Latest News from West La Times

UCLA study reveals hidden pockets of biodiversity across Los Angeles

By West LA Times | May 29, 2024

UCLA biologists have presented mixed findings regarding urban wildlife in Los Angeles. While unexpected pockets of biodiversity exist within the city, increasing overall biodiversity remains a challenge. Of all major taxonomic groups studied, only snails and slugs are commonly found, likely due to abundant landscaping and irrigation.

Research reveals how sense of touch aids precise hovering in hummingbirds

By West LA Times | May 29, 2024

Hummingbirds, known for their ability to hover near flowers with precision, have been the subject of extensive research concerning their flight mechanics. However, less is understood about how their sense of touch aids them in sipping nectar without colliding with flowers. While most studies on touch processing in the brain focus on mammals, bird brains differ significantly from mammal brains.

UCLA 'Democracy Workshops' foster student voter education ahead of November election

By West LA Times | May 28, 2024

A recent "Democracy Workshop," part of a series organized by BruinsVote and UCLA Campus Life, aimed to help students become more informed and active participants in elections. The event was an interactive, in-person version of online voter guides developed in collaboration with nonprofit newsroom LAist.

4.6% of Los Angeles County students played sports on collegiate teams in 2022

By West LA Times | May 27, 2024

Los Angeles County universities had 4.6% of its student body playing sports on collegiate teams in 2022.

Los Angeles County home sales in week ending May 18

By West LA Times | May 25, 2024

There were 54 reported residential sales in Los Angeles County in the week ending May 18, according to BlockShopper.com.

New study reveals extensive gene-isoform diversity in developing human brain

By West LA Times | May 23, 2024

Researchers at UCLA and the University of Pennsylvania have created a comprehensive catalog of gene-isoform variation in the developing human brain. This dataset provides significant insights into the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, potentially paving the way for targeted therapies.

Women drive majority viewership for top streaming films

By West LA Times | May 23, 2024

Women and people of color were the primary viewers for nine of the top 10 streaming films of 2023, according to the Hollywood Diversity Report. Households of color were also overrepresented among viewers for these films. The report highlights that while women and people of color find more opportunities in streaming than in theatrical productions, they still face limited resources compared to white male directors who helm high-budget projects.

Expansión exitosa del programa nocturno Parks After Dark mejora seguridad comunitaria

By West LA Times | May 22, 2024

El programa Parks After Dark del condado de Los Ángeles, que ofrece un espacio seguro y gratuito para la recreación nocturna, ha mostrado resultados positivos en términos de seguridad y bienestar comunitario. Según un informe del UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, el 96% de los encuestados sienten que el programa proporciona un sentido de pertenencia, y el 94% indicó que les ayudó a conocer mejor a sus vecinos.

UCLA's major role in Getty's PST ART highlights art-science intersection

By West LA Times | May 22, 2024

UCLA artists, research centers, and public arts programs are making significant contributions to the Getty’s initiative PST ART, previously known as Pacific Standard Time. This year's event is themed “Art & Science Collide” and will engage audiences throughout Southern California. Supported by nearly $20 million in grants from the Getty, more than 60 exhibitions and a wide array of programs will address topics such as climate change, Indigenous knowledge, artificial intelligence, and eco-acoustic art.

Los Angeles expands nighttime recreation program showing significant success

By West LA Times | May 22, 2024

A survey of attendees in 2023 found that 93% felt safe at Parks After Dark. Of attendees who did not meet the recommended activity guidelines for their age, 76% participated in at least one exercise or sports program at Parks After Dark. The vast majority of those surveyed expressed high levels of satisfaction, with 97% saying they would attend again.

From LA Harbor News

Rep. Waters votes to count illegal aliens towards seats in Congress

By LA Harbor News | 7 months ago

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) was joined by 201 other House Democrats in unanimously voting against the Equal Representation Act, which would prevent the inclusion of illegal aliens in the count for seats in the Electoral College.

Rep. Lieu votes to count illegal aliens towards seats in Congress

By West LA Times | May 21, 2024

U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) was joined by 201 other House Democrats in unanimously voting against the Equal Representation Act, which would prevent the inclusion of illegal aliens in the count for seats in the Electoral College.

Berry Gordy donates $5 million to establish music industry center at UCLA

By West LA Times | May 21, 2024

Berry Gordy, founder of the Motown record label, has pledged $5 million to establish the UCLA Berry Gordy Music Industry Center. The new center will launch in the 2024–25 academic year and aims to position the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s new music industry degree program as a national leader.

UCLA's Luskin Center partners with NOAA to establish heat resilience hub

By West LA Times | May 20, 2024

The Luskin Center for Innovation at UCLA will serve as a founding partner of the Center of Excellence for Heat Resilient Communities, a knowledge-sharing hub designed to identify and evaluate policies, protocols, and lessons for heat resilience. The center, which is funded by a $2.25 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will concentrate on strategies for local, data-driven heat mitigation and management in disadvantaged communities.

Which former West LA Times area high school standouts will be in action in the week starting Mon May 20?

By West LA Times | May 19, 2024

These former West LA Times area high school standouts will be in action in the week starting Mon May 20.

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West LA Times area weekly mass times

By West LA Times | May 18, 2024

The following parishes in the West LA Times coverage area hold weekly mass at these designated times.

Weekly recap, week ending May 11 home sales in Los Angeles County

By West LA Times | May 18, 2024

There were 53 reported residential sales in Los Angeles County in the week ending May 11, according to BlockShopper.com.

7% of citizens unemployed in Los Angeles County in 2021

By West LA Times | May 17, 2024

The unemployment rate in Los Angeles County hit 7% among residents aged 16 and 65 years old in 2021.

UCLA team uses Grand Theft Auto to envision Los Angeles in 2050

By West LA Times | May 16, 2024

In the year 2050, the Los Angeles River meanders peacefully, glistening under the sun's rays as the murmur of freeway traffic intertwines with the serene surroundings. On its banks, teenagers Kerstin and Yolanda form a pact to locate a missing electronic toy. Their mission and friendship are tested by their contrasting socioeconomic backgrounds.