A Los Angeles City Attorney report is calling for a full audit of Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles after identifying a potential gap of up to $87 million between taxpayer funding and housing and eviction-defense spending disclosed in the nonprofit’s public filings. The report also raises questions about whether public funds may have supported LAFLA’s litigation against the city. LAFLA disputes the findings and says the money is accounted for. westsidecurrent.com/la_city_…

Venice Dell could see a new revival. City Council is considering a proposal that would limit the Transportation Commission’s power over housing projects planned for city-owned parking lots — the same board that voted to block the Venice project. The proposal would not revive Venice Dell on its own. But it could change the rules at the center of its yearslong fight. westsidecurrent.com/venice/v…

A wind-driven brush fire in Malibu grew to an estimated 80 acres Thursday evening, prompting evacuation orders in Zuma and Trancas canyons. The fire began near Camp Kilpatrick on Encinal Canyon Road, west of Mulholland Highway. Detainees and staff at the facility were sheltering in place as crews reported flames were generally burning away from the site. westsidecurrent.com/malibu/m…

A Westwood resident has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud in a case involving $23 million in public money intended to combat homelessness. The plea is the latest development in a widening series of federal homelessness-fraud cases across Los Angeles. westsidecurrent.com/crime/we…

A restaurant altercation near Culver Boulevard and Main Street ended with two arrests, Culver City police said. Officers responding to a report of a possible armed robbery recovered a loaded handgun containing 10 rounds and arrested the two suspects. westsidecurrent.com/culver_c…

City Council approved a $20 million transfer Wednesday to cover a projected deficit in LAFD’s sworn overtime account as fire-season demands continue to drive up costs. westsidecurrent.com/la_city_…

Parking in Venice could soon get more expensive. Under a new proposal, roughly 200 spaces on Abbot Kinney would get meters, and rates at six Venice lots could rise. A virtual public hearing on the proposal is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. westsidecurrent.com/venice/p…

Santa Monica’s Mel’s Drive-In — the 1959 Coffee Shop known for its towering penguin sign — faces a demolition proposal tied to an eight-story, 138-unit housing project. westsidecurrent.com/santa_mo…

As Santa Monica voters weigh Measure GG, CCSM renters say they are frightened by what they don’t know: whether they must turn over financial records each year, whether their leases are protected, and what happens if they do not recertify. “It’s a nightmare,” Marin said. westsidecurrent.com/santa_mo…

Three weeks before Election Day, Mayor Karen Bass and Councilwoman Nithya Raman again used the debate stage to attack each other’s record on homelessness, public safety, and city leadership. The exchange sharpens a concern raised by the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils — Westside leaders are still waiting to hear how either candidate would tackle most issues with accountability and a clear plan. westsidecurrent.com/election…

Trader Joe’s is moving closer to what could become its fourth Santa Monica location. The grocer is seeking approval to sell beer, wine and spirits at 1331 Wilshire Blvd., the former Rite Aid site it bought last year. westsidecurrent.com/santa_mo…

LA County was chosen to replace LAHSA in a key regional homelessness role. A 331-9 vote put the county in line to lead the federal grant application process and oversee the annual homelessness count — while City Hall continues to press for more control over who gets placed in city-funded housing. The next major date is Oct. 27, when a federal judge is expected to weigh the LAHSA transition. westsidecurrent.com/county_n…

After nearly 15 years on Santa Monica Boulevard, Tar & Roses is preparing to close. Chef Andrew Kirschner’s longtime restaurant will serve its final dinner on Saturday, Oct. 24. westsidecurrent.com/santa_mo…

Wabi on Rose is permanently closed. The Venice sushi restaurant, which returned on Rose Avenue after a 2018 fire shuttered its Abbot Kinney predecessor, announced the news in a farewell Instagram post Tuesday. westsidecurrent.com/venice/w…

Bass and Raman are heading to a televised mayoral debate Tuesday night, with housing, homelessness, public safety, and immigration enforcement expected to take center stage. Mayor Karen Bass and Councilwoman Nithya Raman will face off from 7 to 8 p.m. on NBC4 and Telemundo 52, three weeks before Election Day. westsidecurrent.com/election…

Starbucks’ latest closures in Santa Monica — at Main Street and Wilshire Boulevard — bring the city’s total to four as the chain cuts about 250 locations across North America. westsidecurrent.com/santa_mo…

LADOT has named eight CD11 corridors for its new speed-camera pilot. The first systems are scheduled to activate Oct. 26. For the first 60 days, drivers recorded at least 11 mph over the speed limit will receive warnings before citations begin. westsidecurrent.com/traffic/…

The Westside’s RV problem is not just about what gets towed. It is about what comes back. A new state law gives Los Angeles authority to dismantle certain qualifying abandoned RVs rather than allow them to be resold and return to neighborhood streets. westsidecurrent.com/mar_vist…

A Tuesday vote could shift key homelessness functions from LAHSA to Los Angeles County — while City Hall fights to keep influence over who gets placed in housing it funds. At stake are the systems behind homelessness data, federal grants, and housing placements. The vote follows Friday’s meeting, which ended about two minutes after it began, before members could vote. westsidecurrent.com/county_n…

The FIFA World Cup was expected to fill Los Angeles hotel rooms. A new hotel-industry survey says it didn’t. 72% of responding LA hotels said the tournament hurt their 2026 financial outlook. With LA28 ahead, the Hotel Association says the city should learn from the World Cup results instead of assuming a major sporting event will automatically bring higher revenue. westsidecurrent.com/la_city_…