Brentwood News / Century City - Westwood News: Feb 2026

Brentwood Rallies Against State Wildfire Rule Requiring Tree and Plant Removal

Son of filmmakers Rob and Michele Reiner pleads not guilty in Brentwood killings

Critics Argue

Vegetation-Clearing Mandate Ignores Local Needs

32-year-old faces two counts of firstdegree murder and special-circumstance allegations.

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.

Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents at their Brentwood home, according to multiple media reports.

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

The plea was entered in Los Angeles County Superior Court by Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene as Reiner stood behind glass in a secured custody area of a crowded downtown courtroom. Wearing brown jail clothing and with his head shaved, Reiner spoke briefly with his attorney before the hearing began and answered only when prompted by the judge.

the regulations adopt a “one-size-fits-all” approach that fails to reflect the unique needs of individual communities. Many urged state officials to focus resources instead on home hardening, brush clearance, and landscape maintenance rather than widespread tree and plant removal.

Prosecutors allege Reiner killed his parents on Dec. 14, when they were found with stab wounds inside their home in the upscale Westside neighborhood. The case includes a special-circumstance allegation of multiple murders, which could make Reiner eligible for the death penalty if prosecutors decide to seek it. He also faces an allegation that he personally used a knife.

Police have not announced a motive.

Survivors of the recent Palisades Fire shared firsthand accounts, saying their homes, not nearby vegetation, provided the primary fuel for the blaze. Several emphasized that healthy trees, hedges, and landscaping actually helped slow the fire’s spread in their neighborhoods.

Reiner was arrested the same day, less than six hours after the bodies were discovered, when Los Angeles Police Department officers detained him in Exposition Park near the University of Southern California. He has been held without bail since his arrest.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said both victims died from multiple sharp-force injuries.

Opponents also warned that removing trees and plants would damage the region’s urban canopy, harm wildlife habitats, and increase hillside erosion. They argued that local governments should have the flexibility to craft fire-prevention strategies that balance safety with environmental preservation.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci

Reiner is due back in court on April 29, when a date for a preliminary hearing is expected to be scheduled.

“When You Can’t

Coca-Cola Scholars program names two Brentwood seniors among nation’s top 150

Do Anything, Do Something”: An Interview with Carla Liber on the SAMI Foundation

After the Sudden Loss of Her

Students recognized for groundbreaking STEM projects and community leadership.

Daughter Sami, Carla Liber Launches the Sami Foundation to Bring Art, Music, and Hope to Kids Who Need It Most

National recognition has come to two Brentwood School seniors who advanced as semifinalists in the Coca-Cola Scholars program, placing them among 150 students nationwide honored for academic achievement, leadership, and community service.

Eric Gu and JoJo Friedman continue to compete in the prestigious scholarship program, which awards each recipient $20,000 toward college expenses. The honor also includes participation in Scholars Weekend in Atlanta this April, where students will take part in leadership development and networking events.

Although the two have collaborated on projects since seventh grade, they said they were unaware the other had applied for the scholarship.

Through Brentwood School’s Belldegrun

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

Center for Innovation and Leadership, Gu and Friedman have co-developed several award-winning initiatives. Among them is Helios, a navigational device designed to help people who are visually impaired avoid head injuries, and Telebot, an EEGbased robot intended to assist individuals with mobility impairments by translating brain signals into movement. Telebot earned first place at the Los Angeles Science and Engineering Fair.

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 access and opportunity.

“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.”

Dolores Quintana (DQ): For readers meeting you for the first time, could you introduce yourself?

Encouraged by a science teacher in middle school, the pair began working together during the COVID-19 pandemic, dedicating after-school hours and weekends to developing the Circuit Shower, a water-recirculating system aimed at conservation. The project won Brentwood School’s Innovation Challenge and received a provisional patent for its filtration design. Their partnership has since attracted funding support and recognition, including finalist status in the World Series of Innovation.

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.

DQ: Tell me about Sami, especially her

Both students have also pursued individual service efforts. Friedman cofounded SheStyles with her sister, creating boutique-style clothing events for people facing hardship, and volunteers as a coach with the Westside Special Olympics

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

Did that visual sense show up at

track and field team. Gu has focused on technology-driven solutions for people with disabilities, including inventing the Vest Buddy, a device designed to help nonverbal users communicate while participating in physical activities.

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

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.

He also developed a middle school MATHCOUNTS curriculum that continues to be used at Brentwood School.

Gu plans to study engineering in college, while Friedman intends to pursue neuroscience and medicine.

A Modern Icon of California Design

Case Study-Inspired, Move-In Ready Condominiums

Designed by OFFICEUNTITLED with interiors by Marmol Radziner, The Harland is a boutique collection of condominiums inspired by California’s Case Study Homes. The community features predominantly private-entry Townhomes, complemented by single-level Flats, and Penthouses.

Set where West Hollywood meets Beverly Hills, The Harland offers an unmatched opportunity for design-forward, serviced living amid the city’s most sought-after shopping, dining, and cultural destinations.

With over 9,300 square feet of amenity space—life at The Harland was designed for comfort, convenience, and privacy.

Saturday Open Houses

11AM - 2PM

310.461.8740

702 North Doheny Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069

San Vicente Boulevard flooding impacts Brentwood pharmacy for second straight year

Business owners urge city to address stormwater system after repeated damage near Saltair Avenue.

The heavy storm on Monday brought flooding to streets all over Los Angeles. In Brentwood, severe flooding was reported on San Vicente Boulevard, between South Saltair Avenue and Bundy Drive. Honey and Mordechai Nikfar, owners of McCarthy Pharmacy, recounted an all-too-familiar story because the same street flooded during a storm on February 14, 2025, almost a year to the day when the second flood threatened their store on February 16, 2026.

McCarthy Pharmacy is an independent family-owned business serving the Brentwood community.

Honey Nikfar contacted Councilwoman Park’s office in 2025 after the flooding in February, asking for assistance from the city to have the catchbasin on Saltair cleaned to avoid future issues, and after the business suffered property damage. Councilwoman Park’s office responded immediately, and she was assured by staff that they would “elevate a cleaning of the existing stormwater system, and begin the study of how it can be expanded.”

To her knowledge, no such cleaning or study has been completed, and when the flood waters rose again this week, the owners were forced to board up the front door to their business, which would then only be accessible to customers through a side door, to avoid further damage to their store or danger to customers.

Nikfar stated that it is not just McCarthy Pharmacy that was affected; several cars stalled and were stranded in the street due to the rising waters. She is hopeful that the matter will be resolved, and has reached out to the Councilwoman’s office to ask for help again after the second flood.

Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles Campus 55

MUST BE 2 YEARS BY DEC 31ST TO ENROLL

POTTY-TRAINED NOT REQUIRED 8:00AM - 2:30PM

Extended care available until 4:45pm

OPTION A: 5 DAYS/WEEK

OPTION B: 3 DAYS/WEEK (M/W/F)

LUNCH & SNACK INCLUDED

3055 Overland Ave, Los Angeles 90034 admissions@lyceela.org License #197404606

The Brentwood Village Parking Lot: Update

The VA recently announced it was terminating all leases with privately-held organizations that have been leasing VA land.

This includes Brentwood School, the parking lots just north and south of the Post Office on Barrington Place, and an oil company that has, for years, been pumping oil on the VA property.

For many years, these leases were justified by saying the VA didn’t really use all its land, and monies generated by these leases could be used to fund veteran healthcare, housing, and other needs.

Brentwood School made its athletic facility, built on VA land, available to veterans. But starting over a decade ago, homeless veteran groups took a hard line and filed a lawsuit, arguing the land, beginning with the 1888 lease from the Bandini family to the federal government, was to be used ONLY to aid recuperating veterans. The veterans' groups ultimately prevailed.

For whatever reason, it always felt like the VA was dragging its feet on veteran housing efforts. It was only under pressure that new housing units got built on campus in recent years, supplemented by a small village comprised of tiny homes. Many think that’s inadequate.

Federal Judge David O. Carter, overseeing

the lawsuit, has been pushing for the VA to do much more. And now President Trump is talking about building far more housing units than anyone has contemplated before, pushing for a 6,000-unit National Center for Warrior Independence.

For veterans, this is terrific news. For all Americans, really, this is terrific news. Our veterans deserve much better than they have received.

But let’s be clear: There will be a heavy cost to local businesses and residents if the two parking lots – with about 450 parking spots, total – close. These lots are currently operated by Safety Park, a private firm.

Brentwood Village, the little shopping area where Sunset, Barrington Ave., and Barrington Place come together, has, for decades, depended on the parking lot just to the north of the Post Office (and to the east of Brentwood Village).

If people can no longer park in that lot, there simply won’t be enough parking in the area to accommodate those who want to shop or dine in Brentwood Village. That could spell big trouble for the long-term economic health of Brentwood Village.

Terroni’s hopes to have outdoor dining in this alleyway (photo taken from Barrington Place) and also along the front of the restaurant.

If local businesses fail, customers will miss the goods and services provided by businesses that end up moving – or closing, even. Landlords could suffer.

Sheereen Koules is a restaurant proprietor who is building out “Terroni,” a new Italian restaurant on Barrington Place. She has already invested over $5 million in the buildout. Koules is hoping Terroni will open sometime this spring.

Koules currently runs another Terroni in Beverly Hills. Koule’s plans include significant outdoor dining – popular in Brentwood. Her planning assumed she’d have access to the parking lot just across the street.

The Brentwood Homeowners Association, backed by the Brentwood Community Council, decided to pull way back on its earlier support of Terroni’s outdoor dining seating plans, given concerns about continued access to the Brentwood Village parking lot.

After working with the VA for a year, trying to secure parking to no avail, and after talking to representatives of BHA and BCC, Koules did a deal with the Post Office, giving Terroni several spaces for evening valet parking.

I haven’t yet been able to ascertain how many parking spots Terroni will have access to at the Post Office, but it will surely be a smaller number than what was contemplated before, when the big parking lot was still an option. Only time will tell if this arrangement will accommodate all of Terroni’s needs.

Even if the Post Office can handle all of Terroni’s parking needs, the rest of Brentwood Village could still feel the pinch.

For at least a decade – and maybe even two

decades -- everybody with an interest in the Brentwood Village parking lot has known there was at least a slight chance the parking lot would one day be closed. But this whole “no more private leases” issue has come and gone so many times that people seemed to figure this day would never come.

And maybe it still won’t. Maybe there is still some compromise that can be worked out that will satisfy Judge Carter, the VA, homeless veteran advocates, homeowners in the area, Brentwood School, and Brentwood Village business owners.

Just as nobody can be surprised that the VA is now terminating its leases with private parties, nobody should be surprised if these talks, negotiations, lawsuits, and counterlawsuits drag out for another 10-20 years.

Then again, that might not be the case, this time: The recent VA order to terminate the leases sounds pretty definitive. If this really is the end of an era, it will be interesting to see how Brentwood School and Brentwood Village adapt.

Got ideas? Send me an email: jeffhall@ mirrormediagroupla.com.

After 100+ Restaurant Closures in LA, Here’s What’s Still Bringing People Out

Last year, Los Angeles lost more than 100 restaurants, most of which were independent businesses that had been staples of the community for years. Between rising rents, labor costs, tariffs, and a strong shift in consumer habits, the reasons for the closures are welldocumented in the media. In losing all of these businesses, there is a change in the LA atmosphere leaving people feeling like their nights out are less communal and more obligatory.

To have a successful small business in a major city like Los Angeles, the company’s priorities have to be intentionally defined in order to survive. There are only a handful of places that keep consistent crowds and while there are many puzzle pieces that need to fit together to have a successful establishment, it takes a special kind of dedication to delivering a high quality experience to become part of people’s routines. Shifting consumer habits have opened the door for businesses built around cultivating physical environments centered on social experiences.

One establishment that has positioned itself perfectly to thrive in the growing demand for genuine connection is Kavahana.

What is Kavahana?

Kavahana is a place in Santa Monica where people come to sit down, enjoy drinks, eat, and socialize, located at 306 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405. On the surface, Kavahana might seem like any other establishment, like a bar, or a coffee shop, but it is neither. It functions as a social anchor for the community, giving people a real opportunity to connect with each other while enjoying kava nectar drinks. Kavahana centers its menu around kava nectar, a zero proof drink made from the root of the kava plant, which has been enjoyed in the South Pacific and Hawaii for centuries.

Kavahana’s kava nectar is made by cold pressing fresh kava root into juice and gently drying it into a fine powder. Because the kava plant is grown from the ground

and the root is what’s used in the drinks, kava nectar is known to have a really earthy taste. When the powder is prepared as a drink, it delivers a subtle tingle on the tongue followed by a relaxed feeling which often leads to confident and relaxed socialization at every table.

Kavahana has a seat for everyone as people come in the morning to work, meet friends in the afternoon, and often stay throughout the evening. In a place that values slowing down, you’ll never be rushed out the door.

Kavahana opened at a time when many establishments were cutting hours and tightening operations. Instead of shrinking, it leaned into demand and became a place where people could linger. Kavahana, like many cafes, opens early, but it stands out by staying open late too, often until 1 AM on the weekend. Seating is offered in a way that encourages people to settle in for a while, instead of urging quick reservation rotation. The Kavahana experience starts the moment you walk in the door as familiar faces are welcomed by name and first-time guests are guided through the menu by staff.

Kavahana has made a strong positive impact on the community already and was even voted most loved new business in Santa Monica in 2025, reflecting its growing presence in the neighborhood. Customers consistently flow in and out throughout the day, typically staying longer than they would at a traditional cafe or bar.

Kavahana’s presence also extends beyond Santa Monica. The same kava nectar served behind the bar is shipped to all 50 states and Canada through their site. What makes the company especially unique is that it operates as both a hospitality space and a growing consumer brand. Guests can discover kava nectar in person and then continue the experience at home, something few establishments successfully bridge.

What does Kava Nectar Feel Like?

Many guests describe feeling more present in their surroundings after drinking

kava nectar without feeling overstimulated by their environment. For some people, it serves as an alcohol replacement, but for others it is part of their morning routine to start their day feeling relaxed. Kava nectar drinks are served both traditionally in coconut shells and as thoughtfully crafted zero proof cocktails made with ingredients like mango, coconut milk, ginger, pineapple, and spirulina.

Every menu item at Kavahana is procured right from the source. Beyond kava nectar, Kavahana also serves 100% Hawaiian Kona coffee supplied from Hawaii’s Big Island, along with ceremonial matcha and roasted hojicha. Kavahana meets people where they are at, offering multiple options for people to choose how they want to feel. People can come for coffee, stay for a kava nectar drink, and leave a few hours later having tasted a little of everything.

Kavahana is also very dedicated to building real connections within their community. Each week there are free open mic nights and comedy nights focused solely on creating space for people to support and form bonds with each other.

These events have no fees or minimums as they are designed simply to bring people together.

Kavahana has set the standard for prioritizing comfort and genuine connection in LA. In a world that is becoming more online by the moment, people want to leave their home and go somewhere they can feel human. Creating a space for this is exactly how Kavahana retains a strong customer base so effectively.

Los Angeles may be losing establishments, but people are not losing the desire for connecting with others through experience. If establishments are looking to survive this period of change, they need to prioritize the experience as a whole and realize people are looking for a sense of belonging, not just a place to eat and drink.

Kavahana

306 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA Open daily from morning to late night

Tuesdays: Open Mic Night

Wednesdays: Comedy Night

Kavahana.com

Instagram: @kavahana

All-New ‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Open

Deadly pre-dawn fire in Beverly Grove under investigation

Woman hospitalized after blaze on North Crescent Heights; no

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.

An 85-year-old man died, and an elderly woman was hospitalized after an earlymorning house fire in the Beverly Grove neighborhood, according to an LAFD alert. Los Angeles Fire Department crews were dispatched at about 4:03 a.m. to a one-story single-family residence in the 800 block of North Crescent Heights Boulevard, where smoke was visible upon arrival. Firefighters forced entry by cutting through metal security bars on doors and windows using a rotary saw, LAFD Capt. Erik Scott told ABC Eyewitness News. Inside, crews encountered heavy smoke and challenging conditions. The home lacked working smoke alarms and was cluttered with belongings, factors officials said complicated firefighting efforts.

Firefighters launched an interior attack while simultaneously conducting a search of the structure and ventilating the roof to release heat and smoke. The blaze was

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

brought under control in approximately 42 minutes.

An 85-year-old woman who escaped the residence on her own was transported to a

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

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.

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.

99 Ranch Market in Westwood reopens after fatal crash killed three

All-New ‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Open

At The Santa Monica Pier, Will Celebrate Eerie Historic Past

inside the store

Grocery store resumes operations days after vehicle struck bakery section.

Operations resumed on Wednesday at the 99 Ranch Market in Westwood, nearly a week after a vehicle crashed into the store and killed three people.

The collision occurred last Friday when a 92-year-old driver drove her silver car into the bakery section of the supermarket on Westwood Boulevard near Rochester Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

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

Two store employees and one customer were pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the customer as 28-year-old Zih Dao. The employees were identified as 42-year-old Deris Renjo and 52-yearold Leonel Mateo. Several others were injured in the crash.

Police have not publicly released the name of the driver. Investigators said the crash does not appear to have been intentional and are reviewing the driver’s medical condition and driving history as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police Launch Investigation After Disturbing Vandalism Outside El Rodeo Elementary

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."

agencies, our Westwood store will reopen on Wednesday, February 11. We recognize this may be an emotional moment for many, and we will approach reopening

with care and sensitivity. We ask for continued compassion and respect for the privacy of all those affected and look forward to serving our community again.”

The “Toonerville Funhouses” were 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

Immerse yourself in a sanctuary where nature’s tranquility meets the vibrancy of city life. Urban Jungle is more than a plant store it’s a communitycentered oasis bringing a lush slice of paradise to your urban lifestyle. Here, we passionately believe in the power of plants to transform spaces and elevate well-being.

Swastika Found Near Beverly Hills Elementary School Ahead of Rosh Hashanah

In a statement, representatives of 99 Ranch Market said, “Our hearts remain with everyone affected by the tragic incident at our Westwood store: the families, loved ones, colleagues, and community members grieving this loss. We are deeply grateful for the support shown to our team during this difficult time. Our focus will remain on supporting our employees and their families, while continue to cooperate fully with authorities.”

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

“In coordination with the appropriate

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

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

Gott’s

Roadside

to open flagship Los Angeles restaurant at the Original Farmers Market

All-New ‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Open

At The Santa Monica Pier, Will Celebrate Eerie Historic Past

Napa Valley-born burger and wine destination to open on Third and Fairfax on March 6

Gott’s Roadside will debut its flagship Los Angeles restaurant March 6 at the Original Farmers Market at Third Street and Fairfax Avenue.

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

The Northern California-based roadside restaurant, founded in Napa Valley in 1999, is expanding beyond its wine country roots with the high-profile opening at one of Los Angeles’ most historic food destinations. The new location will sit adjacent to the Farmers Market West Patio and is expected to serve both locals and the millions of annual visitors who pass through the market.

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.

Brothers Joel and Duncan Gott transformed a 1949 roadside stand in St. Helena into what has become a Bay Area institution known for updated American comfort food made with locally sourced ingredients. The Los Angeles outpost reflects that same approach, pairing a modern roadside aesthetic with an indooroutdoor layout designed for communal

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

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 twists and turns.

dining. The space was designed by BCV Architecture & Interiors and built by Terra Nova Industries.

The menu, developed under owner Joel Gott and curated by Vice President of Culinary Jennifer Rebman, centers on premium ingredients sourced from regional purveyors. Beef is supplied by Cream Co. Meats, chicken by Red Bird Farms and seafood by Pacific Fresh Fish Co. Bread comes from Larder Baking Co., and produce is sourced from California growers.

"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 Park."

Burgers remain a focal point, including the Double Cheeseburger, Green Chile Burger and Kimchi Burger. Other staples include chicken tenders served plain or tossed in Zab’s Hot Honey or teriyaki sauce, and the French Dip made with house-braised beef, caramelized onions, Gruyère and horseradish cream.

Ahi Burger topped with ginger wasabi mayo and Asian slaw made with sushigrade tuna. Seasonal specials include a Lobster BLT featuring Maine lobster in lemon-herb mayo with bacon and heirloom tomatoes.

Plant-based diners can choose from an Impossible Burger, Impossible Chicken Nuggets and a Falafel Salad with quinoa, lemon tahini dressing, avocado, pickled beets and hummus. Additional vegetarian options include grilled street corn with Cotija and lime, Artichokes 2-Ways and crispy Brussels sprouts with charred jalapeño mayo.

Exclusive to the Los Angeles location will be a dedicated soft-serve window offering Strauss organic vanilla, chocolate and swirl, along with traditional toppings and dipped cones.

Seafood offerings range from Ahi Poke Crispy Tacos and Asado Fish Tacos to an

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

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

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.

The wine list highlights Napa Valley producers such as Joel Gott Wines, Rombauer, Turley, Caymus and Opus One. Draft beers will rotate among California breweries including Tarantula Hill, Beachwood and Golden Road, with bottled and nonalcoholic options from Athletic Brewing and Best Day Brewing. Low-ABV cocktails, including Margarita and Paloma spritzes made with agave wine, as well as Gott’s Frosé, round out the offerings.

Beverage selections include fountain sodas, house-made lemonades and handspun organic shakes, freezes and floats.

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.

The restaurant will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering dine-in and takeout service.

NOW ENROLLING TK - KINDERGARTEN

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

about potential suspects or motives have been released.