Westside Current

The Venice Current is an independent news organization committed to fostering a well-informed community in Venice. Our team works diligently to investigate significant matters, highlighting instances of power misuse and breaches of public trust by local leaders. Jamie Paige established The Venice Current with the conviction that journalism plays a vital role in every community. Our reporters strive to uncover corruption, clarify complex topics for the public, and harness journalism's influence to drive change. Additionally, we believe in celebrating the diverse cultures that contribute to Venice's vibrant, spirited, and eclectic character, which many of us cherish.

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City’s Grip on Homeless Spending in the Hands of Federal Judge

1 week ago | westsidecurrent.com | Jamie Paige

LOS ANGELES — With final legal filings submitted Tuesday, a federal judge will now decide whether to strip the City of Los Angeles of control over its homelessness spending. At stake: hundreds of millions of dollars, oversight of shelter programs, and the city’s ability to manage one of the nation’s largest homeless populations. The case — L.A. Alliance for Human Rights v.
Librarians Across Los Angeles Say They No Longer Feel Safe

1 week ago | westsidecurrent.com | Jamie Paige |Rachael Gaudiosi

Public libraries across Los Angeles are facing rising violence, drug use, and mental health emergencies, leaving librarians overwhelmed and fearing for their safety. LOS ANGELES — On the morning of August 9, 2023, Santa Monica police officers responded to a call for service at the Ocean Park Branch of the city’s public library. A library employee, attempting to wake a homeless man sleeping near the front doors, found him badly injured and unresponsive.
Librarians Are Showing Up to Work in Fear Across Los Angeles

1 week ago | westsidecurrent.com | Jamie Paige |Rachael Gaudiosi

LOS ANGELES — On the morning of August 9, 2023, Santa Monica police officers responded to a call for service at the Ocean Park Branch of the city’s public library. A library employee, attempting to wake a homeless man sleeping near the front doors, found him badly injured and unresponsive. The 41-year-old victim had suffered blunt force trauma to his face and head. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but was expected to survive.
State Farm Faces Dual Scrutiny: Wildfire Survivor Seeks Role in Rate Case as State Launches Claims Investigation

1 week ago | westsidecurrent.com | Jamie Paige

LOS ANGELES — California’s largest home insurer is facing scrutiny on multiple fronts after a state investigation into its claims handling practices was announced last week — followed one day later by a court hearing in which a wildfire survivor asked to formally intervene in State Farm’s latest request to raise rates.
COLUMN: Seven Takeaways From the L.A. ICE Raids Era

1 week ago | westsidecurrent.com | Jon Regardie

As the Region Faces Turmoil, Some Leaders Step Up, and There’s a Sudden Sense of Unity Los Angeles has seemingly seen it all, but National Guard members deployed over the objections of city and state leaders, armed Marines in front of the Westwood federal building, and a U.S. Senator brought to the ground and handcuffed for trying to ask a question, are new ones. The merciless ICE raids initiated by the Trump administration on June 6 have roiled the region.
Westside Protesters Join ‘No Kings’ National Day of Defiance

1 week ago | westsidecurrent.com | Jamie Paige |Angela McGregor

SANTA MONICA— From Ocean Park to Culver Boulevard, thousands of Westside residents turned out Saturday to join the nation for the “No Kings Day of Defiance.”In Santa Monica, where city officials had braced for the worst, the day remained peaceful. Some businesses along the Third Street Promenade boarded up storefronts ahead of the protests, and the city launched a live blog to monitor activity in real time. But as of Saturday afternoon, there was no sign of unrest.
Santa Monica police prepare for weekend protest, caution against repeat of 2020 violence

2 weeks ago | westsidecurrent.com | Scott Snowden

SANTA MONICA - The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) and city officials are urging calm ahead of Saturday’s anti-Trump “No Kings” protest at Palisades Park, as concerns grow over the potential for unrest reminiscent of the violence that followed a 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstration. The city has pledged a strong law enforcement presence and outlined contingency plans while working with organizers to ensure the event remains peaceful.
Westchester and Mar Vista Lead the Way in Westside ADU Construction

2 weeks ago | westsidecurrent.com | Jon Regardie

Area sees hundreds of permits for the small residences each yearAs Los Angeles struggles with a housing crunch, major residential projects are planned or underway across the city, including on the Westside. The roster includes the Metro on Main development, which will bring 314 residential units to a former bus yard in Venice. Landmark Properties intends to build a 12-story structure with 84 apartments in Westwood.
Calls for Transparency Grow After LAUSD Removes Venice Elementary Principal

2 weeks ago | westsidecurrent.com | Jamie Paige

VENICE — Parents of students at Broadway Elementary School are continuing to push back against Los Angeles Unified School District’s decision to reassign Principal Rachelle Garmon — a move they say was made “in the dark” without transparency, input, or clear justification. On Monday evening, dozens of families rallied outside Daniel Webster Middle School, where an in-person town hall had originally been scheduled to address concerns about the leadership change.
At Least 2 Detained in ICE Raids on Westside Car Washes

2 weeks ago | westsidecurrent.com | Jamie Paige

LOS ANGELES — At least two people were taken into custody during U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting car washes on the Westside over the weekend. Videos posted to social media show ICE agents detaining workers and at least one customer at car washes in Culver City and Westchester. Families of those detained say they have not been able to contact their loved ones.