on child protection, economic development, health benefits for those over 50, and the often-overlooked sexual wellness benefits for women. While dispensaries may not be moving forward locally, my belief in the positive impact of cannabis remains strong.

Earlier this year, I ran for Mayor of Redondo Beach on a platform of economic growth, sustainability, and quality of life. My passion for community continues through my work with Keep the Esplanade Beautiful (KEB), which I founded 13 years ago after graduating from Leadership Redondo. Today, I’m fortunate to collaborate with a remarkable team of volunteers preparing for the KEB Annual Community Mixer on October 22 from 5:30–7:30 PM in the Napa Room at HT Grill, 1701 S Catalina Ave, Riviera Village.

Tune in on September 24 at 2 PM on HealthyLife.net to join me as I share more about this exciting transition and the opportunities ahead.

I am honored to welcome Scott Houston as my guest. Scott is a candidate for California’s 66th State Assembly District, with the next election scheduled during the statewide elections in 2026. The primary will be held on June 2, 2026, and the general election on November 3, 2026.

Assembly District 66 includes:

• El Segundo

• Gardena

• Hermosa Beach

• Lomita

• Manhattan Beach

• Palos Verdes Estates

• Rancho Palos Verdes

• Redondo Beach

• Rolling Hills

• Rolling Hills Estates

• Torrance

• The Los Angeles neighborhoods of Harbor City and Harbor Gateway

• West Carson

Scott Houston currently serves as an elected member of the Board of Directors of the West Basin Municipal Water District, first elected in 2014.

In addition to his leadership at West Basin, Scott has been appointed by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults, representing the Second District. He also serves as a BizFed board member and Co-Chair of BizFed’s Water Committee, and is on the board of trustees of the Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC), where he co-chairs the Water Energy Task Force.

Scott’s commitment to public service includes previous appointments by Supervisor Janice Hahn to the Consumer Affairs Advisory Commission of Los Angeles County and the Economic Development Advisory Committee. Before his election to West Basin, he also served on the City of El Segundo’s Public Works Commission.

You’ll have a chance to meet Scott in person at a Meet & Greet on October 4 from 3–5 PM at HT Grill. This is a great opportunity for voters to connect with Scott, hear his vision, and share their concerns. The event is free to attend, as Scott’s priority is meeting the people of his district. Of course, as I learned when I ran for Mayor, campaigns come with costs—so contributions are always welcome and appreciated.

Another guest will be Cathy Cesarz. She is a mission-driven nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience advancing community impact through strategic fundraising, program development, and team leadership. Cathy is known for building strong partnerships, engaging communities, and delivering measurable outcomes. She is helping Keep the Esplanade Beautiful with its fundraising effort. But today she is here to talk about a new venture that she is lending her expertise to: a new retail store in Riviera Village called Village Vibes  (VV). 

•  VV is a coastal, local clothing/lifestyle shop for women & men, located in Riviera Village, 203 Avenue I

• They will be hosting VV events, private events, local organization fundraisers & art/photo exhibits highlighting local artists. Please reach out if you are interested in exhibiting

• Social media handle, @villagevibes90277 on both IG & FB

• Soft opening 10/4, 11am - 6pm

Cathy along with Lisa Vitale have partnered with retail, fashion expert, and entrepreneur Denise Halliwell. Denise is a great example of persistence and is a person who knows how to ‘reset.’

Lisa Vitale is an experienced producer and marketer with a background spanning indie films, animation, live-action TV, commercials, and branded entertainment. She has worked with top studios and networks including National Geographic, WB, Nicktoons, Animal Planet, MGM, and Universal, and has produced projects ranging from Nat Geo’s original series Ice Holes to Skechers’ top-selling brand campaigns and the animated series Zevo-3. She also led social media for Skechers’ BOBS for Dogs, helping generate over $4 million in donations to animal rescue organizations. Today, Lisa brings her creative, marketing, and philanthropic expertise to retail as co-owner of Village Vibes 90277.

And of course, I may be discussing other events that are happening in Redondo Beach, but the focus will be on the Keep the Esplanade Beautiful Annual Community Mixer on October 22.

I am pleased to mention some of the sponsors and donors that are helping KEB achieve its mission. These include:

Sponsors

Hennessey’s Taverns – Paul Hennessey

Wicker, Wicker, and Admans LLP

Dive ‘n Surf

Village Runner

Athens Services

Beach Life Festival

Porsche Experience

Mr. J’s Academy

MDS Medspa

West Coast Eschow

Auction Items

Top Golf

Andy’s Termites

DP Mosaics has created two amazing pieces that reflect ocean living

Members of Friends of Redondo Beach Arts have contributed art pieces

Dive ‘n Surf paddleboard

Redondo Beach Police Department

Redondo Beach Fire Department

LA Kings ticket with a ‘meet and greet’

Redondo Beach Chamber Super Bowl entry

Healthy Life Net advertising package

Linda Mackenzie, Psychic reading

Cindy Wicks, Scape Book package

Cline Family Cellars Winery

Sonogram Air Flosser, donated by Shawna Omid, DDS

Four days at a condo in Mexico

Harbor cruise on a private motor boat

Harbor cruise on a whaler boat

Drum lesion from Johnny Fuentes

Tickets to a Max 80’s concert

Sketcher gift certificate

Dr. Dirk Yelinek, Veterinarian Pet Visit

Montauk Gift Certificate

Bottle of Scotch, Lavae McClinnahan

The Artist Tree basket

Rosin Tech Labs bag of goodies

Glass House basket

JK Imaging Ltd, Underwater Cameras (3)

Sling, Airflight (2)

Stella Jewelry

Tito’s Golf basket

Tito’s Dog basket

Monarch Butterfly Habitat, built by former Mayor Steve Aspel

Coffee with Paul Hennessey (HT Grill), Brad Waller (D1 City Council) and TBA

Many merchants in Rivera Village have contributed gift cards or merchandise that will be included in gift baskets: Dine Around the Riv, Fashion of the Village, and Health/Wellness in the Village

Last, but not least, an actual Esplanade Street sign along with Keep the Esplanade Beautiful t-shirt and hat.

Can you tell, I LOVE THE ESPLANADE!!!