Westside Current Los Angeles

26/10/2025

Police are searching for a driver who fled after crashing onto a Wilshire Blvd. sidewalk Friday night, killing two people and injuring two others.

One victim has been identified as 61-year-old Brad Lipshy, a local business leader.

SMPD asks anyone with information to call 1-800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org .

SANTA MONICA - Police Saturday were seeking a motorist who allegedly drove onto a sidewalk in Santa Monica, killing two people and injuring two others before fleeing the scene on

26/10/2025

Could Supervisor Lindsey Horvath be eyeing a run for higher office?
In his latest column, Westside Current’s Jon Regardie breaks down the growing speculation — and Horvath’s own words — after her move into Los Angeles city limits.

The millennial politician eyes the future, while also facing fire rebuilding and a budget crunch

25/10/2025

A new chapter for the LAFD. Mayor Karen Bass has named Jaime Moore as Los Angeles’ next Fire Chief. Moore says his priorities include disaster readiness, firefighter morale, and preparing the city for major events like the 2028 Olympics.

The appointment follows the firing of former Chief Kristin Crowley earlier this year after the Palisades Fire response.

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass Friday named Los Angeles Fire Department Deputy Chief Jaime Moore as the new chief of the agency.

24/10/2025

After more than two decades in the luxury wine and spirits industry, Santa Monica resident Danielle Frank is uncorking something entirely different — a heartfelt and hilarious new book that celebrates the chaos, comedy and occasional corkscrew of modern parenting.

Her debut work, A Wine Lover’s Guide to Parenting, takes readers on a witty, wine-soaked journey through the unpredictable world of child-rearing.

SANTA MONICA — After more than two decades in the luxury wine and spirits industry, Santa Monica resident Danielle Frank is uncorking something entirely different — a heartfelt and hilarious

24/10/2025

L.A. County quietly planned one of West L.A.’s largest homeless housing projects behind closed doors — now residents and veterans are fighting back.
Critics say Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s “Armory Project” defies the law and puts safety at risk.

Since at least 2019, LA County government officials have been quietly planning behind closed doors to build the largest and most ambitious homeless housing project in West LA while simultaneously

23/10/2025

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, accused of setting a New Year’s Day fire that grew into the deadly Palisades Fire, pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal arson charges in Los Angeles.

More details at the link in our bio.

23/10/2025

California homeowners will soon pay new surcharges tied to January’s wildfires.
State Farm and other insurers got approval to bill customers up to $50 to recover losses — but consumer advocates call it an illegal bailout.

SACRAMENTO — Homeowners will soon see new surcharges on their insurance bills as companies move to recover losses from January’s wildfires.

23/10/2025

They were meant to be a fast, compassionate solution to homelessness.
Instead, new data shows 911 calls skyrocketed near several of L.A.’s “Tiny Home” villages — with reports of drugs, fights, and violence.

Our latest investigation reveals hundreds of police responses near several sites in once quiet neighborhoods.

LOS ANGELES — For months, The Current has received growing reports from residents who say crime and drug activity have increased around neighborhoods near “Tiny Home” villages. During community meetings,

22/10/2025

In a unanimous vote, council members authorized more funding to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, which is the lead contractor for Stay Housed L.A. The program provides free legal services to eligible tenants facing eviction. Los Angeles County also partners with the organization for the same service.

The contract will increase from nearly $76 million to $84.3 million, which covers a period that began in 2021.

LOS ANGELES - The City Council Wednesday approved an additional $8.4 million to a nonprofit providing eviction defense services for tenants after city attorneys declined to approve a five-year contract,

22/10/2025

Veteran homelessness in Los Angeles ticked up 2% this year.

Officials say that while the increase is small, the total remains 20% lower than in 2023, when nearly 3,900 veterans were unhoused.

The VA, LAHSA, and L.A. County’s Veterans Affairs department released new data today, calling it the most “accurate and transparent” snapshot yet — but critics say gaps still remain in how veterans are counted and connected to housing.

LOS ANGELES - Veterans experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles increased by 2%, jumping from an estimate of 2,991 in 2024 to 3,050 in 2025, officials said Tuesday.

22/10/2025

The California Coastal Commission has unanimously approved the demolition and rebuild of the iconic Gladstones restaurant — greenlighting a new Frank Gehry–designed, Wolfgang Puck–run oceanfront venue.

The decision moves the project forward despite strong opposition from Pacific Palisades residents still recovering from January’s devastating wildfires.

The $17,500-sq-ft fine-dining project will replace the longtime beach landmark and reduce public parking by 64 spaces.

The California Coastal Commission has unanimously approved the demolition and replacement of the iconic Gladstones restaurant with a new fine dining establishment designed by architect Frank Gehry for celebrity chef

21/10/2025

Residents are being asked to conserve water Tuesday night through Wednesday while crews perform maintenance on the local water system.

More details at the link in our bio.