INSIDE Century City/ Westwood
NEWS
CenturyCity-WestwoodNews.com
September 2025 August 2026
Volunteers SanState Vicente median Brentwood gather Ralliesalong Against Wildfire to preserve historic coral trees Rule Requiring Tree Brentwood and Plant Removal delivered by Tracey David Price of Park, through her legislative deputy Sarah the regulations adopt and a “one-size-fits-all” Residents, local Critics Argue American Growers along with Flaherty, read a letter supporting residents’ approach that fails Company, to reflect the unique a water truck and crew who joined in the concerns. Similar letters were submitted needs of individual communities. Many leaders, and Vegetation-Clearing effort. urged state officials to focus resources by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and Brentwood Homeowners Association Santa Monica instead on home hardening, brush Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, voicing Mandate Ignores brought the coffee and donuts to opposition to the state’s current plan. clearance, and landscape maintenance representatives join keep energy tree up, and and plant City The Brentwood Community Council, rather everyone’s than widespread Local Needs Councilwoman Traci Park’s Area Director along with member groups such as the removal. forces to mulch, forSurvivors Brentwood and recent West Palisades Los Angeles, of the Fire Brentwood Homeowners Association, Brentwood residents turned out in large Michael Amster, and Amir Ebtehadj, who Brentwood Park Property Owners shared firsthand accounts, saying their weed, andto oppose protect numbers Thursday proposed state is Park's office’s new deputy for Brentwood homes, not nearby vegetation, provided Association, and Mandeville Canyon wildfire regulations they say would harm and the Pacific Palisades, also showed up Association, has been vocal in calling for the landmark trees. the primary fuel for the blaze. Several neighborhoods and the environment while and pitched in to help. Amster had good doing to prevent future disasters. By little Dolores Quintana The meeting, held and by the California Over 20 Brentwood Santa Monica Board of showed Forestry’s Zero Committee, residents upZone on Sunday, August 16, was Gretna the onlyGreen one scheduled the for region near Way to helpincare and and drewthe strong from preserve coral criticism trees on the SanWestside Vicente communities. The proposed would median in Brentwood. The rules Brentwood coral becamein high-risk Historic-Cultural require trees homeowners areas to Monument No. 148 in 1976 and grow at clear vegetation within five feet of their the former site of what the Pacific Electric homes, creating the state callsRed an Car Trolley. “ember-resistant defensible zone.” A growing Coral Tree argued Crew, that the Speakers at the meeting Brentwood Homeowners Association, and the Brentwood Community Council sent out a call for volunteers last week, and people really responded. For three hours, the volunteers “weeded, watered, hauled mulch, and picked up trash” on the median around the trees. Brentwood resident Emily Loughran organized the event with help from her husband, Kenneth, and the Coral Tree Crew. Nancy Freedman and the Coral Tree Fund financed the mulch, which was
emphasized that healthy trees, hedges, and news for theactually crew and told the landscaping helped slowassembled the fire’s residents that funding had been spread in their neighborhoods. found to trim the coral also trees warned on the eastern edge of Opponents that removing the andwould that trimming work had treescorridor and plants damage the region’s successfully taken place the same morning. urban canopy, harm wildlife habitats, and There was a representative the increase hillside erosion. Theyfrom argued Santa Monica section of the San Vicente that local governments should have the corridor, Dixon, there to understand flexibilityCai to craft fire-prevention strategies more about what Brentwood is doing to that balance safety with environmental preserve the trees and build cooperation preservation. between the cityCity and the neighborhoodTraci that Los Angeles Councilwoman are so close to each other. It was important because recently several of the San Vicente coral trees were removed in Santa Monica. Dixon stated, “That cooperation matters because the trees were never intended to be two separate landscapes.” Cai Dixon added, “Saving a living landmark is an ambitious project. It will take residents, businesses, donors, and government working together. On Sunday morning, that and village showed programs. up with with schools community wheelbarrows.” In this conversation with reporter Dolores
Music & Imagination, created in memory By Carlos Reyes. ofCourt her daughter, The nonprofit arguments Sami. over whether murder moves quickly to putcan brushes, suspect Nick Reiner tap intocanvases, a $1.63 and instruments directly into kids’ million family trust to finance his hands legal through will art kits inspired by their defense remain on hold untildaughter, October. classroom supply grants, and partnerships Los Angeles County Superior
Sami. I was a stay-at-home mom active in including to previous our schoolspayments and community; Rodcounsel, worked and argued have in film and that laterReiner in realshould estate so he begun could receiving turned be presentdisbursements for the girls. when We’re he speaking 30. from Miami, where we just dropped Ava at Opposition college. from a recently appointed DQ: Tell me about Sami, especially her trustee centers on California's "slayer
changes to the proposal. Residents are encouraged to submit comments to the Board of Forestry Zone Zero Committee by emailing publiccomments@bof.ca.gov before the end of the year, when the regulations are expected to be finalized. Additional resources and information about the Zone Zero proposal are available at www.zonezerofacts.org. The Brentwood Community Council said in their newsletter that yard signs opposing the regulation
can be requested by contacting local neighborhood associations while supplies last.
“When You Can’t Do Anything, Do Something”: An Interview with Carla Liber on the SAMI Foundation
After the Sudden Quintana, Liber reflects on Sammy’s Loss of Her quiet and natural artistic brilliance, why creativity is essential for young people,on whether Nick Reiner Judge delays decision Daughter Sami, and how remembrance can live on as access and opportunity. Carla Liber can use family trust to fund defense “This is just the beginning,”money Rodney adds. “We childordered with aa statute," a legal provisions framework Judge want Rubenevery Garcia Launchesrevealed the Sami Court Lawyers creative sparktotoOct. feel 23 seen, supported, and continuance during a probate that prevents individuals from profiting celebrated—just like Sami always made hearing Monday, postponing a ruling on financially from victims they are convicted $200,000 hasto Bring the Foundation others feel. We’ll never stop missing her, contested inheritance. butAttorneys through this work, her the spirit continues of killing. representing 32-year-old already beenand drawn to make the world Art, Music, a more beautiful place.” High-profile defense attorney Alan accused killer argued that he is legally Dolores Quintana (DQ): For readers from the $1.63 entitled to access funds established by his Jackson, who stepped down from the Hope to Kids Who meeting you for the first time, could you parents, introduceacclaimed yourself?filmmaker Rob Reiner criminal case in January, appeared photography, fashion, and makeup; she million and Michele whom is alongside Reiner's probate team Monday, had a natural eye and shared it generously Need It inheritance Most Carla LiberSinger (CL):Reiner, I’m Carla Liber.heMy connection to art. charged with fatally stabbing inside their husband, Rod, and I are native Southern asIn the judge delays indicating a potential if financial CL: From the time return she could hold a with friends. wake of an unthinkable loss, Carla home in December. been married 20 DQ: Did that visual sense show up at Californians—we’ve pencil, she drew—flowers, arrangements are finalized. faces, little school? Liber has channeled grief into purpose with years Defense counsel that $200,000 ruling. and have twonoted daughters, Ava and Sheto took the SAMI Foundation, Supporting Art, from the account has already been spent, scenes—completely Reiner has pleadedabsorbed. not guilty two a few classes, but mostly she was selfcounts of murder featuring special taught: sketchbooks, YouTube clips, and circumstance allegations of multiple hours with music on and a pen in hand. murders andfinding lying inher wait. He remains in We’re still work—beautiful custody as legal teamsinto prepare to resume ink studies tucked grandparents’ houses and old notebooks. She also loved the probate dispute in the fall.
CL: Absolutely. She joined the yearbook in eighth grade and, by 10th grade, teachers asked her to apply for editor-in-chief, a role usually reserved for seniors. She had a real gift for layout and making a blank page sing. Continue on page 10
Brentwood News
2 | August 2026
BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM
Proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger threatens 4,500 Los Angeles County entertainment jobs Local officials and labor leaders warn that proposed studio consolidation could wipe out billions in business revenue and devastate local vendors. By Sarah Lin
Los Angeles County could lose roughly 4,500 entertainment industry jobs over the next three years if a proposed $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger moves forward, according to a stark economic impact study released by regional officials. The joint report, which was prepared by CVL Economics for the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the L.A. County Film Office, warns that consolidating studio operations directly threatens those
positions. The projected cuts represent nearly 9% of the 52,016 entertainment positions California has shed since 2022, virtually all of which were concentrated in Los Angeles County. Beyond direct studio roles, the study projects a broader ripple effect across the local economy that impacts 10,360 total "job-years", a cumulative measure reflecting positions lost over time. That broader figure includes 2,661 indirect jobs at small business vendors, such as prop houses, printing shops, and transportation suppliers, alongside another 3,204 positions sustained by industry workers spending paychecks in local communities. The hospitality industry has taken many hits, and restaurants have been struggling after a series of industry setbacks, as restaurants and catering companies depend on industry business. Financially, the report estimates the merger endangers $4.06 billion in overall business revenue, $1.26 billion in worker wages, $2.78 billion in local economic value, and $547 million in tax revenues, including $78.6 million for local municipalities. Analysts attribute the projected downturn to studio consolidation, fewer development deals, and decisions
to move television production outside California. The report arrives amid heightened political and legal maneuvering surrounding the transaction. While the U.S. Department of Justice cleared the deal in June, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other state attorneys general filed an antitrust lawsuit to block the acquisition, with a trial set for March 2027. Tensions mounted further after CEO David Ellison signaled plans to begin moving corporate headquarters and executive staff out of California on Oct. 1 absent a settlement, raising fears that the
historic Melrose Avenue studio lot could be sold. The relocation threat has split local leaders and industry labor unions over how to proceed. Mayor Karen Bass and leadership from IATSE and the Directors Guild of America have urged all parties to reach an out-of-court settlement to preserve regional jobs. Conversely, Los Angeles City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Nithya Raman and the Writers Guild of America stand firmly behind Bonta's antitrust suit, maintaining that the merger's legal merits must be decided in court to prevent long-term harm to the industry.
NOW ENROLLING TK - KINDERGARTEN Where curiosity blooms and a love of learning begins
Scan to join us for a virtual open house E ACADEMY ASTEM
BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM
Brentwood News
August 2026 | 3
Stonewall Kitchen Hand Soaps
Sale Price:
$8.99 Regular Price: $9.99 Effective Dates: 8/31/2026 – 9/30/2026
Offer Valid May 29 - June 30, 2020
Serving the Community For 78 Years
4 | August 2026
Brentwood News
BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM
Brentwood Beat: Volunteers Rally to Save Brentwood's Thirsty Coral Trees
Part one in a three-part series. On a Saturday morning in mid-August, roughly two dozen volunteers showed up on San Vicente Boulevard armed with shovels, wheelbarrows, and bags of mulch. Their mission: save a stand of coral trees that had been quietly dying of thirst. The volunteers, organized by the Brentwood Homeowners Association, spent hours packing mulch around the base of trees near Gretna Green, hoping the extra layer would trap moisture in ground that had turned hard as concrete. BHA supplied coffee, donuts, and direction; the volunteers supplied the labor. The mulching day was a grassroots response to a problem years in the making, but one that reached a crisis point only recently: the irrigation system feeding the median strip's coral trees had shut down months earlier, and almost no one noticed until the trees themselves began to show it. “All the trees, all at once, started looking very unhealthy,” said Nancy Freedman, who has spent years advocating for the median's coral trees through her nonprofit, the Coral Tree Endowment Fund. Freedman said a trip down San Vicente made the problem impossible to ignore. An investigation traced the cause to a shutdown irrigation system buried beneath the median. Without water, the soil had hardened to the point that it could no longer easily absorb moisture even after repairs began. Freedman said stressed, thirsty trees are also more vulnerable to disease. “Suffering trees can take on pathogens that can kill a tree,” she said. Freedman's group didn't wait for the city to act. The Coral Tree Endowment Fund hired American Landscape, a water truck operator, to drive the length of San Vicente, hand-watering the trees, and brought in an outside arborist, TreeCareLA, to assess the health of every coral tree along the strip. This publication has learned the city has
since begun repairing the irrigation system, block by block, under pressure from frustrated residents, and that some trees are now receiving water again. But the system itself is old and failing in multiple places, meaning the fix will likely take considerable time — and may not be enough to reverse decades of neglect. “Any tree needs water in order to survive,” Freedman said simply.
A Tree Out of Place, or Just Out of Water? Coral trees are not native to Los Angeles — they originally hail from South Africa — and that fact alone has fueled a longrunning debate over whether they ever belonged in the San Vicente median in the first place. Some residents believe the species is simply a poor match for the local climate. Others strongly disagree. “There's no reason the coral trees shouldn't thrive,” said Emily Loughran, a Tigertail resident who has pushed the city for answers. “Even if coral trees aren't ideal, they are a very workable tree.” Part of the tree's reputation problem comes from its own biology. Coral tree wood is notably spongy, and during heavy winter rains, it can absorb so much water that branches — sometimes entire trees — come crashing down under the added weight. Ironically, both too much water and too little water can prove fatal: pipe ruptures have overwatered sections of the median in the past, while a recently discovered failed “backflow valve” cut off water to the entire system. Loughran and Freedman don't always agree on the details — Freedman worries
that watering the grass around the trees could over-saturate their roots, while Loughran argues the grass actually helps by keeping the surrounding soil soft and moist — but both agree the trees are worth fighting for. Fixing the irrigation system correctly, rather than patching it repeatedly, could cost the city between $1 million and $2 million, according to early estimates — a separate, larger expense from the $1.2 million median improvement project already underway on a nearby stretch of the corridor, which this publication will examine in a future report. The stakes go beyond Brentwood. In recent weeks, 13 coral trees on the Santa Monica side of the same median — between 26th Street and Ocean Avenue — were cut down entirely. City officials there have said the trees were diseased, but the removals have unsettled some Brentwood residents, who worry it could be a preview of what's coming to their own stretch of San Vicente. Compounding the anxiety: getting straight answers out of either city has proven difficult. Loughran said she has repeatedly requested information from Los Angeles officials about the median's future, without success. That silence has bred its own theories. Some residents suspect the city would just as soon let the coral trees fade away, clearing
the way for a lower-maintenance planting scheme — oak trees have been floated as one alternative — or even a repurposing of the median altogether, perhaps for a new traffic or bus lane. Freedman is skeptical of that last theory. If the city wanted to hand the median over to traffic, she asked, why would it be spending money right now to repair the irrigation system? It's a fair question — and one this publication intends to keep asking, as it continues investigating what's really behind the fate of Brentwood's coral trees. In part two, we’ll look at the politics surrounding the coral trees and the median strip. In part three, we’ll seek out potential solutions.
BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM
Brentwood News
August 2026 | 5
6 | August 2026
Brentwood News
BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM
Backlash forces DA Nathan Hochman to drop felony case against LAPD whistleblower The DA retreats after public outcry for charging an officer with felony counts.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the reduction of criminal charges against a Los Angeles Police Department officer who secretly recorded colleagues making racist, sexist, and homophobic comments. In a court filing, prosecutors agreed to lower 16 felony counts of illegal eavesdropping against 43-year-old Officer Daniel Flores to misdemeanor charges. The decision opens the door for Flores’ defense counsel to request a one-year judicial diversion program. If granted by the court, successful completion without further offenses will result in a total dismissal of the case. Flores, who served in an LAPD recruiting unit, recorded 16 colleagues across 122 separate occasions during 2024 without their consent, which is a practice prohibited under California law since 1967. The audio submitted to internal affairs captured recruitment officers joking about a famous
Latino baseball pitcher dying from eating "too many tacos," invoking racist tropes about Black people, and calling a young female recruit "rapeable" because she was "someone who could be taken advantage of." The original felony charges sparked sharp backlash from whistleblower attorneys, community activists, and Mayor
Karen Bass, who argued that prosecuting Flores penalized an officer for exposing blatant bigotry. Defense attorney Alan Jackson noted that Hochman’s actions sent a “really, really scary message. And that message is if you expose racism and sexism and bigotry and misogyny and bias within the walls of the LAPD, then you’re going to be…the one exposed to potential state
prison because of a prosecution like this,” as quoted by Los Angeles Daily News. Although LA County District Attorney Hochman accused Flores of selectively editing the audio to avoid a patrol transfer and seek financial gain from a lawsuit, Hochman conceded that pursuing felony convictions could deter future whistleblowers from coming forward.
BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM
Brentwood News
August 2026 | 7
BE A RESPONSIBLE RIDER. Remember, always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing whenever you ride. Never ride after consuming drugs or alcohol, and never use the street as a racetrack. Inspect your motorcycle before riding and read your owner’s manual. Obey the law, use common sense, respect the rights of others when you ride, and make sure you have a proper license when riding on public roads. Operating your motorcycle with a modified engine, emissions-control system or noise-control system may be illegal. Professional rider shown on a closed course. For more information, visit powersports.honda.com. CBR® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2026 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
BE A RESPONSIBLE RIDER. Remember, always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing whenever you ride. Never ride after consuming drugs or alcohol, and never use the street as a racetrack. Inspect your motorcycle before riding and read your owner’s manual. Obey the law, use common sense, respect the rights of others when you ride, and make sure you have a proper license when riding on public roads. Operating your motorcycle with a modified engine, emissions-control system or noise-control system may be illegal. Professional rider shown on a closed course. For more information, visit powersports.honda.com. CBR® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2026 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
BE A RESPONSIBLE RIDER. REMEMBER, ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WHENEVER YOU RIDE. NEVER RIDE AFTER CONSUMING DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, AND NEVER USE THE STREET AS A RACETRACK. INSPECT YOUR MOTORCYCLE BEFORE RIDING AND READ YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL. OBEY THE LAW, USE COMMON SENSE, RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS WHEN YOU RIDE, AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PROPER LICENSE WHEN RIDING ON PUBLIC ROADS. OPERATING YOUR MOTORCYCLE WITH A MODIFIED ENGINE, EMISSIONS-CONTROL SYSTEM OR NOISE-CONTROL SYSTEM MAY BE ILLEGAL. For more information, visit powersports.honda.com. CBR® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©️2026 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Ride the Best. Choose from SoCal’s Largest Honda CBR Inventory.
P002330 28_29_31_2026 Dealer Materials BE A RESPONSIBLE RIDER. REMEMBER, ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WHENEVER YOU RIDE. NEVER RIDE AFTER CONSUMING DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, AND NEVER USE THE STREET AS A RACETRACK. INSPECT YOUR MOTORCYCLE BEFORE RIDING AND READ YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL. OBEY THE LAW, USE COMMON SENSE, RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS WHEN YOU RIDE, AND MAKE SURE YOU 7.625” x 5.25” HAVE A PROPER LICENSE WHEN RIDING ON PUBLIC ROADS. OPERATING YOUR MOTORCYCLE WITH A MODIFIED ENGINE, EMISSIONS-CONTROL SYSTEM OR NOISE-CONTROL SYSTEM MAY BE ILLEGAL. For more information, visit powersports.honda.com. MODEL: CBR500R CBR is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©️2026 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Category: SPORT PAGE 1 December 10, 2025 9:27 AM P002330 5 Locations To Serve You! 28_29_31_2026 Dealer Materials 7.625” x 5.25” MODEL: CBR500R Category: SPORT PAGE 1 December 10, 2025 9:27 AM ®
Del Amo Motorsports
of Orange County www.DelAmoMotorsports.com
2401 Pullman Street Santa Ana, CA 92705
949.642.4343
8 | August 2026
Brentwood News
BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM
Historic Beverly Hills estate of late arts patron Glorya Kaufman lists for $25 million
Proceeds from the sale of Chateau de Liberté on Laurel Way will fund dance and education initiatives through the Glorya Kaufman Foundation. The magnificent Beverly Hills mansion of philanthropist Glorya Kaufman is now for sale. Listing agents Rachelle Rosten and Kelly deLaat of Douglas Elliman placed the Beverly Hills estate on the market following the death of Glorya Kaufman, who passed away at age 95 in August 2025. All net proceeds will directly benefit the Glorya Kaufman Foundation. Proceeds from the $25 million sale of a stately European-inspired villa on Laurel Way will support arts, education, and cultural programs across Southern California, carrying forward the philanthropic vision of its former owner. Kaufman, who built vast wealth
alongside her late husband through homebuilding giant Kaufman & Broad, acquired the 1140 Laurel Way residence for 18.2 million dollars in 2012. She named the single-story property "Chateau de Liberté" to signal her independence as a major individual arts benefactor. Her historical contributions include a record $20 million gift to the Los Angeles Music Center and the full endowing of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. Gated at the end of a private driveway on a nearly 37,500-square-foot lot, the Tuscan-style residence spans roughly 5,889 square feet. Design elements include limestone flooring, Venetian plaster walls, elevated skylights, custom chandeliers, and seven interior fireplaces. Main residence accommodations feature a formal living room with a bar, a paneled study, formal and informal dining areas, a chef's kitchen, and a primary suite equipped with dual bathrooms and custom walk-in closets. Two additional bedroom suites occupy the main structure, while a detached two-story guest house provides a separate one-bedroom unit. Outdoor amenities encompass manicured grounds, covered loggias, a swimming pool, a spa, and views overlooking the city. A three-car garage completes the property, with one bay outfitted as a security operations center.
Century City/ Westwood
9 14
NEWS
CenturyCity-WestwoodNews.com
All-New ‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Open University of California Regents acquire $50M footprint in Westwood At Thecommercial Santa Monica Pier, Will Celebrate Village Eerie Historic Past The ‘Toonerville Funhouse,’ originally located at Ocean Park Pier and Pacific Ocean Park amusement parks, is inspiration for the newest attraction inside Pacific Park
SANTA MONICA, Calif., (September 10, 2025) --- Guests to the all-new “Funhouse at Pacific Park” will explore a lost world of spooky, chilling, and haunting experiences. The legendary “Toonerville Funhouse” appeared in two eras of Santa Monica amusement history – first at Ocean Park Pier in the 1920s and later at Pacific Ocean Park in 1958 – thrilling and unnerving guests for decades. Hidden away for years, its spirit has been resurrected inside Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Over time, storms and renovations buried its memory, until the entrance to the abandoned funhouse was mysteriously uncovered inside Pacific Park. With a little polishing, it has reopened for guests as a nod to local Santa history nostalgicRegents fun. TheMonica University of and California In all the tinkering and perfecting of have purchased 16 commercial properties the 'Funhouse at Pacific Park,' the sinister spanning 2.6 acres in Westwood Village magic of coin-operated fortunetellers and for $49.8 million, securing direct the eerie presence of a dessert-wielding ownership of critical real estate directly clown have once again been unleashed. south of the UCLA campus. With a sidelong glance, an animatronic According to property data reported fortuneteller seated inside its dusty glass cabinet lures unsuspecting guests into a dizzying adventure—one that may land
The 16-property deal gives UCLA direct control over key retail and office corridors.
them in the back of Sprinkles the Clown's ice cream truck freezer. Will guests make it out unscathed, or will they be lost in this labyrinth of curiosities for another 100 years? The 2,800-square-foot “Funhouse at Pacific Park” includes nine mysterious rooms and attractions designed to disorient, amuse and entertain visitors with optical illusions, tricky layouts, and unexpected surprises. From giant ice cream cones to disorienting mazes, the Funhouse offers a buffet for the senses full of unexpected twists and turns. "Pacific Park is excited to bring a fresh take on a classic idea to the millions of visitors who enjoy the Pier each year," said Nathan Smithson, Senior Director of Business Affairs at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. "This is a unique opportunity to honor the legacy of the original Toonerville Funhouses while crafting a future filled with mystery and awe in the all-new Funhouse at Pacific by Commercial Observer, the deal Park." encompasses 181,855 square feet of The “Toonerville Funhouses” were office, retail, and open space along whimsical, cartoon-themed attractions Westwood Boulevard, Kinross Avenue, inspired by the popular "Toonerville Gayley Avenue, and Lindbrook Drive. The Trolley" comic strip, which was widely Regents of the University of California recognized in the early 20th century. The acquired the portfolio from Anderson Real first version opened at Ocean Park Pier in Estate, the family firm associated with the 1920s, while a second debuted in 1958 the late philanthropist John E. Anderson, at Pacific Ocean Park, which replaced benefactor of UCLA's business school. Ocean Park Pier on the same site at the end University officials have not disclosed of Ocean Park Boulevard, just about two operational plans for the holdings, and nautical miles south of today’s Pacific Park, representatives for UC Investments, near the Santa Monica–Venice border. which oversees the system's $190 Both became icons of seaside amusement billion financial portfolio, declined to before disappearing in the 1970s. outline future development, leasing, or SC Holdings, an investment firm with institutional uses. extensive experience in the consumer, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, acquired the operating group of Pacific
The transaction arrives as the surrounding commercial hub grapples with Park in 2024 and committed in prolonged economic distress$10 andmillion elevated capital investments over the next five years empty storefront rates. District surveys in Pacific Park’s food and entertainment by the Westwood Village Improvement programs, supporting park operations and keeping it a fun and friendly destination for tourists, families, and the community. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, LA’s only admission-free amusement park, offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, Snackville with five fun food offerings and retail beach shops. Pacific Park’s signature rides include the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel, and the West Coaster, a steel roller coaster that races 55 feet above the Santa Monica Bay. For additional information and hours of operation, call
Swastika Found Near Beverly Proven, Trusted and Private Hills Elementary School Ahead In-Home Care for Seniors of Rosh Hashanah • Companionship • Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care grounds of El Rodeo Elementary School, • Round-the-Clock Care Police Launch • Care Express (short hours) according to the Beverly Hills Unified School District. The district noted that Investigation After • Transition Care the act of vandalism occurred as Jewish
(after hospitalization or Disturbing Vandalism families were preparing to observe Rosh facility move) Hashanah, which begins Monday evening, Outside El Rodeo making the incident especially disturbing. District staff immediately removed the FREE Assessments Elementary swastika and notified the Beverly Hills Authorities are investigating after a Police Department. Police have launched swastika was discovered outside a Beverly an active investigation to identify those Hills elementary school on Monday, responsible. www.blossomhomecareservices.net No additional details about potential according to My News LA. The symbol was found just outside the suspects or motives have been released.
(323) 456-8645
Association and city planning records show commercial vacancy rates hovering 310-260-8744, visit andand go near 40%, driven bypacpark.com, safety concerns to Facebook.com/pacificpark, Instagram. shifting consumer traffic toward rival com/pacpark or X.com/pacpark. shopping corridors.
Century City/ Westwood
10 14
NEWS
CenturyCity-WestwoodNews.com
All-NewFloor ‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Open Alpine and Home: A Family Flooring Legacy Serving the Westside 1968 At The Santa Monica Pier, WillSince Celebrate Eerie Historic Past Founded in 1968, Alpine Floor and Home has proudly served the Westside of Los Angeles for more than 58 years, earning a reputation as one of the area’s most trusted and established flooring companies. Built on quality craftsmanship, honest guidance, and long-standing customer relationships, Alpine Floor and Home continues to thrive as a proud family business. Johannes van Ierland, the owner of Alpine Floor and Home, has played a central role in guiding the company through decades of growth and change. His leadership, experience, and commitment to high standards have helped shape Alpine into the respected Westside is today. While SANTA institution MONICA, itCalif., (September Johannes in the 10, 2025) now --- works Guests primarily to the all-new back office,at his presence “Funhouse Pacific Park” and will oversight explore a ensure that the company’s corehaunting values lost world of spooky, chilling, and remain firmly in place. experiences. Today, Alpine Floor and Home is led The legendary “Toonerville Funhouse” by a true in father-and-son van appeared two eras of team. Santa Jani Monica Ierland, Johannes’ all sales amusement history –son, first runs at Ocean Park operations and serves as atVice President Pier in the 1920s and later Pacific Ocean of Sales and Marketing. In this role, Park in 1958 – thrilling and unnerving Jani oversees day-to-day guests for decades. Hiddensales, away customer for years, relationships, andresurrected marketinginside strategy. By its spirit has been Pacific combining modern design Park on the Santa Monica Pier.knowledge Over time, storms and renovations buried its memory, until the entrance to the abandoned funhouse was mysteriously uncovered inside Pacific Park. With a little polishing, it has reopened for guests as a nod to local Santa Monica history and nostalgic fun. In all the tinkering and perfecting of the 'Funhouse at Pacific Park,' the sinister magic of coin-operated fortunetellers and the eerie presence of a dessert-wielding clown have once again been unleashed. With a sidelong glance, an animatronic fortuneteller seated inside its dusty glass cabinet lures unsuspecting guests into a dizzying adventure—one that may land
The ‘Toonerville Funhouse,’ originally located at Ocean Park Pier and Pacific Ocean Park amusement parks, is inspiration for the newest attraction inside Pacific Park
and forward-thinking sales practices with the traditions of a family-run business, Jani continues to build on the company’s them infoundation. the back of Sprinkles the Clown's strong iceFor cream WillAlpine guests Floor make overtruck fivefreezer. decades, it out unscathed, they homeowners, be lost in this and Home hasor will served labyrinth of builders, curiosities and for another 100 designers, commercial years? throughout the Westside of Los clients The 2,800-square-foot “Funhouse at Angeles. The company is known for Pacific Park” includes nine mysterious offering the largest inventory of carpet, rooms and attractions disorient, wood, laminate, anddesigned luxury tovinyl tile, amuse and entertain optical providing customersvisitors with with unmatched illusions, tricky layouts, and unexpected selection in styles, colors, and price surprises. From giant ice cream flooring, cones to ranges. In addition to traditional disorienting mazes, the Funhouse offers Alpine Floor and Home also specializes a buffet for the senses full of unexpected in concrete refinishing, offering twists andand turns. durable contemporary solutions for "Pacific is excited to spaces. bring a fresh residentialPark and commercial take on a classic idea to the of A point of pride that millions truly sets visitors who enjoy the Pier each year," Alpine Floor and Home apart is its said Nathanteam. Smithson, Senior are Director installation All installers fullof Business Affairs at Pacific Park on time employees on payroll—never the Santa Monica Pier. "This is a unique subcontractors. Many members of opportunity to honor the legacy of the Alpine’s installation crews have been original Toonerville Funhouses while with the company for more than 20 crafting a future filled with mystery and years, bringing unmatched experience, awe in the all-new Funhouse at Pacific consistency, and accountability to every Park." job. long-tenured team ensures TheThis “Toonerville Funhouses” were high-quality workmanship, reliable whimsical, cartoon-themed attractions scheduling, mind for inspired by and the peace popularof "Toonerville Trolley" comic strip, which was widely recognized in the early 20th century. The first version opened at Ocean Park Pier in the 1920s, while a second debuted in 1958 at Pacific Ocean Park, which replaced Ocean Park Pier on the same site at the end of Ocean Park Boulevard, just about two nautical miles south of today’s Pacific Park, near the Santa Monica–Venice border. Both became icons of seaside amusement before disappearing in the 1970s. SC Holdings, an investment firm with extensive experience in the consumer, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, acquired the operating group of Pacific
customers from start to finish. At its heart, Alpine Floor and Home remains a family-owned and operated business. Many customers are long-time and multi-generation clients, a testament to the trust and relationships built since 1968. Personalized service, attention to detail, and integrity continue to define every project, large or small. AsinAlpine and $10 Home looks Park 2024 andFloor committed million in toward the future,over its the mission remains capital investments next five years in Pacific Park’s food and entertainment programs, supporting park operations and keeping it a fun and friendly destination for tourists, families, and the community. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, LA’s only admission-free amusement park, offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, Snackville with five fun food offerings and retail beach shops. Pacific Park’s signature rides include the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel, and the West Coaster, a steel roller coaster that races 55 feet above the Santa Monica Bay. For additional information and hours of operation, call
unchanged: to provide exceptional products, expert guidance, and dependable service to the Westside community. Or, as the company’s longstanding slogan proudly says, “Let us floor you.” Alpine Floor and Home 3961 S. Sepulveda Blvd 310-390-7639visit pacpark.com, and go 310-260-8744, to alpinecarpetoneculvercity.com Facebook.com/pacificpark, Instagram. com/pacpark or X.com/pacpark.
• Family owned business (Father/Son Team). • Serving Palisades & the Westside for 57 years.
• Largest carpet remnants department on Swastika Found Near Beverly the Westside.
Hills Elementary School Ahead of Rosh Hashanah Palisades fire victims: Police Launch Investigation After Disturbing Vandalism Outside El Rodeo Elementary
Authorities are investigating after a swastika was discovered outside a Beverly Hills elementary school on Monday, according to My News LA. The symbol was found just outside the
Carpet
grounds of El Rodeo Elementary School, according to the Beverly Hills Unified School District. The district noted that the act of vandalism occurred as Jewish families were preparing to observe Rosh Hashanah, which begins Monday evening, making the incident especially disturbing. District staff immediately removed the swastika and notified the Beverly Hills Police Department. Police have launched an active investigation to identify those responsible. No additional details about potential suspects or motives have been released.
Ask for Palisades Fire Survivor Discount!
310-390-7639
Hardwood
Century City/ Westwood
11 14
NEWS
CenturyCity-WestwoodNews.com
All-Newof‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Open Family actor Robert Carradine sues UCLA Regents over tragic hospital death At The Santa Monica Pier, Will Celebrate Wrongful death Eerie Historic Past lawsuit claims The ‘Toonerville negligence led to Funhouse,’ originally the 'Revenge of the located at Ocean Park Nerds' star's fatal Pier and Pacific Ocean medical emergency. Park amusement TW for self-harm and suicidal ideation. parks, isofinspiration Allegations severe negligencefor and elder abuse form the basis of a civil action the newest attraction filed Friday against the University of California Regents following inside Pacific Parkthe death of veteran actor Robert Carradine, as SANTAbyMONICA, reported The Wrap. Calif., (September filings Theall-new Wrap 10,Legal 2025) --- accessed Guests tobythe “Funhouse at Pacific Park” will explore a lost world of spooky, chilling, and haunting experiences. The legendary “Toonerville Funhouse” appeared in two eras of Santa Monica amusement history – first at Ocean Park Pier in the 1920s and later at Pacific Ocean Park in 1958 – thrilling and unnerving guests for decades. Hidden away for years, its spirit has been resurrected inside Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Over time, storms and renovations buried its memory, until the entrance to the abandoned funhouse was mysteriously uncovered inside Pacific Park. With a little polishing, it has reopened for guests as a nod to local Santa Monica history and nostalgic fun. In all the tinkering and perfecting of the 'Funhouse at Pacific Park,' the sinister magic of coin-operated fortunetellers and the eerie presence of a dessert-wielding clown have once again been unleashed. With a sidelong glance, an animatronic fortuneteller seated inside its dusty glass cabinet lures unsuspecting guests into a dizzying adventure—one that may land
said the actor's relatives contend that systemic lapses at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital directly them in thethe back of Sprinkles facilitated medical crisis the thatClown's ended ice 71-year-old cream truck performer's freezer. Willlife. guests make the it out unscathed, or willrecords they be lost in this Medical examiner show the labyrinth of 100 "Revenge of curiosities the Nerds" for staranother voluntarily years? checked himself into the facility on The 2,800-square-foot “Funhouse at January 16 seeking specialized care for Pacific Park” includes nine mysterious active suicidal ideation. Less than 24 rooms and attractions designed hours after admission, staffto disorient, members amuse and Carradine entertain visitors with optical discovered unresponsive and in illusions,arrest tricky layouts, and following unexpecteda cardiac inside his room surprises. From giant cones to to self-harm attempt. He ice wascream transferred disorienting mazes, the Funhouse offers an intensive care unit, where his medical a buffetsteadily for the deteriorated senses full of unexpected status until he died twists and turns. on Feb. 23. "Pacific Park is excited to bring a fresh The Robert Carradine wrongful death take on a classic idea to the millions of lawsuit details multiple safety violations visitors who enjoy the Pier each year," said Nathan Smithson, Senior Director of Business Affairs at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. "This is a unique opportunity to honor the legacy of the original Toonerville Funhouses while crafting a future filled with mystery and awe in the all-new Funhouse at Pacific Park." The “Toonerville Funhouses” were whimsical, cartoon-themed attractions inspired by the popular "Toonerville Trolley" comic strip, which was widely recognized in the early 20th century. The first version opened at Ocean Park Pier in the 1920s, while a second debuted in 1958 at Pacific Ocean Park, which replaced Ocean Park Pier on the same site at the end of Ocean Park Boulevard, just about two nautical miles south of today’s Pacific Park, near the Santa Monica–Venice border. Both became icons of seaside amusement before disappearing in the 1970s. SC Holdings, an investment firm with extensive experience in the consumer, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, acquired the operating group of Pacific
within the secured psychiatric unit. Family members allege hospital personnel permitted Carradine to enter the locked floor while wearing a belt, violating standard protocols designed to prevent self-harm among high-risk patients. Court documents obtained and viewed by The Wrap further assert that staff failed to conduct mandatory 15-minute wellness checks, leaving the actor unmonitored for extended stretches. Additionally, the complaint accuses UCLA administration of attempting to cover up the incident by maintaining an inaccurate narrative in official medical logs that directly conflicts with internal security camera footage. University representatives have not yet issued a public response regarding the litigation.
Trustees block murder suspect Nick Reiner from accessing 1.5 million-dollar family trust Park in 2024 and committed $10 million in capital investments over the next five years in Pacific Park’s food and entertainment programs, supporting park operations and keeping it a fun and friendly destination for tourists, families, and the community. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, LA’s only admission-free amusement park, offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, Snackville with five fun food offerings and retail beach shops. Pacific Park’s signature rides include the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel, and the West Coaster, a steel roller coaster that races 55 feet above the Santa Monica Bay. For additional information and hours of operation, call
310-260-8744, visit pacpark.com, and go to Facebook.com/pacificpark, Instagram. com/pacpark or X.com/pacpark.
Swastika Found Near Beverly Hills Elementary School Ahead of Rosh Hashanah Police Launch Investigation California’sAfter “slayer Disturbing Vandalism statute” was cited Outside El Rodeo to deny funds Elementary
requested by Rob Authorities are investigating after a swastika was discovered Reiner’s son.outside a Beverly
Hills elementary school on Monday, Trusteesto My managing a $1.5 million according News LA. family estate was havefound formally deniedthea The symbol just outside
grounds of El Rodeo Elementary School, according to the Beverly Hills Unified request by double-murder suspect School District. The district noted Nick that Reiner to finance his the act to of withdraw vandalismfunds occurred as Jewish criminal defense team. to observe Rosh families were preparing Court filings obtained byevening, news Hashanah, which begins Monday outlets reveal that the professional making the incident especially disturbing. fiduciary the assets invoked District overseeing staff immediately removed the California's statute", swastika and "slayer notified the Beverlywhich Hills is a law prohibiting individuals who Police Department. Police have launched intentionally kill a todecedent from an active investigation identify those receiving responsible.inheritance benefits or trust disbursements. No additional details about potential The 32-year-old suspects or motives defendant have been petitioned released. a
probate court in June seeking access to the accounts established by his late parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, who were killed in their Brentwood residence in December 2025. He sought the release of capital to retain private defense attorney Alan Jackson, who withdrew from the case in January, leaving the accused with public defender representation. According to filings by estate representatives, granting early access to
the Nick Reiner trust fund would cause irreversible financial damage should a conviction follow, noting that California law dictates remaining assets pass to his surviving siblings, Romy and Jake Reiner. The defendant, who pleaded not guilty to grand jury indictments and remains in custody without bail in Los Angeles, is scheduled for a probate hearing on Aug. 17, with a subsequent criminal court appearance set for Sept. 15.
12 | August 2026
Brentwood News
BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM
S A N TA M O N I C A C O L L E G E
A Class for Every Dream On campus and online Classes start August 31
APPLY TODAY AT SMC.EDU
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Sion Roy, Chair; Dr. Tom Peters, Vice Chair; Dr. Luis Barrera Castañón; Anastasia Foster; Dr. Nancy Greenstein; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez; Rob Rader; Audrey Liljegren, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President Santa Monica College 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405