Latest News
March 23, 2026
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Federal Charges Filed Against Group Accused of Defrauding Westside Seniors: Federal authorities arrested 11 individuals accused of orchestrating a complex real estate scam that targeted elderly homeowners in areas such as Santa Monica, Westwood, the Hollywood Hills, and Chinatown. The defendants are alleged to have stolen seniors' identities to secure fraudulent loans, with approximately $6 million obtained and intended losses estimated to exceed $17 million. The fraud reportedly involved counterfeit documents and synthetic identities. Prosecutors say the criminal activities spanned from January 2021 to May 2023. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Mar 23)
January 20, 2026
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Annual Homeless Count Launches Across Greater Los Angeles on January 20: Thousands of volunteers will participate in the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count from January 20 to 22, covering much of Los Angeles County. Organized by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, this annual event excludes Long Beach, Glendale, and Pasadena, which run separate counts. The effort aims to provide updated data on unsheltered individuals to inform future strategies and resource distribution. Preliminary results are expected by late spring or early summer. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Jan 20)
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Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count Kicks Off January 20 Across County: The 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count is set to commence on January 20, with volunteers canvassing the county over three evenings to document unsheltered individuals. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority coordinates this effort, which excludes Long Beach, Glendale, and Pasadena due to their separate counts. Known as the nation's largest count of its kind, the event will gather critical data to help shape future support services. Preliminary findings are expected by late spring or early summer. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Jan 20)
December 31, 2025
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Los Angeles Youth Orchestra to Hold Spring 2026 Auditions in Encino: The Los Angeles Youth Orchestra will conduct auditions for its spring 2026 season on January 3 and 4 at First Presbyterian Church in Encino. Student musicians ages 8 to 18 with at least two years of private instruction are eligible to participate. The season, beginning January 11, features a repertoire focused on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and includes works by prominent American composers. Over 100 students from more than 50 local schools are expected to join. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Dec 30)
December 30, 2025
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Los Angeles Youth Orchestra Schedules Spring 2026 Auditions for Young Musicians: The Los Angeles Youth Orchestra will host auditions for its spring 2026 season on January 3 and 4 at First Presbyterian Church in Encino. Students between ages 8 and 18 with at least two years of private instruction are eligible to apply. The upcoming season, beginning January 11, will highlight music commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, featuring works by American composers and a premiere piece by Russell Steinberg. Over 100 students from more than 50 Los Angeles area schools participate in the ensemble. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Dec 30)
October 16, 2025
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Starbucks Shuts Santa Monica Ocean Avenue Store Amid Broader Closures: The Starbucks at 1705 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica has closed as part of the company's ongoing restructuring, which includes shutting or converting at least 10 stores in Los Angeles County. This follows a similar closure on Main Street earlier this year, reflecting a shift away from mobile-order–or– (Source: Yo! Venice! on Oct 16)
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Starbucks Shuts Ocean Avenue Location in Santa Monica During Company Restructuring: Starbucks has closed its store at 1705 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, marking the second recent closure on a major Westside corridor. The move is part of a larger effort by the company to address declining sales and shift away from certain store formats. Several other Los Angeles County locations are (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Oct 16)