Latest News
February 28, 2026
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Overnight Lane and Ramp Closures Scheduled on I-405 for Pavement Repair: A pavement rehabilitation project on Interstate 405 will cause nightly lane reductions and ramp closures through the Sepulveda Pass from Monday, March 2, to Saturday, March 7. The work will occur from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and affect both northbound and southbound I-405 between U.S. 101 and Wilshire Boulevard. Multiple ramps, including those at Wilshire Boulevard, Skirball Center Drive, Mulholland Drive, Burbank Boulevard, and Getty Center Drive, are included in the scheduled closures. Motorists are advised to expect disruptions and plan alternate routes. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Feb 28)
February 27, 2026
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Los Angeles City Council District 11 Candidates Set for Forum in Venice: Voters in Los Angeles City Council District 11 will have an opportunity to see incumbent Traci Park and challengers Faizah Malik and Jeremy Wineberg participate in a public candidate forum on March 1 at the Venice First Lutheran Church. The event, hosted by the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils, comes as the race for the Westside seat—covering communities such as Venice, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, and Westchester—continues to draw attention. Key issues in the district include housing, public safety, and homelessness. The forum welcomes all constituents as the campaign season intensifies. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Feb 27)
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Los Angeles CD11 Candidates Set to Participate in Venice Forum Ahead of Election: Candidates for Los Angeles City Council District 11, including incumbent Traci Park, Faizah Malik, and Jeremy Wineberg, will join a public forum on March 1 at Venice First Lutheran Church. The event, organized by the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils, invites residents from neighborhoods such as Venice, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, and Westchester. Key issues in the race include housing, public safety, homelessness, and economic recovery. The forum offers voters direct insight into each candidate's views ahead of the upcoming election. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Feb 27)
January 26, 2026
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Westwood Charity Director Charged With Diverting $23 Million in Homelessness Funds: Federal authorities have charged Alexander Soofer, executive director of Abundant Blessings in Hyde Park, with wire fraud following allegations he misappropriated over $23 million intended for housing and assistance for the homeless in Los Angeles. Prosecutors allege the funds were instead used to purchase luxury property, a vehicle, and cover expensive travel. Soofer was taken into custody and is set to appear in federal court. The charity contracted with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to serve at-risk individuals. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Jan 26)
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Westwood Charity Leader Arrested in $23 Million Homeless Services Fraud Scheme: Alexander Soofer, a Westwood resident and executive director of Hyde Park-based Abundant Blessings, has been arrested on federal wire fraud charges. Authorities allege Soofer diverted over $10 million from government homeless services contracts for personal enrichment, including luxury real estate and travel. Investigators say the charity provided only minimal food to homeless clients despite receiving millions intended for housing and meals. Soofer is scheduled to appear in court following his arrest. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Jan 26)
January 15, 2026
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Metro Endorses Heavy Rail Subway for Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project: Metro is moving forward with plans for a heavy rail subway that would link Westwood to the San Fernando Valley via an underground route. The selected heavy rail option replaces the previously considered monorail alternative for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor mega-project. Spanning the Santa Monica Mountains, the subway aims to improve regional transit connectivity. The decision signals significant advancements for mass transit service between these major Los Angeles areas. (Source: Santa Monica Next on Jan 14)
January 12, 2026
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Driver in Custody After Truck Hits Demonstrators at Westwood Protest: Authorities in Los Angeles detained a driver on Sunday after a box truck entered a crowd of anti-Iranian regime demonstrators in Westwood. The incident occurred near the federal building along the 1300 block of South Midvale Avenue, resulting in two individuals being evaluated by emergency responders, both of whom declined hospital transport. First responders initially had difficulty accessing the scene due to the large crowd, though no further injuries were reported. The demonstration eventually dispersed and police continue to investigate. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Jan 12)
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Driver Detained After Truck Hits Protesters at Anti-Iranian Regime Rally in Westwood: A driver was taken into custody in Westwood after a box truck struck participants at an anti-Iranian regime demonstration on January 11. The incident occurred near the federal building on South Midvale Avenue during a protest calling for political change in Iran. Emergency responders evaluated two people, who declined further medical attention, and no additional injuries were reported following a search for other victims. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the event. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Jan 12)
January 6, 2026
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Overnight Lane Closures on I-405 in Sepulveda Pass as Caltrans Continues Repairs: Caltrans will implement nightly lane and ramp closures on Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass as part of ongoing pavement rehabilitation work. The closures start after 9:00 p.m. from January 5 through the morning of January 9, with all lanes reopening by 6:00 a.m. each day. Both northbound and southbound traffic between Wilshire Boulevard and Victory Boulevard, as well as several ramps and connectors, will be intermittently affected. Drivers are advised to plan for possible delays during overnight hours. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Jan 6)
December 31, 2025
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Mary and Robb's Offers Classic Diner Atmosphere in Westwood Neighborhood: Mary and Robb's, located at 1455 Westwood Boulevard, brings a traditional diner ambiance to the heart of Westwood. The establishment offers a menu and setting reminiscent of classic American diners, catering to both residents and visitors. Its presence adds to the diverse dining options available in the neighborhood. The diner aims to be a welcoming spot for casual meals and gatherings in Westwood. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Dec 31)
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Mary and Robb’s Offers Traditional Diner Fare in Central Westwood: Mary and Robb’s Diner, located at 1455 Westwood Boulevard, provides patrons with a classic diner experience in the heart of Westwood. The restaurant is known for its traditional menu and welcoming atmosphere, appealing to both longtime residents and visitors. Its location makes it a convenient choice for dining in the Westside region. Community members frequently highlight it as a notable spot in the neighborhood. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Dec 31)
November 29, 2025
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Top Holiday Events and Activities in West Los Angeles for December: December in West Los Angeles will offer a variety of seasonal events for residents and visitors. Notable activities include Enchant Los Angeles, featuring an elaborate light maze and seasonal attractions, and Holiday Road in Calabasas, which provides illuminated walking trails and festive decorations. The Los Angeles Zoo presents its annual light displays, while Santa Monica's downtown ice rink returns for outdoor skating near the beach. The area is set for a lively holiday season with these and other local festivities. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Nov 29)
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Holiday Activities and Events Scheduled Across West Los Angeles in December: West Los Angeles will offer a variety of holiday events throughout December, including light displays, concerts, and family-friendly attractions. Highlights include Enchant Los Angeles with a light maze and winter village, Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch featuring illuminated trails, and L.A. Zoo Lights with festive lantern displays. Ice skating will also return to Downtown Santa Monica, providing residents with seasonal recreation options. These events will run through the month and attract local families. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Nov 29)
November 15, 2025
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Caltrans Reschedules I-405 and SR-27 Closures for Repairs and Weather Precautions: Caltrans has announced changes to the closure schedule for Interstate 405 near the Sepulveda Pass in Los Angeles. Weekend closures previously planned for mid-November have been postponed to December 5 through December 8 as part of ongoing pavement rehabilitation. Additionally, SR-27 (Topanga Canyon Road) will close beginning Thursday night due to expected rain, with daily updates promised. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes and remain alert for overnight lane reductions and weather impacts. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Nov 15)
November 11, 2025
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Caltrans Plans Weekend Lane Reductions on I-405 Through Sepulveda Pass: Caltrans will reduce Interstate 405 to three lanes in each direction through the Sepulveda Pass from the evening of November 14 to the morning of November 17 as part of a major pavement improvement project costing $143.7 million. The affected stretch runs between Van Nuys and Westwood, with certain on- and off-ramps also closed. Significant traffic delays are expected, and drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes or public transit. No further closures are anticipated for November due to the Thanksgiving holiday. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Nov 11)
November 10, 2025
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Ohio Avenue Safety and Mobility Project to Improve Westside Transit by 2027: Los Angeles officials are moving forward with the Ohio Avenue Safety and Mobility Project, which will add a 1.3-mile protected bike lane and pedestrian upgrades between Westwood and Santa Monica. The route, running along Ohio Avenue and adjacent streets, is intended to boost safety and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians. Key features include a two-way protected bike lane, enhanced crossings, and traffic-calming measures. Construction is scheduled for completion by 2027. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Nov 10)
October 29, 2025
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Wilshire Boulevard Restoration Underway as D Line Subway Project Progresses in West L: Los Angeles Metro has started work to restore Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood as part of the D Line Subway Extension. Crews will remove temporary concrete panels at the future Westwood/UCLA station over several weekends through December. Traffic detours and lane reductions are planned, with efforts, (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Oct 18)
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Wilshire Boulevard Restoration Begins as D Line Subway Project Advances in Westwood: Los Angeles Metro has started removing temporary concrete panels from Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood as part of the D Line Subway Extension. The work, scheduled over several weekends through December, will restore the roadway and shift construction inside the future Westwood/UCLA station. Weekend, 2 (Source: Yo! Venice! on Oct 18)
October 21, 2025
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Local Artist Chosen to Lead Mar Vista Gateway Mural on Venice Boulevard: Julia Fordyce, an artist based in Los Angeles, has been selected to oversee the Mar Vista Gateway Mural project. The $150,000 public art initiative will cover a 140-foot Caltrans wall along Venice Boulevard near the 405 Freeway. Community workshops and photo submissions will help shape the mural, to (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Oct 21)