Rachael Gaudiosi & The Westside Current
ENCAMPMENTS AND DRUG TRADE FUEL COSTLY DESTRUCTION OF LOS ANGELES PARKS
Public parks in Los Angeles were once places for families, children, and community gatherings—now, many are overrun by crime, drug use, and encampments. Residents, even unhoused residents themselves, say they no longer feel safe. Once-thriving green spaces have become dangerous and unwelcoming. Despite some efforts to address the crisis,
Public parks in Los Angeles were once places for families, children, and community gatherings—now, many are overrun by crime, drug use, and encampments. Residents, even unhoused residents themselves, say they no longer feel safe. Once-thriving green spaces have become dangerous and unwelcoming. Despite some efforts to address the crisis, many parks remain plagued by homelessness, addiction, and safety concerns.
In the spring of 2024, I joined The Westside Current as aN investigative reporter.
Since, I have tacked stories involving the issues the senior, unhoused, and residential communities of Los Angeles City must face on the daily.
Follow alongside The Westside Current and myself as we continue to uncover injustice and hidden stories across Los Angeles County.
YOU VOTED FOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS -LA USED THE $140 MILLION TO MANAGE ENCAMPMENTS INSTEAD
YOU VOTED FOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS -LA USED THE $140 MILLION TO MANAGE ENCAMPMENTS INSTEAD
Los Angeles spends tens of millions of dollars each year to maintain its parks—but much of that money isn’t going toward playgrounds, landscaping, or community programs. With security bills topping $20,000 a month and millions spent on encampment cleanups, LA’s parks budget is being drained—leaving little for long-promised upgrades or community use.
More Calls, Longer Waits: L.A. Residents Report Alarming Delays in 911
L.A. residents report hold times of over an hour — even in life-threatening emergencies. From heart attacks to home invasions, help is arriving too late or not at all.
The Westside Current has been investigating 911 delays for months — and the city says it still can't locate the data.
Ambulance Rides in L.A. Could Cost Hundreds More By Next Year
If passed by the City Council, both Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support emergency ambulance flat fees would increase by more than $200. On top of this, mileage fees are expected to rise by nearly 50%, going from $20 to $29 per mile.
PCH: A Century of Fire, Flood and Failure Along California’s Most Iconic Highway
Angelenos are feeling the impact of the Pacific Coast Highway closure— but there’s a long history of this iconic coastal route experiencing major disruptions. From mudslides to rockfalls, the PCH has weathered more than a few bumps. Check out our latest piece exploring the turbulent past of the highway that connects— and sometimes divides —the Westside.
Recreation & Parks Set to Quietly Hit Court Circuit in July Over New Alleged ADA Violations
After years of costly ADA-related settlements, the City of Los Angeles is heading back to federal court — this time over inaccessible public parks. A class-action lawsuit filed by Disability Rights Advocates alleges the City failed to make newly built and renovated park facilities accessible to people with mobility disabilities.
The trial won’t seek money for plaintiffs — but it is calling for costly ADA upgrades across city parks.
LA Lawsuit Settlements Surging Past $500 Million, With Taxpayers Footing the Bill
Since 2023, the City of Los Angeles has paid over $525 million in liability claims, with settlements expected to rise by the end of June. Who's footing the bill? Angelenos.
BREAKING: City Budget Committee Moves to Save Nearly 1,000 Jobs from Layoffs
BREAKING: Nearly 1,000 city jobs could be saved under the City's Budget and Finance Committee's new proposed budget. The new plan aims to restore critical services currently proposed by the Mayor to be reduced or cut.
New Budget Maneuver Might Put Brakes on RV Towing, Encampment Clearing
If it isn’t broke, why fix it? Under the proposed L.A. city budget, staffing shifts at City Hall would hand off homeless operations from the City Administrative Office to the Housing Department. The CAO has been quietly coordinating the only cleanups that actually stick — from RV tows to enforcing no-encampment zones. A switch in July could mean slower response times, more red tape and fewer long-term resolutions.
WRAC Tells U.S. Attorney’s Homelessness Task Force They’ve Seen the Waste and They’re Ready to Help
$2 billion unaccounted for. As fallout grows over misspent homelessness funds in L.A., WRAC is offering a seat at the table. The group—representing over 500,000 households—calls for accountability and says they're ready to help fix a system they’ve warned about for years.
WRAC Urges City to Act as Toxic Fire Debris Threatens Public Safety on Westside Beaches
Four months after the Palisades Fire, WRAC is urging the City to address hazardous debris on regional beaches, citing ongoing public safety risks. In a letter to the City and County, the group, representing 14 Westside councils, called for urgent action to remove toxic materials washing ashore from fire-affected areas.
Westside Councils Join Outcry Against Animal Shelter Cuts Amid Worsening Conditions
WRAC began raising concerns about shelter conditions and staffing in 2022 after a Los Angeles Times investigation revealed serious neglect.
Three years later, little has changed.
WRAC Endorse Ordinance to Regulate Vehicle Dwellings
Amid growing impacts from recreational and other vehicle dwellings across the westside, the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC) has submitted a letter supporting a City Council motion to prohibit vehicle dwellings near sensitive areas such as schools.
Thrive Los Angeles Brings a New Moderate Voice to Local Politics
There’s a lot of noise in L.A. politics right now. But in the middle of it all, one group that calls itself centrist is making waves—and finding itself at the heart of the conversation. Their goal? They say is to inform, engage, and empower Angelenos before the high-stakes 2026 elections.
City Cuts From the Very Department That Could Prevent Lawsuits — After Paying $2B to Settle Them
LA is slashing 40% of its Department of Disability staff—putting the City at greater risk for large settlements due to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) noncompliance once again.
$98 Million Shifted From Core City Departments to Support LA’s Homeless Crisis Response
Nearly $1 Billion: That's how much LA will spend on homelessness this year—money taken directly from other city departments facing historic budget cuts and layoffs. But here's the catch: Many hidden costs and departmental funds aren’t even counted in the official homeless budget.
Where's the money really going? We've got the details.
LA Homeowners May Soon Be Ordered to Remove Plants and Decorations
Starting as early as 2026, homeowners in very high fire-risk parts of Los Angeles like Malibu, Brentwood, and Beverly Hills may face sweeping new landscaping restrictions — including potential bans on rose bushes, privacy hedges, and even welcome mats.
Two Empty Reservoirs, Two Spots of Ignition, Billions in Lawsuits: The Palisades post Fire fights
“The city has made it clear to us they are going to fight these cases tooth and nail,” said Alexander Robertson, a named partner at Robertson & Associates and Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis, and one of the lead attorneys in the group of lawsuits against LADWP. “It’s really unfortunate because we want the quickest resolution so the victims can start to rebuild their homes and businesses.”
Electrical Lines May be Buried, But Utility Poles Will Stay Up
Even after power lines are buried, many utility poles remain for use by telecom companies. This means that when LADWP moves its wires underground, communciation providers aren’t required to do the same. As a result, old poles are often left standing, and residents rarely know how old they are or who is maintaining them.
Santa Monica Looks to Designate Promenade as Public Drinking Zone
This summer, Santa Monica may boost nightlife by making Third Street Promenade an “entertainment zone,” allowing open containers and a 4 a.m. last call.
Everything You Need to Know If You’re Going to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour This Week
Last night, Grammy record-holder Beyoncé kicked off the first night of her Cowboy Carter tour at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. She will remain at SoFi until May 9, with four more shows scheduled before moving on to Chicago. Here's a list of everything you need to know if you’re planning to get tickets.
Hosting the Olympics Could Leave Los Angeles on the Hook for $50 Billion
A major selling point for the LA28 Olympics has been the ability to host a “no build” Games because of the City's large existing venue and event spaces. But, not needing to build venues doesn’t mean Los Angeles is off the hook for building completely.
The Proposed Budget by Department: Money Pits Profit, Money Makers Lose
While some city departments face deep cuts in the proposed 2025–26 budget, others—like the City Attorney and Housing—could see an $11M boost. Take a closer look at where the money’s going, and where it’s not.
Animal Service Budget Slashed to Lowest Levels in 20 Years
In response to the City’s ongoing financial crisis, Animal Services is facing significant cuts under the 2025–26 City Budget proposed this Monday. If approved, the department will lose $5 million in funding and 80 employees by June—resulting in some of the lowest staffing and animal care levels seen in the past 20 years.
In the Last Decade, The City Has Lost Over $300 Million Issuing Parking Citations
As the 2024–2025 fiscal year wraps up, the City was on track to collect roughly $110 million in parking fine revenue. The twist? The Los Angeles Department of Transportation spent nearly twice this just to hand out those tickets.
You Voted for Park Improvements -LA Used the $140 Million to Manage Encampments Instead
Los Angeles spends tens of millions of dollars each year to maintain its parks—but much of that money isn’t going toward playgrounds, landscaping, or community programs. With security bills topping $20,000 a month and millions spent on encampment cleanups, LA’s parks budget is being drained—leaving little for long-promised upgrades or community use.
Encampments and Drug Trade Fuel Costly Destruction of Los Angeles Parks
Public parks in Los Angeles were once places for families, children, and community gatherings—now, many are overrun by crime, drug use, and encampments. Residents say they no longer feel safe, and once-thriving green spaces have become dangerous and unwelcoming. Despite some efforts to address the crisis, many parks remain plagued by homelessness, addiction, and safety concerns.
City’s $12 Billion Budget—and Taxpayer Money—Led by Committee With Minimal Fiscal Expertise
Mayor Karen Bass has released her proposed $12 billion budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, passing it to the City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee for review. The committee, which has little experience in municipal finance, now faces the challenge of addressing a major deficit that could threaten city jobs and public services.
Millions Spent, Miles in Ruins: The Costly Collapse of L.A.’s Beach Bike Trail
Los Angeles is facing renewed scrutiny over its infrastructure spending after a $6 million bicycle bridge collapsed twice within a year, despite increased funding for bike path repairs. Halfway through the second fiscal quarter, and with nearly $5 million allocated for bike path maintenance this year, many paths remain poorly maintained, structurally unsound, and hazardous.
Olympic-Sized Mess: LA28 Venues Nowhere Near Finish Line
Three years left, seven city venues—three across from an infamous eyesore and a short distance from Skid Row, two needing an unstarted reconstruction, one with entrances in a single-lane residential neighborhood, and one already confirmed to not be ready on time.
Street Sweeping in L.A.: Tickets Keep Coming, But the Sweepers Don’t
Angelenos pay plenty in taxes, but when it comes to getting their money’s worth, Los Angeles often comes up short. As part of our Watchdog series spotlighting broken systems, we’re digging into the dirty truth behind street sweeping—where promises of clean streets rarely match reality.
Toxic Tide: Oceanfront Cleanup Efforts Suspended as Fire Debris and Storm Runoff Surge In
Ash and debris from the Palisades Fire were mostly contained to the affected areas—until the recent rainstorm. With no cleanup scheduled and beaches still open, Angelenos may have to risk stepping on a nail or sitting in ash if they hear the Pacific Ocean calling their name.
A City in Financial Crisis: How Damage from the Palisades Fire Will Impact the L.A. Economy
As the city battles the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, budget concerns deepen. L.A. faces major challenges, from depleted reserves to rising legal settlements and a shrinking property tax base. The recent credit warning from agencies like S&P Global highlights the city's financial struggles at a time when all eyes are on us.
Flame Retardant Helped Contain the Palisades Fire, But Concerns Over Its Safety Grows
Hot pink flame retardant has a fertilizer-like composition that can benefit vegetation. But when it's dropped on homes like in the Palisades fire, it can wash into storm drains and contaminate our water supply.
Is this firefighting tool worth the environmental cost? Read the full story to see both sides of the debate.
the State of Los angeles Safely Remove Flame Retardant From Your Home: A Quick Guide
Hundreds of thousands of gallons of flame retardant have been dropped on or near homes in the areas of both the Palisades and Eaton fires still burning in Los Angeles. As containment levels rise and evacuations continue to be lifted, some Angelenos may find themselves returning to a neon pink property. Here's a quick guide on how and why to safely clean it off.
Angelenos Question Trust in ALERT LA County System After False Emergency Alerts Amid Fires
Yesterday, Angelenos across the county received an emergency alert in error causing panic amid fires.
“My heart dropped, I could barely breathe,” said Angelica from Santa Monica about receiving her first of three false emergency notices since January 9.
“Right now, our No. 1 priority is to work in coordination with our federal and state partners to stop the messages that are not being initiated by human action,” Director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management Kevin McGowan said during a press conference today. In the meantime, McGowan urged residents to verify evacuation orders if received.
The '28 Paralympics, The ADA, & the State of Los angeles Sidewalks
This is part of our ongoing series examining LA’s systemic issues — from illegal dumping and crumbling infrastructure to inaccessible sidewalks. With billions of taxpayer dollars tied to the 2028 Olympics, will LA rise to the challenge or leave residents paying the price? Despite a $1.4 billion sidewalk repair program launched in 2016, over 3,500 repairs remain in queue, with fewer than 1,300 completed.
What's it like to work for CBS's The Talk? Tony Campos Gave the Current An Inside Look
I spoke to Tony Campos at an exclusive behind-the-scenes event held by Radford Studio Center to spotlight the incredible people behind the camera who make it all happen, showcasing the hard work, creativity, and dedication that fuel the productions filmed on the studio lot.
MALIBU Franklin Fires Timeline, Updates, & Live Footage
38 hours into the Franklin Fires - The fire currently stands at 4000 acres and 7% containment. Red flag warnings have officially been called off, but mandatory evacuations and smoke warnings remain in place. Live updates to still come.
Click for a New Dad Part III: I Think I Might Be Your Sister
DNA testing websites like AncestryDNA allow users to submit swabs of their DNA to be lab-processed for genetic information. Afterward, information about the user's ethnicity, health, and relatives will be available on their online platform. - so did the impact on the lives of users. Mothers who thought their children would never know they lied about their biological fathers had now met their technological match.
Click for a New Dad Part II: You Could Be In The 10 Percent
While DNA testing was a fun way to learn more about one's genetic history at first, as technology advanced - so did the impact on the lives of users. Mothers who thought their children would never know they lied about their biological fathers had now met their technological match.
Click for a New Dad Part I: Mistletoe & Family Foes
As the holiday season kicks off, DNA testing kits top the list of thoughtful gifts, offering the promise of uncovering family roots. But for countless families, this seemingly innocent present delivers more than they bargained for— a reveal of life-altering secrets. In part one of this three-part series, explore the stories of families whose lives were forever changed by this popular holiday gift.
Is L.A. Getting Dirtier? Angelenos Sound Off as Major Events Loom
From Silverlake to Pico, street trash, abandoned furniture, and litter are on the rise. On the Westside alone, reports of illegal dumping have spiked 315% since 2015 — and it’s only getting worse. With LA set to host the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, residents are asking: can the city clean up its act in time?
Westside Permits: The Push and Pull of Development on the Westside
Building anything in Los Angeles has always been a complex endeavor—a process mired in regulations, permits, and neighborhood opposition. Yet, the challenges haven’t stopped construction from shaping the city’s landscape.
One Week Post-Election: 141,900 Ballots Left to Count in L.A. as Newsom Prepares Defense Against Trump Policies
It’s been just over a week since the Nov. 5, 2024, election, with Donald Trump elected president, Nathan Hochman elected district attorney, and other candidates still being chosen across the state.
But how many ballots remain to be processed?
California’s No Labels Movement Shifts Focus: Analyzing Voter Impact in Upcoming Elections
As of the 60-Day Report of Registration published by the California Secretary of State on September 6, 2024, there were 20,000 registered voters in Los Angeles County affiliated with the No Labels Party. This figure remained unchanged from the 123 Day Report of [Voter] Registration dated July 5, 2024. The No Labels Party ceased its candidate endorsement efforts in April 2024.
So, where are the votes from this party going?
Amid Election Outcomes, California's Historic Low Voter Turnout Slips Under the Radar
By the end of the workday on Nov. 6, fewer than half of registered Angelenos could rely on their vote being counted. The low voter participation rates in Los Angeles mirror those across the state of California, where, as of the day after Election Day, less than half of registered voters had submitted a counted ballot.
Hochman Defeats Gascón in LA County District Attorney Race
Los Angeles County will be getting a new district attorney, with former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman handily defeating incumbent George Gascón, whose progressive policies swept him into office four years ago but made him a target of critics who accused him of being soft on crime.
More than 4 Million Angelenos Set to Flood the Polls November 5: Can the County Handle it? Will It Have To?
Election day is tomorrow, November 5, and less than 28% of Angelenos have cast their ballot so far, according to the California State Secretary of State. Will the rest flood the polls this Tuesday? How will the county clerk handle it? Will they have to, or will voter participation just be that low?
WILL THE OLYMPICS SAVE OR FURTHER THE L.A. FINANCIAL CRISIS? HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW
The Olympic Games are one of, if not the, most notorious sporting events around the world. Even if someone doesn’t watch the games, it is almost impossible to not know or hear about them. What most people don’t know; the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games was notably one of the only years where the host city turned a substantial profit. And who pays the price when the games turn a deficit? You.
L.A. CITY'S 45,000 HOMELESS: THE NEW BATTLEGROUND FOR VOTES
The Westside Current launched a months-long investigation, interviewing over 300 homeless individuals and examining thousands of voter registration records. The findings highlight deep-seated confusion among the homeless: many weren’t sure if they were registered, didn’t know where to pick up their ballots, and couldn’t remember how they registered in the first place.
Westside's Hidden Mess: Where Illegal Dumping is Piling Up
Illegal dumping is more than an eyesore; it affects entire communities, including local wildlife. Debris left in public spaces or on private property without city approval contributes to urban blight and environmental harm. On the Westside, the problem is compounded by its proximity to the coast.
CAGOP Releases Live Map Tracking Early Voter Results
Nearly half a million voters in Los Angeles have already cast their ballots as early voting for the 2024 Presidential Election enters its third week. Wondering who is winning in your area so far? Check out the CAGOP map to see!
Park at Your Own Risk: Westside Parking Data Exposes Ticket Hotspots
We crunched the numbers, and Westside parking citations may surprise you! From Venice to Malibu, here’s what you need to know about where (and when) you’re most likely to get hit with a ticket.Venice tops the list with over 30,000 tickets issued this year.
Westside Voters: Your Guide to Voting Centers, Mail-In Ballots, and Key Deadlines
Election season is officially underway, and campaigns are in full swing. Westside residents are beginning to consider their voting choices, but where and how to cast a vote is equally important.
Valley Voting: In-Person Centers, Mail Ballots, and Key Deadlines for Election Season
Election season is officially underway, and campaigns are in full swing. Valley residents are starting to decide who to vote for, but knowing where and how to cast a ballot is just as crucial.
The 411 on MyLA311: What are Westsiders Asking for the Most?
Got a pothole that’s wrecking your commute? Graffiti that’s become a neighborhood eyesore? Westside residents have a tool at their fingertips to tackle these issues—MyLA311, the city’s service portal for quick fixes. But what are people actually using it for?
LA Faces the Real Homeless Numbers Ahead of 2028 Olympics—Report Uncovers Crisis
Mayor Karen Bass is set to install the Olympic and Paralympic flags at City Hall today, marking a milestone as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Games for the third time. As the city celebrates, pressure is building to address a critical issue ahead of the event. The Economic Roundtable, a nonprofit urban research organization, has released a report calling for ten specific interventions to tackle homelessness before the athletes arrive.
Drugs, Deaths & the Unhoused: A Comprehensive Look at Fentanyl's Impact on Los Angeles' Homeless Population
On September 8, 2023, Baby Boy Fowler experienced the effects of methamphetamines and fentanyl before he experienced his first breath. A bacterial infection would officially end his life on a sidewalk in Skid Row before he could live one full day or be named.
City Council Officially Votes (Again) to Eliminate Vital Senior Meal Delivery Program
Despite efforts to sustain the vital Los Angeles senior meal delivery program, the city council has officially denied the extension of funds.
THE LOOP VILLAGE LOOPHOLE: COULD THIS BE THE ANSWER TO SENIOR FOOD INSECURITY AMID VITAL PROGRAM END?
With the current Los Angeles city senior home meal delivery set to officially end in the fall, over 6000 seniors will now have to make their way to community centers daily for meals despite reported difficulty. But, there may be an answer no one expected.
CITY BUDGET FACES COUNCIL SCRUTINY THURSDAY; CONTROLLER OPPOSES STAFF CUTS
After budget deficits from 2023-2024, the city had a major problem to solve before the following fiscal year. The solution? The elimination of 2,000 currently vacant city positions.
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT STUDENTS PROTEST DURING COMMENCEMENT AS JOHN LEGEND ADDRESSES TENSIONS
Loyola Marymount University students continued protest efforts during the 112th annual commencement ceremony with EGOT-winning artist, John Legend.