Los Angeles Insider: Venice Actress/Environmentalist Leonor Varela

Appearing in films such as "The Tailor of Panama" and "Hell Ride," and on television in "Arrested Development" and "Cleopatra," Leonor Varela has worked with much of Hollywood's top talent in her more than 10-year career. The Chilean-born Varela, also a model, isn't content with just her role in front of the camera; she's gotten involved with many environmental causes, too.

Living near the beach in Venice, Calif. has helped nurture a passion for environmental causes. It's also where she's happiest in L.A.

Varela tells us about her favorite pockets of Venice and where you can find calm in the artsy community.

Name, Age, Occupation: Leonor Varela, 37, actress and environmentalist.

Neighborhood: Venice, Calif.

Abode: Two-bedroom house. It's a big, modern house with a very airy downstairs and kitchen.

How long have you lived in Venice? I've lived in the Venice/Santa Monica area for seven years now. It's where I'm happiest.