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February 26, 2026

  1. Debut Novel by Former LA Pastry Chef Explores High-End Kitchen Pressures: Michelle Christensen, a former Los Angeles pastry chef, has published her first novel, 'La Pâte à Bombe,' which delves into the demanding world of fine-dining desserts. The narrative follows Fiona McConnell, who steps into a leadership role at a fictional Michelin two-star restaurant in LA after sudden staffing changes. The story captures the pressures, rivalries, and artistry within a top-tier kitchen, as well as Fiona’s challenges balancing ambition and romance. The book has earned recognition at the Southern California Book Festival. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Feb 26)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +2 Pasadena, CA

February 16, 2026

  1. California Leaders Seek Enhanced Mortgage Relief for Recent Wildfire Survivors: California officials are working to increase mortgage relief options for homeowners impacted by last year's wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Many affected residents have reported challenges such as denied forbearance and negative credit reporting while trying to recover financially. Mayor Karen Bass, joined by Pacific Palisades residents and Councilmember Traci Park, traveled to Sacramento to advocate for expanded forbearance provisions. Proposed state legislation could further extend support for those still struggling. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Feb 16)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +3 Sacramento, CA Pasadena, CA

February 14, 2026

  1. Pasadena Fire Captain Faces Felony Child Sexual Abuse Charges in LA, Ventura Counties: A Pasadena Fire Department captain, Christopher James Ramstead, has been charged with nine felony counts related to alleged child sexual abuse spanning more than twenty years in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Police state that at least three victims are involved, with crimes allegedly occurring from 2003 to 2025. Authorities are encouraging other possible victims to come forward as the investigation continues. Ramstead was arrested by detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Juvenile Division. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Feb 14)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +4 Pasadena, CA

February 10, 2026

  1. Pasadena Fire Captain Charged With Child Sexual Abuse in LA and Ventura Counties: A Pasadena Fire Department captain, Christopher James Ramstead, 47, of Thousand Oaks, has been charged with multiple felony counts relating to alleged child sexual abuse in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Prosecutors claim the incidents involved at least three victims over a period spanning from 2003 to 2025. Ramstead was re-arrested by Los Angeles Police Department detectives on February 6, 2026, for alleged violations involving children under 14. Authorities are seeking additional victims in the case. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Feb 10)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +3 Pasadena, CA

January 20, 2026

  1. 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)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +3 Glendale, CA Pasadena, CA

  2. 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)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +3 Glendale, CA Pasadena, CA

December 31, 2025

  1. 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)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +7 Pasadena, CA Glendale, CA Camarillo, CA

  2. Heavy Rain Forecast Prompts Evacuation Warnings Across Los Angeles County: A multi-day storm system is set to bring substantial rain and potential hazards to Los Angeles County through New Year's Day. Residents are advised to prepare for steady rainfall, localized flooding, and increased debris-flow risk, particularly in fire-impacted areas. Officials urge people to avoid water-covered roads and stay away from rivers and canyons, especially in mountainous regions. Citywide evacuation warnings are in effect for high-risk zones in response to the incoming weather. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Dec 30)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +1 Pasadena, CA

December 30, 2025

  1. 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)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +7 Pasadena, CA Glendale, CA Camarillo, CA

  2. Storm Forecast Brings Evacuation Warnings to Los Angeles County Ahead of New Year: A multi-day storm is forecasted to bring steady rain, flooding, and debris flow risks to Los Angeles County through the New Year holiday. Officials are urging residents, especially those in fire-affected or mountainous areas, to remain vigilant and follow evacuation warnings. The National Weather Service expects this system to be less severe than recent storms, but hazards such as mudslides and downed trees remain possible. Travel is expected to be hazardous during the storm period. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Dec 30)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +1 Pasadena, CA

December 6, 2025

  1. Governor Newsom Urges Congress to Release Delayed LA Wildfire Relief Funds: California Governor Gavin Newsom has appealed to Congress to accelerate federal recovery aid for Los Angeles communities affected by last year's Palisades and Eaton wildfires. Despite significant damage from the fires, including losses in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena and Malibu, long-term federal assistance has yet to move forward due to the absence of a formal disaster request from the Trump administration. Newsom met with both Democratic and Republican congressional leaders to highlight unresolved gaps in federal support. The visit marks the approach of the fires’ one-year anniversary. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Dec 6)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +7 Altadena, CA Pasadena, CA Malibu, CA Washington, CA

  2. Governor Newsom Urges Federal Action on Delayed Wildfire Aid for LA Region: Governor Gavin Newsom has met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill in an effort to secure long-term federal recovery funds for Los Angeles areas impacted by last year's Palisades and Eaton wildfires. Despite major damage across the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena, and Malibu, aid has been stalled due to the absence of a formal disaster request from the Trump administration. The meetings focused on federal funding gaps and legislative action needed for the affected communities. As the fires' anniversary nears, local recovery remains uncertain. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Dec 6)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +6 Altadena, CA Pasadena, CA Malibu, CA

December 2, 2025

  1. Shop Local LA Program Offers Bonus Gift Cards to Support Fire-Affected Businesses: The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity has introduced an initiative aimed at aiding businesses recovering from recent wildfires. Through the Shop Local LA County Gift Card Program, shoppers can obtain bonus gift cards when purchasing digital cards to use at verified businesses impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires. These cards are eligible only at participating small businesses listed in the county’s Recover Local Business Directory. The program seeks to channel holiday spending toward businesses most in need. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Dec 2)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +6 Altadena, CA Topanga, CA Pasadena, CA Malibu, CA

November 24, 2025

  1. LA County Supervisors to Consider Waiving Rebuilding Permit Fees for Malibu Residents: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is set to discuss a proposal to waive permit fees for Malibu homeowners who lost their residences in the January Palisades Fire. If approved, the measure will extend relief to Malibu residents, aligning their support with that given to homeowners in unincorporated Los Angeles County. Refunds for fees already paid by eligible homeowners would also be mandated. The board is expected to review the proposal at its upcoming meeting. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Nov 24)

    Westside Beaches Malibu, CA +2 Los Angeles, CA Pasadena, CA

October 16, 2025

  1. New York Chicken & Gyro Opens First Venice Location on Lincoln Boulevard: New York Chicken & Gyro, a chain specializing in halal street food, is launching its first Venice restaurant at 324 Lincoln Blvd. The grand opening event, scheduled for October 18-19, will feature food specials, giveaways, and prize raffles. This marks the chain's fourth Los Angeles area site and is (Source: Yo! Venice! on Oct 16)

    Westside Beaches Venice, CA +5 Santa Monica, CA Los Angeles, CA Canoga Park, CA Pasadena, CA New York, CA

October 7, 2025

  1. Santa Monica Joins Lawsuit Challenging Federal Disaster Aid Restrictions: Santa Monica has joined 28 other local governments in a federal lawsuit contesting new federal requirements that tie disaster aid to immigration enforcement and limit diversity initiatives. City officials argue the restrictions could impact funding for emergency preparedness and public safety, with (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Oct 7)

    Westside Beaches Santa Monica, CA +6 Santa Clara, CA San Francisco, CA Los Angeles, CA San Diego, CA Pasadena, CA Oakland, CA

September 24, 2025

  1. Local Councilmember Raises Concerns Over Proposed Wildfire Regulations in Los Angeles: Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park has formally opposed new state wildfire rules that could require homeowners in Brentwood and Pacific Palisades to clear vegetation near their homes. Park argues the proposed 'Zone Zero' regulations may result in significant costs for residents and additional (Source: Yo! Venice! on Sep 24)

    Westside Beaches Los Angeles, CA +4 Brentwood, CA Pacific Palisades, CA Pasadena, CA Sacramento, CA