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arc is long. In the mid-19th century, it drew newcomers chasing California’s promise — the Gold Rush, the weather, the mythology of the West. Over time, the neighborhood evolved through many identities: home to members of the Hollywood and business elite, a more affordable enclave for middle- and working-class Angelenos, and later, a refuge for immigrants fleeing political unrest in Central America during the 1980s.
That layered past now finds expression in an unlikely form: art. What truly sets Westlake apart from the many other artsy L.A. neighborhoods is how friendly it is to up-and-coming artists of all ages and backgrounds. — a landmark that has come to embody the city’s sharpest contradictions, a place of beauty and crisis, history and neglect, that now anchors one of Los Angeles’s most contentious debates over how to address its unhoused crisis.arc is long.
In the mid-19th century, it drew newcomers chasing California’s promise — the Gold Rush, the weather, the mythology of the West. Over time, the neighborhood evolved through many identities: home to members of the Hollywood and business elite, a more affordable enclave for middle- and working-class Angelenos, and later, a refuge for immigrants fleeing political unrest in Central America during the 1980s.
But what truly sets Westlake apart from the many other artsy L.A. neighborhoods is how friendly it is to up-and-coming artists of all ages and backgrounds. Admittingly, that that ecosystem is fragile: Astralab, a cultural hub serving Southwest Asian and North African diaspora communities, wasWith Astralab’s loss, it becomes even more important to highlight four other institutions anchoring it, each operating on the conviction that creative life should be available to artists of every age and background, not just those who can afford a trendy address.
There is no shortage of Mexican artistry represented throughout the City of Angels, and few places offer a stronger starting point than the Mexican Center for Culture & Cinematic Arts. Located within the Consulado General de México en Los Ángeles , the venue showcases a wide range of work by Mexican and Mexican American artists, as well as creators whose work explores Mexican culture more broadly.
With both a gallery and theater space, the Mexican Center hosts art exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, conferences and cultural programming throughout the year, serving as a bridge between artistic expression and community identity. Founded in 2010, Art Division was created by Dan McCleary, who recognized a critical gap in arts education for young adults over the age of 17.
This nonprofit is dedicated to supporting aspiring artists ages 18 to 27 — particularly those from underserved communities — as they continue developing their craft beyond high school. Art Division’s campus includes a library of more than 10,000 books, studios for multidisciplinary workshops, a printmaking studio — where students learn linoleum and woodblock techniques — and a gallery space that hosts exhibitions throughout the year.
For younger artists looking to develop their skills, Heart of Los Angeles has served children in grades K-12 since 1989 with programming that spans academics, athletics, music and visual arts. HOLA has partnered with respected institutions such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Eisner Foundation and the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, offering students access to high-quality musical instruction and mentorship.
For visual artists, the organization provides classes, public artist residencies, exhibitions, field trips and additional creative opportunities that nurture both artistic growth and personal development, including classes, public artist residencies, field trips, exhibitions and more.hosts its groundbreaking productions in both English and Spanish, all of which shine a spotlight on stories and voices from Latin America. Beyond its performances, the theater functions as both an incubator for rising talent and an educational platform for young creatives seeking a welcoming environment to explore storytelling and performance.
Programming includes the annual 10-Minute Play Festival , the Staged Reading Series and on-site workshops that foster artistic development across generations. Taco Madness, UCLA's spring game, a critically acclaimed revival of a classic play and more of the best things to do this weekend. Get a taste of L.A.
's best tacos from favorites like Taqueria Frontera, Tire Shop Taqueria, Evil Cooks, LaSorted's and many more at Taco Madness 2026takes a deep look at race, power and betrayal during apartheid. The Geffen Playhouse's revival got a rave from the L.A. Times.game and more a preview of the upcoming fall football season under new head coach Bob Chesney.
The free day includes a Cinco de Mayo Marketplace featuring handmade jewelry, clothing, music and local resources, plus lots of food and drink options. I spent the weekend in my other favorite LA — Louisiana, that is, at the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Seeing Stevie Nicks in the rain and the Pine Leaf Boys in the sun was worth the trip.
But the jazz love doesn’t have to end now that I’m back home, because the first annual Santa Monica Jazz Festival kicks off this Friday at venues around the Westside . If you’re not festivaled-out yet post-Coachella/Stagecoach/Jazzfest/wherever you got to in the past few weeks, BeachLife takes over Redondo Beach all weekend long. Headliners are Duran Duran, The Chainsmokers, James Taylor and The Offspring.
Beyond that,has more music picks, including Health at the Hollywood Palladium and Helloween with Beast In Black bringing the darkness to the YouTube Theater on Friday.in its entirety at the Lodge Room, Pup with Illuminati Hotties will be at Pomona’s Glass House and Shoreline Mafia plays Ontario’s Toyota Arena. Also on Sunday, L.A. club impresarios and drag pioneers the Boulet Brothers will bring their Dragula to the Fonda. Get a taste of L.A.
's best tacos from favorites like Taqueria Frontera, Tire Shop Taqueria, Evil Cooks, LaSorted's and many more — so come hungry and support our fellow non-profit media friends at L.A. TACO. There’s also craft beer from Boomtown Brewery and DJ sets from Slow Jamz, Ambiente Central, Camilo Lara , Spiñorita, El Marchante and Sonrisita.
Comedian Irene Tu takes the stage for two shows at the intimate Hotel Cafe — one is a taping for a TV special, the other a late show. Tu’s relaxed comedy style often goes viral in social media clips; her stories focus on everyday life and her experiences as a lesbian Asian American woman.
Tu was featured as one of Vulture's"Comedians You Should and Will Know,” and will also perform during the upcoming Netflix Is a Joke festival as part of the"Asian Nation" show hosted by Margaret Cho.game and more a preview of the upcoming fall football season under new head coach Bob Chesney. The free day includes a Cinco de Mayo Marketplace featuring handmade jewelry, clothing and local resources, plus lots of food and drink options.
There’s also a boxing tournament in the Court of Champions and live music. The '80s come alive at this immersive music experience at the new CineVita theater at Hollywood Park. The mirror-lined Spiegeltent brings the action to you, with jams from your favorite classic teen movies likeSouth African playwright Athol Fugard’s now-classic 1982 play takes a deep look at race, power and betrayal during apartheid. The Geffen’s revival got a rave from the L.A.
Times, where Charles McNultywill want to book in for this latest collaboration between the show’s masterminds Katey Sagal and Kurt Sutter. Khorus Harmonia is a 66-minute-long choral concert that Sagal conceived following the L.A. fires to build community. The result is an event that combines artists and instrumentalists performing music from favorites like Bon Iver and U2, with choral arrangement and direction by Steven Argila.
All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights & the Wounded Warrior Project. British barbecue expert and cookbook author Genevieve Taylor pays a visit to San Juan Capistrano’s Heritage Barbecue to celebrate the release of her newest book,. The evening will feature a five-course menu prepared by Taylor using recipes from the book, including dishes like maple-cured cold-smoked bass crudo with lime and tequila dressing, smoked honey carrots, ribeye tagliata parmesan and more.
Avid walkers and hikers in L.A. have been charmed many times over by the peaceful labyrinths amid the hiking trails and gardens in our fair city. Discover new ones and celebrate the world of meditative walking on World Labyrinth Day.
The annual event includes time slots at the Peace Awareness Labyrinth in West Adams , as well as many others marked throughout the region onAfter April 30, your card will no longer work anywhere, and you will no longer have access to this money. Thursday at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline to use debit cards issued in 2022 for the Middle Class Tax Refund in California.
Billions of dollars in public funds were given to help people with rising prices for gas and groceries, but hundreds of millions of dollars remain unclaimed. The program allocated anywhere from $200 to just over $1,000 to help taxpayers with economic relief. You were eligible if youSome amounts were sent through bank direct deposit, others through debit cards. But many debit cards haven’t been used or have funds remaining.
It has the bear from the California flag printed on it, as well as the Seal of California and the phrase Middle Class Tax Refund above the Visa logo. If you were eligible, you can check if you have any money left in the refund and hear options for how to use it if you can’t find your card. The automated customer service number is 240-0223.
Thursday at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline to use debit cards issued in 2022 for the Middle Class Tax Refund in California. Billions of dollars in public funds were given to help people with rising prices for gas and groceries, but hundreds of millions of dollars remain unclaimed. The program allocated anywhere from $200 to just over $1,000 to help taxpayers with economic relief. You were eligible if youSome amounts were sent through bank direct deposit, others through debit cards.
But many debit cards haven’t been used or have funds remaining. It has the bear from the California flag printed on it, as well as the Seal of California and the phrase Middle Class Tax Refund above the Visa logo. If you were eligible, you can check if you have any money left in the refund and hear options for how to use it if you can’t find your card. The automated customer service number is 240-0223.
Sacramento set aside billions of dollars in 2022 from a surplus to help taxpayers as the cost of gas and groceries rose. If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.
While gluten-free goods might have started trending in the last few years, locating bakeries that offer gluten-free items is still a painfully arduous process — but it needn’t be. Residents with dietary restrictions can indulge their dormant sweet tooths at one of these GF-centric bakeries across town.. Despite this growth, consumers often complain that most restaurants still have a limited gluten-free offerings available, which makes life especially challenging for Angelenos with health conditions and dietary restrictions.
Modern day bakers are shaking things up with the introduction of new gluten-free options developed through unique proprietary processes, such as sourdough-style and 100% natural levain bakery goods, creating a new market for underrepresented, hungry diners. That's a lot of would-be buyers looking for gluten-free sanctuaries, especially bakeries. But finding stomach-safe eateries still poses a significant challenge — I say this as a gluten-free person who is rarely ever able to eat once I leave my apartment.
Even trying to find recommendations onBut never fear, friends: in honor of all the kindred souls out there with dietary woes, I’ve rounded up my favorite bakeries in the city that cater to the gluten-free crowd. So kick back, grab a coffee and prepare to rejoice in the magic of a well-made baked good. Chances are no matter what time of day it is you’ll find a small crowd of people jonesing outside— and for good reason.
The spot was founded four years ago by pastry chefs Anthony Nigro and Thomas Velasquez, who wanted to take their extensive experience working at places like Rockenwagner and Farmshop and set up their own neighborhood bakery. They’ve now developed a loyal following, not just for their conventional offerings, but also — hurrah — a strong selection of gluten-free baked goods.
Choose from a variety of tantalizing options including the cutest gluten-free “Happy Tarts” you’ve ever laid eyes on, cakes, cookies, bagels, pre-made mixes and even pizza dough. Everything is incredible — I don’t think I’ve ever had a gluten-free pop tart before — but be sure to get the chocolate chip cookies no matter what you do as they are simply far too heavenly to be missed out on.
WOW Bakes is technically a cottage based bakery, so there’s no physical storefront, but guests can place orders for local pickup via their website. You can also contact Sharon to inquire about arranging delivery via Uber courier for customers in Santa Monica as well. Delivery requires a minimum order of $50.
Overfield whips up her creations on a daily basis from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. WOW Bakes ships Monday through Wednesday depending on 1-2 day shipping.takes that dream and manifests it into a delicious, sweet reality with her Larchmont Village bakery. Founded in 2005 by a desire to “create more than just a bakery,” Erin viewed her bakery as the start of “a movement — a delicious rebellion against the notion that 'free-from' meant free from flavor.
” Everything in the bakery is gluten free , so you don’t have to worry about rifling through a menu or pastry cases looking for safe bets. Another sweet bonus? McKenna’s bakery tailors their recipes to offer vegan, gluten-free and kosher “treats for everyone” with allergen information easily available on the site.
“We're here for the health-conscious, the allergy-aware, and especially for those kids who rarely get to indulge,” McKenna says on her website. Choose from a litany of options including a Chocolate Lover's cake, Ultimate Confetti Birthday Cake, Strawberry Shortcake Cake, a “Custom Selfie Cake” where you can upload your own artwork, a Dulce De Leche cake and perhaps the most stunning GF cake I’ve ever seen, the Rose & Macaron Cascade Cake.
While Sweet E’s began as a storefront, COVID pushed the business to pivot to its current status of pickup orders only. Nationwide shipping is also available on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays via UPS two-day turnaround time. Pick up at 14845 Oxnard St, Van Nuys. Delivery is available for addresses 25 miles from the bakery; call the bakery to arrange.
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; on Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.is a small, unassuming family-owned bakery that specializes in vegan goods of all shapes and sizes. It also offers a distinct pastry case of gluten-free offerings, separate from all the other goods to minimize contamination.
If you have yet to try the warm, opulent bliss that is eating a manoush out of the oven, get your shoes on and head over to Echo Park’s. What once began as a food blog helmed by CEO Anita Khalek has since blossomed into an established sit-down eatery that caters to many types of dietary restrictions.
“A blog was not enough,” Khalek writes on her site. “My own personal experience with my health had taught me that. It was hard enough to survive without a diagnosis, but there was no reason why it should be difficult for someone with any type of dietary ailment to not be treated to quality foods and quality meals dining out. ” Everything here is organic, non-GMO, soy-Free and gluten-free.
A variety of manoush is offered daily, available in both meat-free and more meat-centric options, as well as brunch items like pancakes with pistachios and garlic cheese bread with a garlic herb oil. Nearly two years after California voters approved billions of dollars in bond money to repair aging schools, demand has outstripped the available funds.
With Proposition 2 funding out of reach for the vast majority of school projects that aren’t already underway, this year’s midterm elections offer districts another chance to seek support from local voters. But some advocates say the state’s school facilities funding formula needs to be overhauled entirely. The 2024 passage of Proposition 2 authorized the sale of $10 billion in bonds to be paid back — with interest — from the state’s general fund.
California will pay about $500 million a year for 35 years to settle the debt,. The majority of the money is dedicated to K-12 school repairs and new construction and $1.5 billion for community college. As of April 29, 2026, the board has allocated $1.3 billion for 325 different modernization and new construction projects — that’s 15% of the total value of Proposition 2 designated for K-12 schools.
There are hundreds of projects in the queue for funding once it becomes available from bond sales. Nearly two years after California voters approved billions of dollars in bond money to repair aging schools, demand has outstripped the available funds.
In fact, by the time voters went to the polls on Election Day 2024 to cast a ballot on Proposition 2, schools had already submitted enough project applications to max out the proceeds dedicated for K-12 school modernization in that $10 billion bond.
“The backlog of need is so high that… districts that are applying now are gonna have to wait for some future bond measure,” said Sara Hinkley, who studies facilities funding at UC Berkeley’s With Proposition 2 funding out of reach for the vast majority of school projects that aren’t already underway, this year’s midterm elections offer districts another chance to seek support from local voters. But some advocates say the state’s school facilities funding formula needs to be overhauled entirely.
So when districts need to fix a leaky roof, replace AC units, upgrade aging portable classrooms or swap asphalt with green space, they often rely on voters to approve new funding through statewide and local ballot measures. The passage of Proposition 2 authorized the sale of $10 billion in bonds to be paid back — with interest — from the state’s general fund.
California will pay about $500 million a year for 35 years to settle the debt,$600 million for facilities related to career and technical education Another thing Proposition 2 did was carve out pots of money for schools with fewer than 2,500 students, using up to 10% of the modernization fund and new construction fund — that's $730 million in total. The money from Proposition 2 is distributed to school districts throughout the state in matching grants, meaning districts still bear a portion of the project cost.
To do this, school districts often ask voters to approve local bonds to raise money for renovations and new construction. The debt is paid back through property tax increases for a set period of time. After the election, there are multiple steps before money from Proposition 2 can make its way to school construction and modernization projects.
First, California’s governor and legislature decide how many bonds will be sold each year to generate the money for school repairs and construction. Bringing projects to their bond oversight committee and the school board for approval Once those agencies approve a project’s plans, a district can submit an application for funding to another state agency called the Office of Public School Construction for another round of review.
Then the State Allocation Board, which is made up of state employees, California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction and lawmakers, votes to fund the projects. As of April 29, 2026, the board has allocated $1.3 billion for 325 different modernization and new construction projects — that’s 15% of the total value of Proposition 2 designated for K-12 schools. Many of the schools waited years for funding; the majority submitted their applications in 2022 and several date to 2021.
Hinkley, with UC Berkeley, said it’s likely many of these projects were already completed and the districts will now be reimbursed, but that’s not the case with every district.
“If you can't afford to build it without state funds, obviously you're just sitting and waiting,” Hinkley said. A select number of projects labeled “facility hardship” move through the pipeline faster than others. These projects are often related to natural disasters such as wildfires or seismic retrofits. The board can also take action to move additional projects through the funding pipeline.
For example, as of March, there are 298 projects worth about $1.1 billion that have been board-approved, but have not yet been funded. The board's agenda is also a window into the unmet need for school modernization funding because it includes a list of applications for projects that exceed the funding expected to be available through Proposition 2.includes 522 modernization projects worth $1.8 billion.
The first application on this list was submitted Oct. 30, 2024, less than a week before the 2024 election.
“We don't have authority to even review applications that have come in when we don't have funding authorized for them,” said Rebecca Kirk, executive officer for the Office of Public School Construction and the State Allocation Board. “And so we just place them on a list. ”Not every district gets the same amount of funding to fix up their schools, nor is the money distributed based on need.
Instead, research shows the existing facilities funding system That’s because proceeds from state bonds are distributed as matching grants — the amount of funding is limited by how much districts can first raise themselves and that, in turn, is limited by the property value in their district and voters' willingness to approve additional taxes on that property. Brenda Rivera is an alumna of Lynwood Unified and now a teacher and parent in the district.
She said one ongoing challenge is the district’s aging roofs and the rain.. Rivera said she’s seen improvements including new paint and air-conditioning units, but that she still notices the disparities between her school and those in wealthier communities.
“I hope that we're able to even out the playing field,” Rivera said. “That our schools are something that people wanna attend. ” Public Advocates, the nonprofit firm behind the suit, is seeking to stop additional modernization funding from being distributed until the case is resolved and filed a motion in March requesting a preliminary injunction.
Alicia Virani, a senior staff attorney with the firm, said the goal is to change how the money from the current bond is distributed, not wait until a future ballot measure is passed.
“Our concern was that the low wealth districts that are facing asbestos in every classroom that are facing leaks, that are dealing with toxic mold, that they would have to wait another 10 years for any money to be distributed equitably,” Virani said. The largest local bond in the state was Los Angeles Unified’s $9 billion Measure US.
The district’s head of facilities broke down the spending plan for the measure in a presentation to the committee that oversees bond spending Approximately $7.8 billion is designated for facilities, including school modernization, cafeteria upgrades and updates to early education centers. The remaining $1.2 billion is set aside for information technology upgrades, school buses and oversight. Independent, annual performance audits of bond-funded projects and spending Representatives of the business community, taxpayers, and parents.
School district employees, vendors, contractors, and consultants cannot be appointed. Search for your district’s bond oversight committee website to see upcoming agendas, summaries of past meetings, audits and other information about how the district has spent bond funding. You can also ask your school district if they have a facilities master plan. This document is typically created with community input, over the course of months or years, to plan renovation and construction projects.
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