It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Stone Point gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Marina Del Rey, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Carrie is amazing. Very knowledgeable about Senior living, lifestyle, and care. Super responsive and phenomenal”
“Always Best Care was there for us after my wife's surgery. We had a caregiver”
“Loli demonstrated a level of professionalism that stood out, and her service and follow through”
“My dad came home from the hospital, then to hospice care for 4 months, then”
“Excellent service. Professional staff and wonderful caregivers.”
“I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Servicesto help you navigate the care of”
“I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Servicesto help you navigate the care of”
“Loli is very caring, worked with us to get the best caregiver match for my”
“We are deeply grateful to Loli and to two of the ABC caregivers in particular,”
“I needed to find an assisted living community for my dad in a hurry, and”
“Always Best Care was an excellent caregiving service for the short time they tended to”
“reliable with excellent oversight”
“We have had 24/7 care for my mother with ABC for over 2 years. The”
“Loli Ramezani and her staff are top notch when it comes to the service they”
“Loli was excellent to work with. She really took the time to understand my father”
“This was a wonderful experience. The care giver did a fantastic job taking care of”
“Loli and the staff at Always Best Care were very professional, compassionate, and resourceful in”
“Outstanding service. I would recommend Manhattan Beach Always Best Care to anyone who needs to”
“I needed to find someone for taking care of my poor mom without being worried.”
“Loli truly cares about her clients and their families ! , She is compassionate professional”
“Was a pleasure to meet Loli and be introduced to her at Always Best Care”
“Loli and Always Best Care was a blessing to have as care providers for my”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care is good. At this point,”
“Very pleased with Loli and her entire team. Top to bottom great service and very”
“Loli and Best Care was the perfect fit to take care of Mom for the”
“Carrie is amazing. Very knowledgeable about Senior living, lifestyle, and care. Super responsive and phenomenal follow up. An incredible resource for all things "Senior".”
“Always Best Care was there for us after my wife's surgery. We had a caregiver come each day for two weeks to help bath, feed, walk, and tidy the house during working hours so that my wife was not alone. Our caregiver Naomi was a God sent and so delightful. I often overheard my wife and Naomi singing together. What a joy! Thank you Loli and ABC Senior Services for making this service available to Beach Cities.”
“Loli demonstrated a level of professionalism that stood out, and her service and follow through made our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services stress free. We had a unique situation that required a specific type of caregiver and Loli was able to make a great match! Overall a great experience.”
“My dad came home from the hospital, then to hospice care for 4 months, then passed at home. Loli helped our family during multiple transitions of his care. She is professional and efficient, but also compassionate and empathic. She was a core contact for our family from in- and out-of town, and always responded quickly to calls, emails or txts. Dad's caregiver needs and schedules were ever-changing and Loli was always able to adjust, helping us to coordinate needs from hospice and family. We are so thankful Dad was able to spend his last months at home. We continue to use Loli's services for our mom. The caregivers are trained well and often became friends to my folks. I highly recommend Loli's services.”
“Excellent service. Professional staff and wonderful caregivers.”
“I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Servicesto help you navigate the care of your loved ones in their senior years of need. We called them when we found out my 92 year old mother in law was due to be released from the hospital but clearly not able to care for herself upon her release. It was a stressful situation but Loli new exactly the right questions to ask and heard our needs and pointed us in the right direction with all that needed to be done. She set up a call with hospice who arranged for all necessary equipment to be delivered in less than a 24 hour period. She also set up 3 very competent experienced care givers to be at the home in that same 24 hour period. The speed and professionalism in which this all happened could not have handled any better in my opinion. Working with Loli at Always Best Care Senior Services put our minds at ease and got everything set up for us to care for my mother in law. Loli was hands on in meeting with us and introducing the care givers and involved with speaking to doctors and hospice and everyone involved with my mother in laws care. She made a highly stressful time much more manageable and guided us every step of the way. She also followed up and made sure all that was supposed to be done was being taken care of. You are in good hands when calling on them for your loved ones care. I am happy to speak to anyone directly if you would like to ask any questions I give my permission for Always Best Care to give my personal phone number out to speak to anyone who is considering using their services.”
“I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Servicesto help you navigate the care of your loved ones in their senior years of need. We called them when we found out my 92 year old mother in law was due to be released from the hospital but clearly not able to care for herself upon her release. It was a stressful situation but Loli new exactly the right questions to ask and heard our needs and pointed us in the right direction with all that needed to be done. She set up a call with hospice who arranged for all necessary equipment to be delivered in less than a 24 hour period. She also set up 3 very competent experienced care givers to be at the home in that same 24 hour period. The speed and professionalism in which this all happened could not have handled any better in my opinion. Working with Loli at Always Best Care Senior Services put our minds at ease and got everything set up for us to care for my mother in law. Loli was hands on in meeting with us and introducing the care givers and involved with speaking to doctors and hospice and everyone involved with my mother in laws care. She made a highly stressful time much more manageable and guided us every step of the way. She also followed up and made sure all that was supposed to be done was being taken care of. You are in good hands when calling on them for your loved ones care. I am happy to speak to anyone directly if you would like to ask any questions I give my permission for Always Best Care to give my personal phone number out to speak to anyone who is considering using their services.”
“Loli is very caring, worked with us to get the best caregiver match for my parents, was able to schedule someone when we needed a caregiver on short notice and she always made suggestions to us to help make things better and more comfortable for my parents.”
“We are deeply grateful to Loli and to two of the ABC caregivers in particular, María Flores and Soledad, for their professionalism, dedication and superb service over the course of nearly two years. They provided coverage on evening shifts on weekends and some weekdays —as well as on occasional overnight shifts— for my mother who was in the early-to-moderate stages of Alzheimer’s. (We recently moved her into an assisted living facility.) Because our need for ABC's services was sporadic and variable, Loli and her staff often had to juggle quite a bit to accommodate us — for which we are grateful. Occasionally we’d be assigned a caregiver who wasn’t the best fit but Loli was always responsive to our concerns and would work with us to find a different caregiver. We also appreciate the “added value” that Loli brought to the table — her overall expertise on elder care, knowledge about related resources, and guidance on how to make our home safer for my mother. We are pleased to highly recommend Loli and ABC for your in-home eldercare needs.”
“I needed to find an assisted living community for my dad in a hurry, and knew that I didn't have as much time as I'd like to do all of the research on my own. I was very relieved when I found Loli to help us as a consultant for our search. She was very detail-oriented in acquiring the necessary info from us, and helped us to find a few places with availability that we could visit. I very much appreciated her knowledge of so many various communities, her professionalism, her efficiency, and the wide range of items that she suggested we consider, that we may not have thought of on our own. I would highly recommend her placement services.”
“Always Best Care was an excellent caregiving service for the short time they tended to my ailing mother, a late-stage pancreatic cancer patient. She passed away shortly after we began the caregiving service. In the short time that Always Best Care tended to my mother, the caregiver Maria demonstrated excellent experience. She tended well to my mother and assisted in any other way that she could. Thank you Maria and Always Best Care for your service. I wish you all the kindness and wellness in the world. Colin”
“reliable with excellent oversight”
“We have had 24/7 care for my mother with ABC for over 2 years. The care and compassion they showed for her really touched my heart. I have had to ask for last minute help when another caregiver (not from ABC) could not show up for a shift, Loli and staff always came through for me. She has always been available to work out problems and last minute requests, I can't say enough about how important that has been to me when I live out of state.I have really been able to rely on their judgement once they got to know my moms likes and needs, they always tried to match her with a caregiver that she would also feel comfortable with personally.The caregivers were long term, they did not come and go, mom really became attached and appreciated them. The caregivers speak highly about Loli as their employer, they have mentioned to me they really feel like she cares and looks after them as well. Touches like Loli dropping by for a visit to chat with mom, or remembering her birthday with a bunch of flowers was so great. I would definitely recommend!”
“Loli Ramezani and her staff are top notch when it comes to the service they provide. They are very accommodating on all levels from helping you think things through from start to finish, as well as remaining flexible through each process with the ultimate changes that always seem to arise. I highly recommend them and will be using them again if/when the need presents itself”
“Loli was excellent to work with. She really took the time to understand my father in-law and the family's needs. We had a wonderful caregiver for my father in-law and when it came time to move him from our home, Loli was instrumental in finding a Room and Board that was a great fit. We had used a different service and we can tell you Always Best Care is MUCH higher quality.”
“This was a wonderful experience. The care giver did a fantastic job taking care of my mother. I would recommend them to anyone. The care giver was kind, helpful, and provided all the help we needed. Their service was instrumental in my mother being able to get her independence.”
“Loli and the staff at Always Best Care were very professional, compassionate, and resourceful in providing in home care for my Mom. Loli was responsive when I needed to talk to her about changes or adjustments to my Mom’s care. With her experience and knowledge in the field of senior care she always had recommendations and resources to reach out to when we needed to consider options and alternatives for my Mom’s care. Loli was very compassionate and respectful of my Mom’s wants and needs. I would highly recommend Loli and Always Best Care for senior care services.”
“Outstanding service. I would recommend Manhattan Beach Always Best Care to anyone who needs to have care for a family member. I've had personal experience with Carrie’s organization and was very impressed with her and her caretakers.”
“I needed to find someone for taking care of my poor mom without being worried. When I talked to Loli I got the feeling she understood and she went through A to Z on everything with me. Care and quality care is truly what she delivers.”
“Loli truly cares about her clients and their families ! , She is compassionate professional”
“Was a pleasure to meet Loli and be introduced to her at Always Best Care Senior Services. Rarely have a met someone that offered so much warmth, care, and genuine concern for the well-being and happiness of her clients. Loli will be my first call when my family members need assistance.”
“Loli and Always Best Care was a blessing to have as care providers for my aunt. Loli spent countless hours herself with my aunt as a liason to help my aunt become comfortable with the transition of her employees into her house as her 24/7 care providers. All of the Always Best Care employees where very caring and professional, and they all showed great compassion for my aunt during her final months. We will be forever grateful to Loli and her staff for helping us during our time of need. There are few truly caring souls, who will give their all for those in need. Always Best Care is owned and operated by such a person, and her employees share this great gift.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care is good. At this point, I’m just having compassionship, encouragement, lighthousework, and preparing meals. I would recommend them because they’re good, efficient, and caring.”
“Very pleased with Loli and her entire team. Top to bottom great service and very professional. Would highly recommend here and her excellent staff to anyone seeking this form of service in the South Bay”
“Loli and Best Care was the perfect fit to take care of Mom for the last 2 years. Loli insured that we had the wonderful and attentive care givers. I never had to worry about Mom. I knew she had the best care and was able to stay in her home because of the care and support provided. I would recommend Loli and Best Care to all her are looking for care for someone they love. Thanks Loli for everything.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Burton Chace Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Cast & Plow or visit Marina del Rey Historical Society, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Marina Del Rey, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Marina Del Rey, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Marina Del Rey, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Birds, butterflies and wetland vegetation thrive at Oxford Basin, a decade after its restorationTen years ago, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works renovated the Oxford Retention Basin (ORB), a stormwater retention basin built during the late 1950s in conjunction with Marina Del Rey.Prehistorically, the basin area had been part of the Ballona Wetlands, which were dredged and filled for the Marina's construction.Above: A 1950s aerial photo of the Ballona Wetlands, prior to Marina Del Rey and other devel...
Ten years ago, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works renovated the Oxford Retention Basin (ORB), a stormwater retention basin built during the late 1950s in conjunction with Marina Del Rey.
Prehistorically, the basin area had been part of the Ballona Wetlands, which were dredged and filled for the Marina's construction.
Above: A 1950s aerial photo of the Ballona Wetlands, prior to Marina Del Rey and other developments. The red arrow shows the Oxford Basin location.
Connected to the Marina by a single tide gate offering limited water circulation, the ORB was often a smelly, algae-filled eyesore, but even then provided bird nesting habitat. Non-native trees around the basin added leaf matter to the water, promoting unnatural biological growth.
Renovation began in 2014 and included removing non-native trees and plants, replacing them with native species. The renovation also included the construction of two tide gates to replace the old single gate and the construction of a vegetated berm that separates the gates and aids in circulation.
Above: Interpretive panel at a viewpoint along Washington Blvd. The twin tides gates are visible at the upper right.
This improved water circulation by letting flood tidewater in through one gate and ebb tide flow out the other gate. However, because the gates do not allow tides to reach their maximum height within the basin (to prevent street flooding), water circulation is muted.
Above: The ORB shortly after construction. Note the circulation berm. Rising tides enter on the far side of the berm and return to the Marina from the near side during ebb tide.
The circulation design minimizes stagnation within the basin (which helps decrease odors), but water quality within the basin is still subject to existing polluted runoff from Venice streets during rainfall events and dry weather. During dry weather, the basin water quality mirrors that in Marina Del Rey due to daily tidal exchange.
Above: Monitoring data showing increasing native and decreasing non-native vegetation at the ORB over time.
In the ten years since renovation, the native vegetation surrounding the ORB has grown in substantially (see chart above). Prior to renovation, a few local activists opposed the removal of several non-native eucalyptus trees adjacent to the basin. They argued that the removals would harm nesting birds and the monarch butterfly, which were known to rest there during their migration.
Experts know that birds simply nest in other nearby trees when a tree is removed. In fact, the bird variety and abundance at the ORB has increased from about 20 species observed pre-construction to 57 different species observed over the post-renovation monitoring period.
Above: The Oxford Retention Basin today.
As for the monarch butterfly, they also find other trees in which to rest during their journey, and the ORB now supports native milkweed, on which the monarch depends for its life cycle.
Above: Western regional Monarch butterfly count from 1997-2024. Source: Xerxes Society
The basin renovation project also added public access features, including a footpath along the southern border and observation decks along the northern shoreline adjacent to Washington Boulevard.
Above: Plenty of eucalyptus trees still line the path outside of the ORB fence line
Happy 10-Year anniversary, Oxford Retention Basin!
Above: A Great Blue Heron rests at the ORB
Enjoy your Ballona Wetlands!
References:
Western Monarch Count. Xerxes Society for Invertebrate Conservationhttps://westernmonarchcount.or...
Oxford Retention Basin Multiuse Enhancement Project. Post-Construction Monitoring 5-Year Summary. Final Report. Prepared For: Los Angeles County Flood Control District 900 S. Fremont Ave. Alhambra, California 91803 Contract No.: PW15261 Task Order No.: 13434.200.006 November 2021. Weston Solutions.
Disclosure of author's affiliations:
Dr. David W. Kay served on the Board of Directors of the non-profit Friends of Ballona Wetlands from 2007 until 2015, and served as Board President in 2012-13. He presently serves on the Board of Ballona Discovery Park in Playa Vista. Dr. Kay is a staunch advocate for the state of California's plans to restore the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve.
From 1984 until 2022, Dr. Kay was employed by Southern California Edison Company, exclusively in the company's environmental services organizations. His many responsibilities included restoration of the 440-acre San Dieguito Wetlands near Del Mar. He retired in 2022 as Senior Manager for Major Project Environmental Management at the company, after 38 years of service.
Dr. Kay earned bachelor and masters degrees in biology and a doctorate in environmental science.
See Dr. Kay’s Patch Community Contributor profile here.
Prizes will be awarded across a range of categories, including heaviest halibut, heaviest fish overall, and heaviest white seabassThe 50th Annual Marina del Rey Halibut Derby, the longest-running fishing tournament on the West Coast, is set to return May 31 and June 1, 2025, bringing two days of competitive angling to the waters of Santa Monica Bay in support of local conservation programs.The popular event, hosted by Marina del Rey Anglers and Coastal Conservation Association California (CCA CAL), will feature...
Prizes will be awarded across a range of categories, including heaviest halibut, heaviest fish overall, and heaviest white seabass
The 50th Annual Marina del Rey Halibut Derby, the longest-running fishing tournament on the West Coast, is set to return May 31 and June 1, 2025, bringing two days of competitive angling to the waters of Santa Monica Bay in support of local conservation programs.
The popular event, hosted by Marina del Rey Anglers and Coastal Conservation Association California (CCA CAL), will feature weigh-ins each afternoon at Burton Chace Park, where participants will bring in halibut, white seabass, bass, and other catches in multiple divisions, including youth, women’s, kayak, and team competitions.
Fishing kicks off at sunrise on Saturday, May 31, and ends at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1. Weigh stations will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and from 12 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Scales close promptly at 3:30 p.m., and any fish not weighed by then will not qualify.
Prizes will be awarded across a range of categories, including heaviest halibut, heaviest fish overall, and heaviest white seabass. New this year are side jackpot contests and special recognition for top-performing youth, women, and kayak anglers. A major fishing tackle raffle and awards ceremony will follow Sunday’s weigh-in.
A mandatory captains’ meeting will be held Friday, May 30, at 6 p.m. at the Del Rey Yacht Club. At least one representative from each team must attend.
Entry fees vary depending on registration date and category. Late individual registration is $150, with team entries at $300 for two anglers and $150 for each additional team member, up to six. Youth entries are $20 for those 12 and under and $50 for ages 13 to 15. All proceeds support local youth fishing initiatives and white seabass restoration efforts.
Fishing will be confined to Santa Monica Bay, and all participants must comply with tournament rules. A 25% weight bonus will be awarded for live fish released after weigh-in. Organizers encourage catch-and-release practices and use of circle hooks to reduce harm to fish.
The event is open to anglers of all ages and skill levels, including boaters, kayakers, and shore-based fishers. Those without boats can reserve space on local charters, including the *Betty-O* and *Free Spirit* out of Marina del Rey.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.mdranglers.com/event-5930140.
In 1995, Captain Keith Harrison graduated from the Sheriff’s Academy and began his career at the Inmate Reception Center, where he served as a line deputy and training officer. In 1997, he transferred to West Los Angeles Court, and shortly thereafter was selected to work on the transition team to open the new LAX Airport Courthouse. In 2000, he transferred to Marina Del Rey Station where he worked patrol, the Summer Enforcement and Community Relations/Special Problems Teams. As a Community Relations/Special Problems Team member he bega...
In 1995, Captain Keith Harrison graduated from the Sheriff’s Academy and began his career at the Inmate Reception Center, where he served as a line deputy and training officer. In 1997, he transferred to West Los Angeles Court, and shortly thereafter was selected to work on the transition team to open the new LAX Airport Courthouse. In 2000, he transferred to Marina Del Rey Station where he worked patrol, the Summer Enforcement and Community Relations/Special Problems Teams. As a Community Relations/Special Problems Team member he began the station first Youth Activities League and Clergy Council Programs.
In 2012, Harrison promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to Twin Towers Correctional Facility, where he worked the High Mental Observations Floors and the Correctional Treatment Center. In 2014, he returned to Marina Del Rey Station where he worked the Field Sergeant, Watch Sergeant, Acting Watch Commander, Scheduling/Training Sergeant, and Operations Sergeant positions.
In 2019, Harrison promoted to Lieutenant and transferred to County Services Bureau, where he worked as a Watch Commander, Service Area and Detective Bureau Lieutenant. In 2021, he again returned to Marina Del Rey Station as the Operations Lieutenant. In June of 2023, he was promoted to Captain and remained.
Harrison has been a lifelong member of Faithful Central Bible Church where he has been a mentor, teacher and group leader for its Rites of Passage and Champion Men’s programs for many years.
Harrison received an Administrative Arts Degree from West Los Angeles College and a Bachelor of Science Degree from California State University of Long Beach.
Join us for a virtual public meeting on LASD’s 2024 Military Equipment Report. Community members are invited to ask questions and engage directly with the Department regarding the acquisition, funding,…
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The primary Mission of Parking Enforcement Detail (PED) is to ensure the residents of the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County are provided with expeditious vehicle movement to help alleviate parking congestion, improve the availability of parking choices, and to assist the communities in addressing all parking related matters.
PED shall protect and with fairness, apportion scarce parking spaces for all legitimate vehicles by insuring those who violate parking regulations are properly addressed through the California Vehicle Codes (CVC), the Los Angeles County Vehicle Codes (LACoVC) and other various municipal codes.
For more information, view our Parking Enforcement Information Handouts:
Uniform Guidelines and Community Awareness With more than 10,000 sworn Deputies serving neighborhoods across the region each day, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) remains committed to transparency and public…
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The primary Mission of Parking Enforcement Detail (PED) is to ensure the residents of the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County are provided with expeditious vehicle movement to help alleviate parking congestion, improve the availability of parking choices, and to assist the communities in addressing all parking related matters.
PED shall protect and with fairness, apportion scarce parking spaces for all legitimate vehicles by insuring those who violate parking regulations are properly addressed through the California Vehicle Codes (CVC), the Los Angeles County Vehicle Codes (LACoVC) and other various municipal codes.
For more information, view our Parking Enforcement Information Handouts:
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the County of Los Angeles want all county residents to celebrate this day safely, responsibly and encourage everyone to visit a firework show.…
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The primary Mission of Parking Enforcement Detail (PED) is to ensure the residents of the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County are provided with expeditious vehicle movement to help alleviate parking congestion, improve the availability of parking choices, and to assist the communities in addressing all parking related matters.
PED shall protect and with fairness, apportion scarce parking spaces for all legitimate vehicles by insuring those who violate parking regulations are properly addressed through the California Vehicle Codes (CVC), the Los Angeles County Vehicle Codes (LACoVC) and other various municipal codes.
For more information, view our Parking Enforcement Information Handouts:
As the weather heats up, pools are a great way to cool off—but safety comes first. Here are a few tips to keep everyone safe: Always supervise children around a…
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The primary Mission of Parking Enforcement Detail (PED) is to ensure the residents of the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County are provided with expeditious vehicle movement to help alleviate parking congestion, improve the availability of parking choices, and to assist the communities in addressing all parking related matters.
PED shall protect and with fairness, apportion scarce parking spaces for all legitimate vehicles by insuring those who violate parking regulations are properly addressed through the California Vehicle Codes (CVC), the Los Angeles County Vehicle Codes (LACoVC) and other various municipal codes.
For more information, view our Parking Enforcement Information Handouts:
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The primary Mission of Parking Enforcement Detail (PED) is to ensure the residents of the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County are provided with expeditious vehicle movement to help alleviate parking congestion, improve the availability of parking choices, and to assist the communities in addressing all parking related matters.
PED shall protect and with fairness, apportion scarce parking spaces for all legitimate vehicles by insuring those who violate parking regulations are properly addressed through the California Vehicle Codes (CVC), the Los Angeles County Vehicle Codes (LACoVC) and other various municipal codes.
For more information, view our Parking Enforcement Information Handouts:
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The primary Mission of Parking Enforcement Detail (PED) is to ensure the residents of the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County are provided with expeditious vehicle movement to help alleviate parking congestion, improve the availability of parking choices, and to assist the communities in addressing all parking related matters.
PED shall protect and with fairness, apportion scarce parking spaces for all legitimate vehicles by insuring those who violate parking regulations are properly addressed through the California Vehicle Codes (CVC), the Los Angeles County Vehicle Codes (LACoVC) and other various municipal codes.
For more information, view our Parking Enforcement Information Handouts:
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