Westside Today

5 days ago | westsidetoday.com | Linda Chase

From 'Ave Maria' to 'Hallelujah Chorus' and 'Ode to Joy," a Santa Monica concert raising funds to help fire victims offers a sacred collaboration of celebrated musicians and singers By Linda Chase If 19th-century Austrian composer Franz Schubert got into a time machine that took him to June 13 and deposited him on California Avenue in Santa Monica, he might hear a familiar tune.

1 week ago | westsidetoday.com | Dolores Quintana

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a leader in urban forestry, offers specialized defensible space services designed to mitigate wildfire risks and enhance property safety. Understanding Defensible Space Defensible space refers to a strategically maintained buffer zone around structures, aimed at reducing the spread of wildfires.

1 week ago | westsidetoday.com | Dolores Quintana

West Hollywood is preparing to kick off its annual WeHo Pride Weekend, a three-day celebration running from Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1, 2025. The festivities will center around West Hollywood Park and stretch along Santa Monica Boulevard, with concerts, parades, performances, and community programming that highlight LGBTQ+ culture, visibility, and inclusion. Preparations begin with street closures starting Thursday, May 29.

1 week ago | westsidetoday.com | Dolores Quintana

Palisades Village, the open-air shopping and lifestyle destination in Pacific Palisades, is slated to reopen in 2026, with early to mid-year targeted for its return. The relaunch will feature returning tenants, new offerings, and a renewed focus on community-centered spaces. Among the notable returns is luxury fashion retailer elysewalker, a cornerstone of the Palisades retail scene.

1 week ago | westsidetoday.com | Dolores Quintana

Thirteen-year-old Oliver Halkett, a seventh grader from Mirman School in Bel Air, earned a spot in the finals of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, becoming a rare contender from Los Angeles County to reach the championship stage. Halkett advanced to Thursday's final round after successfully navigating both the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds on Wednesday, accurately spelling five words and it was a great achievement for Halkett to compete at the national level.