Chelsea Nivison is currently a news contributor covering Westwood, transportation and Los Angeles.

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Adrian Vela, who recently arrived at Napa Valley Grille in Westwood Village s executive chef, lost his chance to play for the UCLA football team about a decade ago due to an injury. (Anisha Joshi/Daily Bruin)

https://dailybruin.com/2016/04/21/westwood-restaurant-chef-succeed-through-finds-value-in-mentorship/web-ns_-vela_-aj_-jpg/

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Westwood restaurant chef succeeds through, finds value in mentorship - Daily Bruin

Westwood restaurant chef succeeds through, finds value in mentorship

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Adrian Vela lost his chance to play for the UCLA football team and attend his dream college after an injury. With college no longer an option, Vela took a job washing dishes.

https://dailybruin.com/2016/04/21/westwood-restaurant-chef-succeed-through-finds-value-in-mentorship/

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Westwood restaurant chef succeeds through, finds value in mentorship

By Chelsea Nivison

April 21, 2016 2:20 a.m.