Tag: Westwood

WESTWOOD—The UCLA Police Department reported on Friday, May 24 that they are investigating a sexual battery that transpired off the campus of UCLA. The incident was reported on May 23 at 3:30 p.m.

On Thursday at about 2:45 p.m., the suspect grabbed the victim by the shoulder and thrust his pelvis against the victim’s buttocks at the southwest corner of Le Conte Avenue and Broxton Avenue.

The suspect has been described as a Black male, approximately 30 years old and standing 5 feet and 6 inches tall. He has a thin build, short black hair and a full beard and mustache.

He was wearing a black short-sleeve T-shirt and tan khaki pants. The victim in the sexual battery is a UCLA student.

The UCLA Police Department would like to remind the campus community to:

• Dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
• For non-emergencies, program the UCLA PD 24-hour phone number into your cell phone – 310-825-1491.
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Report any suspicious activity to the police.
• Do not leave doors to buildings propped open.
• Secure your residence by locking all windows and doors.
• Avoid poorly-lit or deserted areas when walking at night.
• Utilize the UCLA Safe Ride Service and UCPD CSO evening escorts.

This incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with details on the incident is asked to contact the UCLA PD.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—On Tuesday, April 30, at approximately 10:45 p.m., the tension at the University of California (UCLA) campus escalated. Pro-Palestine protesters and counter protesters broke out into a brawl. A Pro-Israel group also stood in sodality. Fighting, fireworks, and pepper spray were used in what administrators had earlier suggested would be a peaceful protest. Police reportedly were briefly on the scene Tuesday night and then left the student-led demonstrations to their own devices.

On the afternoon of April 30, UCLA President Caroline Folt spoke to those who had established a Palestine Solidarity Encampment on the UCLA campus. Before the demonstrations escalated to violence, Folt demanded that protesters disband immediately, forewarning students who continued their demonstrations could face expulsion.

According to UCLA spokesperson and Chancellor for Strategic Communications, Mary Osako, indicated that the protesters remained peaceful until Sunday.

On Tuesday, April 30, Osako made the following statement:

“Horrific acts of violence occurred at the encampment tonight and we immediately called law enforcement for mutual aid and support. We are sickened by this senseless violence, and it must end.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom remains under scrutiny for ignoring the ongoing violence. Newsom first told KNBC that he and other state officials were “working with,” UCLA trustees.” Newsom cited the students right to protest saying, “We want to maintain the right to protest without hate.”

Reminder, UCLA’s main commencement ceremony has been canceled. Canyon News reported on April 26, that the UCLA 2024 main commencement ceremony has been canceled due to the extreme safety measures in place following the Gaza War Pro-Palestine protests happening on campuses nationwide. USC will not be able to manage the crowd as graduation ceremonies at UCLA have the potential to draw crowds of 65,000 or better.

By Sharon

WESTWOOD—On Tuesday, April 23, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a storage fire that transpired in Westwood. The blaze was reported at 10:12 a.m. at 1391 S. Westwood Blvd.

It took 60 firefighters about 29 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish flames in a storage shed to the rear of a one-story row of commercial businesses. This prevented the fire from spreading to the common attic shared by an adjacent one-story restaurant and gallery.

There were no reports of any injuries during the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—The Los Angeles Fire Department announced that a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 911 S. Malcolm Avenue was extinguished on Sunday, March 31.

The LAFD reported the blaze at 1:25 a.m. with almost 40 LAFD firefighters extinguishing the blaze in 31 minutes (1:56 a.m.). They were able to access, confine, and fully extinguish heavy fire in the attic and second floor of a 3,795 square foot two-story home (built 1927).

There were no reports of any injuries and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—On January 10, LA Dance Fit announced that they will be holding Hip Hop Dance lessons beginning January 23 at 4:00 p.m. The classes are for children six years old and up. The lessons will be held at the Dance Fit Studio located at 10936 Santa Monica Boulevard.

On their website, the Dance Fit Studio message relays that their classes aren’t only about learning to dance.

It’s “Designed for young enthusiasts, this class isn’t just about learning dance steps; it’s a journey into self-expression and confidence building, set to the pulsating beats of hip-hop.”

LA Dance Fit is known for the dance classes offered. They have offered classes for both beginners and the more seasoned dancers in not just hip-hop, but have classes in Soul Hip-Hop, Jazz-Funk, and Afro-Caribbean Vibez.

Canyon News reached out to the Dance Fit Studio for more information and a photo but have not heard back in time for print.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—The City of Santa Monica is seeking volunteers for the 2024 homeless count to be held on January 24, from 8:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. The effort will be overseen by the Los Angeles Homeless Authority (LAHSA) in an effort to address and strengthen the lives of those living in homelessness.

According to the City of Santa Monica’s webpage, volunteers may register to help with the homeless count at TheyWillCountYou.org. For more information, please contact LAHSA at homelesscount@lahsa.org or call (213)683-3333.

Reports indicate that the homeless count rose by nine percent between 2022 and 2023 in Los Angeles and by 45 percent in Santa Monica. This is an increase from 4,604 in 2022 up to 6,669 people living in homelessness in Santa Monica in 2023.

Los Angeles County is divided into eight service planning areas. Santa Monica is included in SPA 5 along with many of the other cities in our coverage area including, Bel Air, Beverly Hills Brentwood, Laurel Canyon, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Westwood.

The cities in SPA 5 outside or on the outskirts of the Canyon News coverage area are Beverly Crest, Century City, Culver City, Holmby Hills, Mar Vista Marina Del Rey, Manchester, Palms, Rancho Park, South Robertson, Venice, and Westchester.

By Sharon