Brentwood News / Century City - Westwood News: Jun 2026

Brentwood Rallies Against State Wildfire Rule Requiring Tree and Plant Removal

Owners seek zoning variances to fill vacant commercial property on Montana Avenue

Critics Argue

The proposal for the former Brentwood Art Center site cuts parking requirements.

the regulations adopt a “one-size-fits-all”

Vegetation-Clearing Mandate Ignores Local Needs

Brentwood residents turned out in large numbers Thursday to oppose proposed state wildfire regulations they say would harm neighborhoods and the environment while doing little to prevent future disasters.

Property owners of the long-vacant commercial building at 13031 Montana Avenue are asking city officials for zoning variances to bypass standard parking requirements and attract retail and office tenants, according to the South Brentwood Residents Association’s newsletter.

The prominent corner property at Montana Avenue and 26th Street, which previously housed the Brentwood Art Center, has sat empty for several years.

The meeting, held by the California Board of Forestry’s Zone Zero Committee, was the only one scheduled in the region and drew strong criticism from Westside communities. The proposed rules would require homeowners in high-risk areas to clear vegetation within five feet of their homes, creating what the state calls an “ember-resistant defensible zone.”

Speakers at the meeting argued that

flexibility to craft fire-prevention strategies that balance safety with environmental preservation.

Under current municipal codes, standard retail developments require a higher volume of dedicated vehicle spaces than the site can accommodate. The owners' application seeks a variance to cap the mandatory parking requirement at the 10 existing spaces located directly behind the structure.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci

In an effort to secure city approval and mitigate neighborhood disruptions, the owners have bundled several restrictive conditions into their proposal. The concessions would legally restrict future tenants to operating hours between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., with a tighter 7 p.m. curfew on commercial deliveries.

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

After the Sudden

Need It Most

with schools and community programs. In this conversation with reporter Dolores Quintana, Liber reflects on Sammy’s quiet and natural artistic brilliance, why creativity is essential for young people, and how remembrance can live on as

“This is just the beginning,” Rodney adds. “We want every child with a creative spark to feel seen, supported, and celebrated—just like Sami always made others feel. We’ll never stop missing her, but through this work, her spirit continues to make the world a more beautiful place.”

For readers meeting you for the first time, could you introduce yourself?

Infrastructure upgrades target heavy-traffic corridors along Sunset and San Vicente Boulevards.

In the wake of an unthinkable loss, Carla Liber has channeled grief into purpose with the SAMI Foundation, Supporting Art, Music & Imagination, created in memory of her daughter, Sami. The nonprofit moves quickly to put brushes, canvases, and instruments directly into kids’ hands through art kits inspired by their daughter, classroom supply grants, and partnerships

Carla Liber (CL): I’m Carla Liber. My husband, Rod, and I are native Southern Californians—we’ve been married 20 years and have two daughters, Ava and Sami. I was a stay-at-home mom active in our schools and community; Rod worked in film and later in real estate so he could be present for the girls. We’re speaking from Miami, where we just dropped Ava at college.

Infrastructure upgrades to the local electrical grid are underway as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power begins installing three new pole-top transformer racks across Brentwood, according to CD11 Councilmember Traci Park’s newsletter.

The utility provider announced the installations as part of an effort to improve service reliability and reduce both the

DQ: Tell me about Sami, especially her

Additionally, the owners have pledged to prohibit tenants from playing amplified music, promise not to expand the physical footprint of the building, and agree to install a maximum of three storefront signs equipped with dimmed, resident-friendly illumination.

The South Brentwood Residents Association and the Brentwood Community Council have each voted not to oppose the variance changes.

photography, fashion, and makeup; she had a natural eye and shared it generously with friends.

frequency and duration of neighborhood power outages.

The LADWP noted that the structural additions are designed to alleviate increasing operational strain on the neighborhood's existing distribution network. The work will begin in July and continue intermittently until March 2027, with the intention of the racks being

CL: From the time she could hold a pencil, she drew—flowers, faces, little scenes—completely absorbed. She took a few classes, but mostly she was selftaught: sketchbooks, YouTube clips, and hours with music on and a pen in hand. We’re still finding her work—beautiful ink studies tucked into grandparents’ houses and old notebooks. She also loved

DQ: Did that visual sense show up at school?

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.

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operational by April 2027. Crew deployments and equipment installations are scheduled for three specific areas: near the intersections of San Vicente Boulevard and Gretna Green Way, Gorham Avenue and Barrington Avenue, and along a stretch of Sunset Boulevard between San Remo Drive and Allenford Avenue.

Brentwood Weekly Crime Report: June 14, 2026

– June 20, 2026

LAPD SLO

Matthew Kirk releases the latest neighborhood crime log ahead of his summer vacation.

The mid-June period saw localized property crimes and targeted commercial incidents keeping local law enforcement active across the Brentwood area. Property owners are continually reminded to audit their home security systems, secure storefront entries, and remain vigilant against evolving digital and phone-based scams that target residents directly in their homes.

This week's data and community brief were sourced and compiled by Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk. Residents should note that SLO Kirk will be on vacation through July 27. In his absence, Officer Brian Espin will be managing the area and can be reached via email at 37430@lapd. online or by phone at 310-444-0737.

Looking ahead to the holiday weekend, West Los Angeles division officials announced a heavy deployment of officers, including a dedicated unit assigned exclusively to Brentwood and the Palisades for fireworks prevention and enforcement. The breakdown of neighborhood crime data for the week of June 14 is detailed below:

Active Crime Categories

Burglary

● June 19, 2026, 1:00 a.m. (11700 Block of Wilshire Blvd): Suspects smashed a front glass window and used a cutting tool

to breach a security gate. The individuals ransacked the business before fleeing the scene with U.S. currency and prescription medications.

● June 20, 2026, 4:30 a.m. (100 Block of S. Bowling Green Way): A suspect smashed a rear kitchen window to gain entry to an apartment. Upon opening a bedroom door, the suspect encountered the resident inside. The suspect immediately fled the apartment on foot alongside a second suspect who was believed to be acting as a lookout. No property was taken.

Theft

● June 8, 2026, 12:00 p.m. (11800 Block of San Vicente Blvd): A suspect contacted a victim over the telephone demanding gift cards in exchange for property. The victim complied, sending multiple gift cards totaling a value of $1,000. (Note: Incident reported during this cycle).

● June 16, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – June

17, 2026, 8:00 a.m. (11600 Block of Gorham Ave): Unknown suspects removed a delivery package from an apartment building lobby. The stolen property was an electric scooter.

Categories With No Reported Activity Assault With Deadly Weapon (ADW)

● None reported.

Burglary/Theft From Motor Vehicle (BFMV / TFMV)

● None reported. Grand Theft Auto (GTA)

● None reported. Robbery

● None reported.

Brentwood Beat: What Brentwood Can Learn from London

My wife and I just spent the entire month of May in London. It was amazing.

Despite what we had heard to the contrary, the people are really friendly, and the food is really good!

In the course of an average day, one can easily hear 20 different languages being spoken. There are many immigrants living in London. This adds to the richness of the adventure, but we were told by some old-line Brits this contributes to social pressures as well.

There are tons of little – and big – parks throughout London. Though London is a huge city – like LA – London felt much more open. People walk a lot more in London, too. It’s very pedestrian and bicycle-friendly.

I won’t bore you with all the touristy things we did – this isn’t a travel article –but if you are planning a trip to London and want some tips, please get in touch.

There are a few practices that stood out to me that Los Angeles and Brentwood might want to borrow from London.

I was going to write about how convenient it was to be able to “tap in” and “tap out” of buses and The Tube using one’s credit card – as opposed to having to load up a plastic card with credits – but I understand LA just adopted such a system. This will be a huge convenience, just in time for the Olympics.

Everywhere we went, we saw students in uniforms that included ties. It seemed very respectful. And what a nice way to remove social competition based on wardrobe!

A British journalist friend we know,

Wendy Robertson, met us in London. She runs a small publication called “The Bridge,” in Berwick-upon-Tweed, up in the northeast section of England, close to Scotland. The Bridge is very much like the Brentwood News.

Wendy knows a Member of Parliament, Lincoln Jopp, a member of the Conservative Party. My wife and I went to dinner with MP Jopp and Wendy. It was really interesting getting to hear about British politics from the perspective of a British elected official – and about England’s press from a British

journalist.

Jopp, an awarded war hero, made clear his support for Ukraine and a strong British national defense. As far as we could tell, the Brits seem much more united about the need to support Ukraine than Americans do.

Jopp spoke with a clarity and moral authority we don’t hear much in America these days. He spoke in full, wellorganized paragraphs that led to reasonable conclusions – and not in canned soundbites designed to belittle the other side. MPs are limited to spending no more than around £20,000 in an election, Jopp told us. Each district is a little different, so the exact amount can vary. That’s just shy of $27,000 U.S. dollars. Rub your eyes

and read that again!

Jopp said £20,000 pounds is too low, but added he was thankful British politicians don’t have to “dial for dollars” the way American politicians do.

Brits, by the way, know a lot more about American politics than we know about British politics.

Jopp very graciously invited us to call his assistant, who arranged for us to take a tour of Parliament the very next day. My wife and I sat in on both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Though the Brits have plenty of issues requiring debate, at least they are willing to debate. It felt like both sides made wellthought-out points and truly listened to one another. The Brits are just so darned polite!

In Parliament, wit is greatly in demand –and plentiful in supply.

The speakers took great delight in setting clever word traps for their political opponents, trying to get them to admit – or at least acknowledge – the folly or ineptitude of their policies.

When one side “scored a point” against the other side, people on both sides laughed, applauded and showed genuine appreciation. They were having fun while discussing serious matters. How refreshing!

Speaking of refreshing, we loved London’s pub culture. When you walk into a local pub and order a pint, chances are good that within minutes you’ll be involved in a lively conversation with people you didn’t know just a few minutes before.

People at the pubs always seemed happy, upbeat, eager to chat. Instead of racing home at the end of the day and pouring themselves a drink, they go to the local pub and have a pint.

Brentwood would benefit mightily from having a casual, British-style pub in the neighborhood. We need a real hangout. We have plenty of fancy, destination restaurants.

When we passed through security at Heathrow and got into line for our plane ride back to LA, we couldn’t help but notice how much heavier Americans seem than the Brits.

Brits walk a lot more than we do, but they also drink more beer. Maybe they walk more so they can drink more beer.

We’ll have to go back to London to investigate this mystery further.

NOW ENROLLING TK - KINDERGARTEN

Armed intruders assault resident during a home invasion in the Fairfax District

LAPD detectives are searching for two suspects who stole jewelry and cellphones

Two handgun-wielding intruders forced their way into a Fairfax District residence early Saturday morning, assaulting a resident and stealing valuables before fleeing the scene, authorities said.

Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to the home invasion robbery around 4:32 a.m. at a property in the 800 block of North Detroit Street. According to investigators, the two male suspects entered the home armed with handguns and confronted the occupant.

The resident sustained an assault during the encounter, though police officials did

not immediately disclose the severity or nature of the victim's injuries. After taking cellphones and jewelry, the suspects escaped in an unidentified vehicle.

Patrol units locked down the immediate perimeter Saturday morning while detectives canvassed the neighborhood for witnesses and security camera footage. Municipal police have not announced any arrests or released detailed descriptions of the suspects.

Anyone with information regarding the active investigation is asked to contact the LAPD.

Metro LA rail ridership hits six-year high driven

All-New ‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Open

by the D Line expansion

At The Santa Monica Pier, Will Celebrate Eerie Historic Past

Subway extensions and major entertainment events fuel a 9.5% rail surge.

Los Angeles County transit officials reported the highest level of rail ridership in over six years following a significant expansion of the subway network last month.

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 Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority recorded a 9.5% year-over-year increase in rail passengers, marking the sixth consecutive month of annual growth. The surge was primarily driven by a 62% ridership spike on the D Line after three new subway stations opened along Wilshire Boulevard on May 8.

The initial launch of the extension added between 8,000 and 10,000 daily passengers to the system. While rail travel flourished—particularly on weekends, which saw an 18% jump fueled by events like the L.A. County Fair and concerts at the Kia Forum—bus transit experienced a 4.9% decline. Officials noted that lines

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

like the 720 bus saw drops because passengers shifted directly to the newly mirrored underground rail route.

Despite the minor dip in bus patronage, buses still carried the vast majority of the

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

county's commuters, accounting for over 20.4 million of Metro's 26.9 million total monthly passengers. Total rail boardings for the month reached nearly 6.5 million. Growth extended across multiple light

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.

310-260-8744, visit pacpark.com, and go to Facebook.com/pacificpark, Instagram. com/pacpark or X.com/pacpark.

traffic.

SC Holdings, an investment firm with extensive experience in the consumer, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, acquired the operating group of Pacific

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 Hills Elementary School Ahead of Rosh Hashanah

Police Launch Investigation After Disturbing Vandalism Outside El Rodeo Elementary

2 yrs - 12 grade th No French knowledge required to enroll at any grade.

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

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.

Three Robbed at Gunpoint Inside UCLAAdjacent Fraternity House

All-New ‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Open At The Santa Monica Pier, Will Celebrate Eerie Historic Past

Police are searching for a masked suspect who fled in a red Tesla.

The ‘Toonerville Funhouse,’ originally located at Ocean Park Pier and Pacific Ocean Park amusement parks, is inspiration for the newest attraction inside Pacific Park

Campus police are investigating an armed robbery inside a Westwood fraternity house early on June 11, where an unidentified gunman stripped three victims of their jewelry before fleeing in a luxury vehicle.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:15 a.m. in the 500 block of Gayley Avenue, according to a safety alert issued by the UCLA Police Department.

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.

Investigators stated the three victims were inside the fraternity residence when the suspect brandished a firearm and demanded their personal property. The gunman then fled southbound on Gayley Avenue in a red Tesla. None of the victims, who authorities confirmed are not affiliated with the university, sustained injuries during the encounter.

Detectives described the suspect as a Black male who was wearing a black ski mask, a black hooded sweatshirt, and camouflage shorts.

In response to the off-campus crime,

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

in the all-new Funhouse at Pacific Park."

university police urged students and area residents to remain highly vigilant of their surroundings, trust their personal instincts, and immediately report any suspicious behavior. The department also reminded

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

the campus community that its Community Service Officer (CSO) evening escort program remains available year-round to provide accompanied walks for students, staff, and visitors.

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

310-260-8744, visit pacpark.com, and go to Facebook.com/pacificpark, Instagram. com/pacpark or X.com/pacpark.

Anyone with information that could assist detectives is urged to contact the UCLA Police Department at 310-8251491.

All-New ‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Open

The Geffen Playhouse set to open playwright Pearl Cleage’s comedy ‘Angry,

Raucous,

At The Santa Monica Pier, Will Celebrate Eerie Historic Past

and Shamelessly Gorgeous' in Westwood.

The ‘Toonerville

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

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

"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

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

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

Directed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson, the production at the Gil Cates Theater explores art, aging, and generational clashes.

Police Launch Investigation After Disturbing Vandalism

Outside El Rodeo Elementary

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.

and aging.

SC Holdings, an investment firm with extensive experience in the consumer, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, acquired the operating group of Pacific

Charlayne Woodard stars as Campbell, leading an ensemble cast that features Denise Burse, Olivia Washington, and Deborah Joy Winans. The backstage creative team includes scenic designer Beowulf Boritt, costume designer Emilio Sosa, and lighting designer Lap Chi Chu.

programs, supporting park operations and keeping it a fun and friendly destination for tourists, families, and the community.

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 Hills Elementary School Ahead of Rosh Hashanah

The play runs 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission. Due to profanity, theater officials recommend the show for audiences aged 12 and older, noting that children under 10 will not be admitted.

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

Playwright Pearl Cleage's latest comedy, "Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous," officially opens its main run at the Geffen Playhouse this Thursday following a week of preview performances. The production, staged at the Gil Cates Theater, marks a creative collaboration between Cleage and Tony Awardnominated director LaTanya Richardson Jackson. Produced in association with the Black Rebirth Collective, the play centers on Anna Campbell, a pioneering but cashstrapped actress whose U.S. comeback attempt triggers a sharp comedic clash with a younger generation over art, activism,

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.

Performances continue through July 12, with a regular weekly schedule running Wednesday through Sunday, alongside special added Tuesday evening shows on June 30 and July 7. Exceptions to the standard schedule include performance cancellations on Friday, June 19, and the evening of Saturday, July 4.

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.

Tickets range from $36 to $139 and can be purchased through the Geffen Playhouse box office or at the Geffen Playhouse website. Financial backing for the production is provided in part by Cast Iron Entertainment and the David Lee Foundation.

A Class for Every Dream