The founder of Culver City-based Home At Last pleaded not guilty Thursday to a federal fraud charge after prosecutors accused him of using homeless housing funds for luxury vacations, vintage car restorations, and an Inglewood nightclub. Prosecutors say Michael Young diverted more than $7.5 million through fake vendors he controlled. His trial is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 7. westsidecurrent.com/court/no…

A Los Angeles father and son are accused of using free flights and other incentives to recruit vulnerable patients nationwide, billing private insurers for sham treatment and, prosecutors say, placing some people in “trap houses” when their coverage was not enough. The federal case puts a new spotlight on a system Westside neighborhoods have been watching for years. westsidecurrent.com/out-of-s…

Westchester is on alert after a man allegedly entered a backyard and peered into an ADU window. LAPD released images of the man and vehicle, urging residents to stay vigilant and call 911 if they see someone matching the description. westsidecurrent.com/westches…

Santa Monica police said a sidewalk obstruction arrest near Pico Boulevard led officers to recover approximately 12 knives, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. westsidecurrent.com/santa_mo…

After Los Angeles firefighters pulled the cat from the smoke-filled vehicle Sunday, a sheriff’s deputy found the animal unresponsive and requested oxygen before beginning first aid. westsidecurrent.com/marina_d…

California’s November ballot is packed — and we broke down what a yes or no vote means for every measure. westsidecurrent.com/election…

“I get here at eight in the morning, five days a week to make sure I am the first in line because this is my meal of the day,” Sharon Boaz told the Westside Current. At JFSLA’s meal site, a hot lunch can mean arriving hours early — and still being turned away when meals run out. As meal programs already face this strain, LA County officials warn a proposed state funding formula could mean nearly 396,000 fewer senior meals a year. westsidecurrent.com/news/wat…

Students at four Malibu public schools are set to return to class Monday. Malibu High, Malibu Middle, Malibu Elementary and Webster Elementary will reopen Oct. 19, with regular bus service resuming. The Bryson Fire was 68% contained Sunday morning, with evacuation orders and warnings lifted while advisories remain in two zones. westsidecurrent.com/malibu/m…

Santa Monica police are investigating the city’s third suspected murder-suicide of 2026 after a married couple was found dead during a welfare check in a Fourth Street home. The deaths add to a string of similar cases reported across the Westside this year. westsidecurrent.com/santa_mo…

Chef Brian Bornemann, the chef behind Crudo e Nudo, is opening Bar Fortuna on Main Street — an Italian neighborhood bar centered on handmade pasta, in-house butchery, a deep wine list and cocktails served in antique glassware. The former Vamos Vamos space is set to open Oct. 21. westsidecurrent.com/santa_mo…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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