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West LA Times

Sunday, December 22, 2024

News from April 2024

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Mutations in noncoding DNA Linked to Cancer Pathways and Patient Survival, UCLA Study Finds

By West LA Times | Apr 18, 2024

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has revealed a significant connection between mutations in noncoding DNA and genes associated with cancer pathways, as well as their impact on cancer patient survival.According to corresponding author Xinshu “Grace” Xiao, a UCLA professor of integrative biology and physiology, the research aimed to address the challenge of understanding the functions of mutations in noncoding regions. Xiao explained, “Predicting the outcomes of mutations in protein-coding regions is...

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Los Angeles County Residents' Quality of Life Hits Record Low Due to High Cost of Living, UCLA Survey Shows

By West LA Times | Apr 17, 2024

Los Angeles County residents are experiencing a record-low level of satisfaction with their quality of life, largely due to concerns over the high cost of living. The annual UCLA survey revealed that worries about affordability have pushed the overall rating down to 53, marking the second time in three years that it has fallen below the survey's midpoint of 55.Zev Yaroslavsky, director of the study at UCLA, highlighted the impact of rising housing costs on renters, who are feeling particularly pessimistic about their futures. Yaroslavsky noted, "Housing costs have gone...

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Santa Monica

By West LA Times | Apr 17, 2024

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the city of Santa Monica is hosting a series of events and activities to highlight mental and behavioral health issues. The city invites the community to participate in these events aimed at increasing understanding and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. According to the City of Santa Monica, "Join the city of Santa Monica for a series of community events and activities highlighting mental and behavioral health throughout the month of May."In light of the importance of mental health, the city is also recognizing Asian...

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Supportive housing program for Californians experiencing homelessness shows promise

By West LA Times | Apr 17, 2024

A recent evaluation conducted by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research has revealed the positive impact of the Housing for a Healthy California program on individuals experiencing homelessness in the state. The program, which provided permanent housing to 230 individuals from January 2021 to December 2022, aimed to support those who had been without stable housing for over a year.One key aspect of the program was the provision of supportive services tailored to each participant's needs. According to the evaluation, participants received assistance such as linking to...

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Sean Astin to deliver UCLA College commencement address

By West LA Times | Apr 16, 2024

Actor, advocate and UCLA alumnus Sean Astin will deliver the keynote address at all three 2024 UCLA College commencement ceremonies, which are scheduled for 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14, in Pauley Pavilion.“I’m thrilled to be returning to Westwood to speak to the class of 2024,” Astin said. “Graduating from UCLA was an incredibly proud moment in my life. I’m excited to celebrate alongside my fellow Bruins and offer some words of encouragement and inspiration as they begin their post-college journey.”Astin, who transferred to UCLA from Los Angeles Valley...

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Advance in immune cell screening uncovers receptors that target prostate cancer

By West LA Times | Apr 15, 2024

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in immune cell screening that could have significant implications for targeting prostate cancer. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showcase a new method for screening T cells, a crucial component of the body's immune system, to identify receptors that are essential for effective cell-based treatments.Through this innovative screening process, the researchers identified three previously unknown...

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Analysis: Los Angeles County effective property tax rates were lower than the national average in Q1

By West LA Times | Apr 14, 2024

Property owners in Los Angeles County paid 0.6% of the value of their homes in property taxes in the first quarter of 2024, which is less than 0.5 times the national average, according to the real estate analysis posted by West LA Times.

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Which former West LA Times area high school standouts will be in action in the week starting Mon April 15?

By West LA Times | Apr 14, 2024

These former West LA Times area high school standouts will be in action in the week starting Mon April 15.

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Los Angeles County home sales during week ending April 6

By West LA Times | Apr 13, 2024

There were 48 reported residential sales in Los Angeles County in the week ending April 6, according to BlockShopper.com.

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West LA Times area weekly mass times

By West LA Times | Apr 13, 2024

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

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UCLA Medical Center ranked among top 50 'Best Hospitals for Cancer'

By West LA Times | Apr 12, 2024

UCLA Medical Center is ranked fourth in the U.S. for cancer treatment.

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U7+ Alliance of World Universities urge G7 to increase access to higher education

By West LA Times | Apr 12, 2024

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and Vice Provost Cindy Fan recently participated in the U7+ Alliance of World Universities meeting in Milan, Italy. The alliance, consisting of over 80 university leaders from 18 countries, adopted the 2024 U7+ Statement on Global Access to Higher Education.According to the U7+ Alliance of World Universities, the statement encourages the G7 to collaborate with the alliance to develop high-quality, inclusive education systems from primary through higher education. It also calls for support in investment in higher education in low- and...

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Organized Retail Theft Suspects Arrested Following Ulta Beauty Store Burglary

By West LA Times | Apr 12, 2024

Santa Monica, CA - Authorities in Santa Monica have made significant progress in the case of the Ulta Beauty store burglary that occurred on March 23, 2024. Following an intense investigation, suspects have been apprehended.According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the suspects involved in the organized retail theft were tracked to a location in South Los Angeles. Subsequently, on April 11, 2024, a joint operation between SMPD detectives and the LAPD Organized Retail Crime Task Force led to the arrest of three individuals associated with the burglary.The...

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Arts & Literacy Festival Brings Community Together in Santa Monica

By West LA Times | Apr 11, 2024

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 11, 2024) — The city of Santa Monica, in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, is gearing up to host the 10th annual Arts & Literacy Festival on Saturday, April 27, at Virginia Avenue Park. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is open to all families and is free to attend.This year's festival carries the theme "The robots are here," and will showcase a variety of activities and games organized by over 30 community organizations. These activities align with the Santa Monica Cradle to Career Building Blocks...

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Degrees: EPA in the courts and on “forever chemicals” in drinking water

By West LA Times | Apr 11, 2024

Apr 11 2024From vehicle emissions to PFAS, it’s a busy week for EPA watchers. UCLA experts weigh in below.On Tuesday, a federal appellate court in Washington, D.C., upheld California's authority to regulate vehicle emissions more strictly than the federal government. Ann Carlson, UCLA environmental law professor and former acting administrator of NHTSA, expressed her satisfaction with the decision in Ohio v. Environmental Protection Agency, emphasizing the significance of California's role in combating air pollution and climate change: "California’s authority to...

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Addressing Homelessness: Affordable and permanent supportive housing moves forward at city-owned site

By West LA Times | Apr 11, 2024

The City Council Tuesday took another step forward in bringing more than 120 affordable apartments, including 50 with supportive services, to the city-owned site on 4th Street.Mayor Phil Brock expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Moving forward in bringing affordable and permanent supportive housing to city-owned land is a key step in our strategy to fulfill our Housing Element requirements. I look forward to the next steps and ultimately seeing families move into these new homes and thrive.”The development was made possible by $2 million secured by Rep....

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Advance in light-based computing shows capabilities for future smart cameras

By West LA Times | Apr 11, 2024

Researchers at the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA have made a significant breakthrough in optical computing technology that could revolutionize the field of visual information processing. The team has developed a transparent device that operates under low-power ambient light, offering nonlinear operation essential for processing visual information efficiently.In a study published in Nature Communications, Aydogan Ozcan, the Volgenau Professor of Engineering Innovation at UCLA, expressed the significance of this advancement, stating, “Optical nonlinearities are...

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Sustainable & Connected: Big Blue Bus Announces Public Hearings for Proposed Five-Year Service Plan

By West LA Times | Apr 11, 2024

The city of Santa Monica is gearing up to discuss proposed service changes to the Big Blue Bus over the next five years. An initiative known as Brighter Blue aims to address evolving rider needs and travel behavior post-pandemic, with a focus on sustainability and connectivity within the community.Director of Transportation Anuj Gupta highlighted the importance of community input in shaping the future of Big Blue Bus services, stating, “We are advancing our engagement process to ensure that future Big Blue Bus service aligns with community needs, promotes greater access...

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UCLA Receives $5 Million Grant to Align Neuroscience and Societal Needs

By West LA Times | Apr 10, 2024

UCLA and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science have secured a $5 million grant to establish a multidisciplinary research center focused on leveraging neuroscience for the benefit of society. The institutions are matching the grant funding to kickstart the initiative.The partnership, supported by the Dana Foundation, is aimed at maximizing the potential of neuroscience for public good. The collaborative effort will bring together experts from various fields such as neuroscience, social sciences, education, policy, and the humanities to collaborate with local...

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Santa Monica Lifeguard Threatened, PCH Briefly Closed During Arrest

By West LA Times | Apr 9, 2024

On April 8, 2024, at approximately 11:00 am, a concerning incident unfolded in Santa Monica when a lifeguard was threatened with a metallic rod, leading to a dramatic sequence of events. The suspect involved in the incident was identified as Michael Vincent Parrett, a 38-year-old homeless male.According to reports, Parrett jumped from the roof of Lifeguard Tower 12 and aggressively approached the lifeguard with the rod, making threatening gestures. Fortunately, the lifeguard managed to evade the attacks and remained unharmed.Following the initial confrontation, Santa...