Valentine's Day Outdoor Movie

The Westwood Village Improvement Association, in partnership with UCLA Housing, invites you to special FREE outdoor Valentine’s Day double-feature screening of Disney’s Moana and fan favorite, The Princess Bride!

Moviegoers are invited to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the screenings in this unique outdoor setting. Attendance is FREE and open to the public, and moviegoers are encouraged to show up ahead of time to stake out a prime spot for the show. Tickets are not required to attend. First 100 people at each showing will receive a special UCLA & Westwood Village blanket!

Arrive early to stop at one of our many dining options to grab takeout before the show. There’s plenty of parking across the street in the Broxton Public Parking Structure, which is a flat rate of $6 after 6pm!

Moana
6:00pm - 8:00pm

The Princess Bride
8:30pm-10:30pm

Doors open at 5:00pm, show starts at 6:00pm!


Valentine's Day Outdoor Movie | Discover Los Angeles

Support the Broxton Ave Plaza

The Westwood Village Improvement Association is working with the City of Los Angeles to create a public plaza on Broxton Ave. 

What is a Plaza?

• The Plaza is a public open space that is closed to vehicular traffic. A colorful, patterned treatment is applied to the street, while large planters and other elements like tables and chairs define the plaza area.

Where Would The Broxton Ave Plaza go? 

• The Plaza would go on Broxton Ave, between Weyburn Ave and the east/west alley south of Le Conte Ave 

Why a Plaza? 

• Converts redundant street space into a people place for events, outdoor dining, and activities
• Supports and enlivens local business by creating a walkable pedestrian destination
• Produce a high-quality streetscape experience and improve the day-to-day life of the street 
• How Do I Support The Broxton Ave Plaza? 

Sign our online petition: www.ipetitions.com/petition/support-the-broxton-ave-plaza

Questions?

We have answers! Call us at (310) 470-1812.

New at the Westwood Village Farmers' Market

The Westwood Village Farmers’ Market has some new additional seating. These colorful WVIA branded tables and chairs are a great addition to the already vibrant weekly Westwood Village Farmers’ Market. The weekly Farmers’ Market is every Thursday from Noon to 6 pm on Broxton Avenue. 

Our farmers' markets are as festive as they are healthy and green - offering weekly events that families and friends can enjoy together or where busy professionals can dart through for fresh additions to tonight's dinner or pick up a one-of-a-kind item from one of our craft vendors.

It’s fall, which means pumpkins, yams, winter squash, persimmons, apples, broccoli, and brussels sprouts are readily available. Stop by the market to pick up your fresh fruits and vegetables! 

Every Thursday: Noon to 6 pm 
Location: 1083 Broxton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024 (In the Village just steps away from UCLA) 
Parking: 2 hours free parking in the Broxton Avenue Structure (before 6pm)

For more information, visit www.destinationgreenevents.com/wwvfm.htm

LA Express Park; Intelligent Parking Management

LA Express Park is an intelligent parking management system that fuses technology and demand-based pricing to optimize the parking experience. When LADOT (Los Angeles Department of Transportation) approached the Westwood Village Improvement Association with the opportunity to implement the LA Express Park in Westwood Village, the WVIA Board of Directors voted to approve a pilot program for Express Park. The new system will go into effect in the fall of this year.

What is LA Express park and how will it really help parking in Westwood Village? The goals of the LA Express Park program are to increase the availability of parking and reduce traffic congestion. This program is an opportunity to improve parking management in Westwood Village and hopefully eliminate the days of lugging around fistfuls of quarters to feed hungry parking meters, and reduce circling the block repeatedly in search of a parking space. The new Express Park parking meters will also create a greater turnover of our parking inventory since sensors in the meters will eliminate the perpetual meter-feeding that can tie up a parking space for an entire day with the same vehicle.

The “smart meters" installed in the Village will compile parking data and send this information to LADOT. Parking information from our Broxton Public Parking Structure will also be included in the transmission and be accessible by the public in real time, so visitors can learn in advance where parking is available. This information will be available through smartphone applications. Demand-based parking meter rates adjust throughout the day from $0.50 to a max of $2.00 an hour, depending on availability, time and day of the week. When demand is high, parking rates will go up, and when demand drops off, rates will lower. The smart phone app has features like, pay-by-phone, ability to extend the time limit (if under the max time), and text alerts when meters are expiring.

For more information on the LA Express Park pilot program, please visit www.laexpresspark.org.

Get Ready for Summer in Westwood Village!

Summer is here! This week we highlighted two Westwood Village businesses that specialize in  hair and  skin, along with some tips that will help you to look very best this summer! 

Aveda Institute, Los Angeles

The Aveda Institute is a high end beauty school right in the heart of Westwood Village. Students are taught the basics by seasoned beauty professionals and learn everything from the basics to more complex styles and trends. The Aveda Institute houses a full service hair salon where all of the services are performed by supervised students. This provides students with hands-on, real life salon experiences. Each student completes a 13 month program before they are eligible to take the California State Cosmetology Exam. Last month, three Aveda students  won the annual National Pro Beauty Association competition and four were placed as Honorable Mentions. Number of students currently enrolled: 133 Number of educators on staff: 13 Completion rate: 87% Licensure rate: 95% Job placement: 84%

Recently, I visited the school for a cut and color. My services were done by Carlo, a Junior level student.  I was given the option to choose two Spa Rituals to go along with my services, which were scalp massage, hand massage, mini facial, neck and shoulder massage, or mini makeup finishing touch at no additional charge. I picked the hand massage, and mini-facial, which is a great treat!  The salon is full of a great fun and lively energy. Since this is a beauty school, services tend to be longer, when booking your appointment, make sure to schedule out extra time accordingly. I was extremely pleased with my services done by Carlo, the prices are very reasonable and they use all of the amazing Aveda hair and skin products, major bonus! I also received a tear-off card that is redeemable for discounts on my new next four visits. Click here to view guest services: www.avedainstitutelosangeles.com/service-menu. Currently Aveda is offering $10 haircuts to any new guest as well as 20% off all retail products during your first visit.

Tip of a Cause! Each month the Aveda Institute, Los Angeles partners with a different local charity to raise money and awareness through the “Tip for a Cause” program. In lieu of tips, Aveda Institute guests have the opportunity to donate to the sponsored cause for that month. Charities have included such organizations as American Heart Association, Surfrider Foundation, Friends of Shelter Animals, Be Aware Foundation, Los Angeles Youth Network, raising as much as $30,000 a year. Last month, for Mother’s Day Aveda students and staff worked with Hillsides and Altamed to give makeovers to underprivileged mothers.  Later this month Aveda students are visiting Maryvale, an orphanage, to give the young women who reside there some makeovers and beauty lessons.

Visit the Aveda website for other promos and special offers for first time guest, www.avedainstitutelosangeles.com. Appointments can be made by calling 310-209-2000. 

goddesslynneBODYandSKIN

goddesslynneBODYandSKIN offers the very best in skin care and waxing treatments. Her specialties include The Peaceful Brazilian Bikini Wax, along with full body waxing, and facials and peels to address healthy skin maintenance and clinical treatment of all skin concerns.  Her studio is located in the Phenix Salon Suites in Westwood Village.

Summer time is a great time to pare down your skin care routine to the essentials:  gentle yet thorough cleansing, light serums to treat your concerns and a hydrating sunscreen suited to your skin type.  goddesslynneBODYandSKIN has everything you need to keep your skin beautiful in the summer months! Light peels are the perfect pick-me-up for your skin, without the downtime of the more aggressive peels available in the cooler months. 

SUMMER SKIN TIPS:

*Keep your body skin fresh and smooth with Whish Body Wash, a naturally-based delight with NO SLS or Parabens!!

*Apply a double-dose of sunscreen to make sure you don't miss a spot.  After cleansing and treatment, apply a light, moisturizing sunscreen to face, neck, chest and ears.  Wait about 15 minutes and apply a water-resistant sunscreen to cheeks, nose, chin for extra protection.  

*After a long day in the sun, keep evening cleansing simple with a creamy cleanser and a soft baby washcloth.  Much better for your skin than cleansing towelettes, and just as easy!!

As for your body, excess hair is a no-no when shorts and bikinis are worn, so make sure to book your waxing appointments to coincide with your travel and weekend plans.  We recommend waxing appointments every 3 1/2 to 4 weeks to ensure a smooth finish. goddesslynneBODYandSKIN has a variety of waxes, including hard wax, to suit every area of your body and every skin type.

Lynne (goddesslynne) is available to answer your questions and book appointments at 310-487-3663  More info can be found at www.goddesslynnebodyandskin.com

Tanzy Restaurant: Thoughtfully Sourced & Artfully Prepared

Tanzy offers fresh and flavorful dishes where ingredients are the star, the approach to artisanal Italian cuisine makes Tanzy a unique addition to the Los Angeles dining scene. The natural bounty of California mingles with choice Italian imports for a memorable culinary escape on your plate, accompanied by fresh-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, handcrafted cocktails and a stellar boutique wine list.

Tanzy’s artisanal Italian cuisine centers on thoughtfully sourced, seasonal ingredients from responsible, independent purveyors throughout California. These heirloom and specialty varieties of produce, seafood and meat are artfully prepared by Chef Bryan Podgorski, a protégé of chef/restaurateur Thomas Keller, who deftly melds contemporary techniques with classical Italian influences. The resulting flavor profiles are nuanced, modern, and uniquely Californian.  Join

Spirit enthusiasts will delight in a creative menu of handcrafted cocktails, featuring fresh-squeezed juices and made-in-house components, expertly prepared by mixologist and master sommelier, Adam Seger.

Visit Tanzy for lunch, dinner, late-night dining or weekend brunch. Take an alluring culinary journey -- the perfect spot for a power lunch, a romantic dinner or a night on the town.

Tanzy is iPic Theaters signature restaurant, located at 10840 Wilshire Blvd., valet & self-parking is available to restaurants and movie goers, to access parking enter the off Wilshire Blvd. To learn more about Tanzy, visit www.TanzyRestaurant.com/Westwood. 

What is the Westwood Village Improvement Assoication?

What is the Westwood Business Improvement District, or BID, as it is sometimes called? In technical terms, the Westwood BID is an area, defined by specific boundaries, in which owners pay an additional property tax to fund special benefits to the properties and businesses located within the boundaries. The Westwood BID’s boundaries extend from the south side of Wilshire Blvd to the south side of Le Conte Ave, and from Hilgard Avenue to Gayley Avenue. The Westwood BID is governed by the non-profit Westwood Village Improvement Association (WVIA), and our mission is to make Westwood the best possible place to live, work, and play.

So... Why are Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Important?

Due to economic realities, cities are no longer able to deliver on standards of cleanliness and security. BIDs have picked up the slack. It is proven that BIDs reduce crime, increase property values, and help drive retail sales in districts. Plus, BIDs provide a mechanism for property owners and merchants to work collaboratively for their mutual benefit. There are 38 BIDs in Los Angeles, over 80 in California, and more than a thousand in the United States and abroad.

Los Angeles BIDs contribute millions of dollars of services each year. The WVIA, and organizations like ours, pick up tons of trash and debris every year, pressure wash miles of sidewalk, trim thousands of trees, complete acres of landscaping, work to house the  homeless, maintain public infrastructure, and many more projects that make thriving communities.

BIDs are funded through the Property Based Assessment District, meaning each retail business in the boundaries of the BID pays an assessment. Assessments on property are calculated based on the square footage the lot, building, and linear frontage. In Westwood, the assessments collected fund services that average over $3,500 spent every day on cleaning services, safety services, hospitality services, communications, public relations, advocacy, city liaison, and many other crucial services and District oversight that would not otherwise exist.

Can you tell how Westwood Village has improved since our inception in 2011? Please let us know how we are doing! We strive for perfection and want to make the Village enjoyable for everyone, merchants, business owners, visitors and locals alike. We couldn't do it without your continuing support.

Please visit our website, www.TheWestwoodVillage.com, for more detailed information about us and download a copy of the Management District Plan or read more about the benefits of Business Improvement Districts.

Fallen Fruit: Fruitique!

The Hammer Museum received a $100,000 grant from LA2050 to fund ReSTORE LA, a program to bring unique artists and artisans to fill vacant storefronts in Westwood Village in November 2013. The program featured 24 pop-up stores selling world class handmade art and was very successful. Two of the pop-up stores extended their stays in the Village, and one of these stores is Fallen Fruit: Fruiteque! 

Fallen Fruit: Fruitique!, is an art collaboration originally conceived in 2004 by David Burns, Matias Viegener and Austin Young. Since 2013, David and Austin have continued the collaborative work. They began their collaboration by mapping public fruit trees growing around Los Angeles. Their work sparked many other ventures, including the public art that brought them to ReSTORE LA by using fruit as the material, subject or medium. The Fruitique is a mix between an art gallery and a workshop that brings people of all ages together to create art. 

Fallen Fruit sees fruit as a common denominator to change the way you see the world. Their projects are group-oriented and are often inspired by a guest artist or a passerby who sets the tone and direction of the project, which guarantees that no two works of art are the same. Each person, not only creates art but also creates a neighborhood that coexists together. "A lot about what we do and what we want was to get people out of their cars. LA is very car-centric. When creating the fruit maps, we wanted to have people get out of their cars and interacting with nature. Being in Southern California we are fortunate enough to have fruit growing trees year round, many of which are on public property,” said Austin Young. Public Fruit Jams invites a broad public audience to transform homegrown or public fruit and then join in communal jam-making as experimentation in personal narrative and sublime collaboration.

What's next? Fallen Fruit’s Fruitique!: GARDEN OF EDEN, will be opening their 2nd program installation at the Kinross location, launching on Wednesday, April 16th, 2014. This store will be loosely themed with animals and fruit and there will be a reception for the artists on Sunday, April 27th from noon to 4pm.

For the newest project, Fallen Fruit is working with local communities to transform the neighborhoods surrounding Downtown Los Angeles into a walk-able network of Urban Fruit Trails with over 150 fruit trees planted in the MacArthur Park neighborhood. Stay tuned for information on this project.

How can you get involved? Check out their website: www.fallenfruit.org, and join their newsletter to get updates on upcoming Public Fruit Jams, or visit in person. Fallen Fruit: Fruitique!, open every weekend.

Westwood Guide to putting some Spring into your closet

Spring is here and it’s warming up all around Los Angeles, making it perfect, picnic-worthy weather. Westwood Village has a great selection of hip stores that are sure to put some spring into your closet! These local stores have all of the latest looks that are sure to brighten your day (and your wardrobe):

The Brandy Melville store can cure your spring fever with cute, light, brightly-colored dresses, flowy knit tops, light sweaters and sassy jeans. Located at 10958 Weyburn Ave., just a hop, skip and a jump from UCLA campus. 

Another great store not to miss is Kaitlyn, and their newest set of Spring arrivals are full of bold prints, colors and styles that are sure to spring forward anyone’s closet. Located at 1065 Broxton Ave., this store is definitely heating up the Village with their latest styles. 

Just around the corner is Modlook 29, the Village's newest boutique. This cool and trendy store varies from fashion forward rompers to scalloped crop tops that are perfect for the warmer spring weather. Located at 10909 Kinross Ave., it’s worth a visit.

No spring wardrobe is complete without a stop at Urban Outfitters. Shop some of the newest trends like kimonos, rompers and racerback tops. Urban's new spring line will have you singing all the way to Coachella. Recently, Urban Outfitters announced plans to relocate and expand the 1100 Westwood Blvd location a few spots up the block, making it the third-largest Urban store in California. 

For the real vintage look check out American Vintage Westwood, located at 945 Broxton. Specializing in unique one-of-a-kind retro clothing and accessories. If you are looking for amazing cool pieces that will stand out and show personal style, this is the place for you.  

For all the promise of Spring, this transitional time of year can be tricky when trying to pick out the perfect outfit, and you might not be ready to retire your sweaters just yet. Luckily, layering is in style and American Apparel is fully stocked with all of your layering needs. Located next to Victora's Secret at 1060 Westwood Blvd., come visit to ward off any lingering Spring chill. 

Make sure to visit all of these locations, not only will you be ready for Spring, your closet and Westwood Village will thank you. Shop local, Westwood!

Pay It Forward: Make a gift of support to the UCLA Spark crowdfunding drive

The UCLA Volunteer Center is excited to participate in the launch of UCLA Spark, an online crowdfunding platform that allows multiple donors to contribute small amounts towards a specific project. Their goal is to raise $15,000 by March 19th to fund ten "One Bus, One Cause" projects. With your donation, volunteers can serve our community, cover the cost of transportation to service sites, and provide supplies for landscaping, painting, general service work, and interactive mentorship projects. 

The Westwood Village Improvement Association supports the UCLA Volunteer Center in its goal of helping UCLA students learn important skills, including time management, leadership, and team building. These qualities extend beyond one-time volunteerism and lead to lifelong engagement in  communities. The experiences earned through the UCLA Volunteer Center are valuable for current and future generations, offering a way to give back to the community, to inspire, and to create social change. 

How can you help? Make a donation today, every bit counts. Each donation tier specifies where and how your donation has contributed to the project. So, dig in, give by the gallon, sponsor a volunteer or leave your mark today! 

$10 Dig In
Donations of $10 go to providing a shovel to one volunteer.

$25 Give by the Gallon
Donations of $25 go to a gallon of paint for school beautification projects.

$50 Sponsor a Volunteer
Donations of $50 will help send one volunteer.

$100 Leave Your Mark
Donations of $100 will help purchase over 200 markers that the volunteers use during interactive activities with school children. 

For more information on this cause and other upcoming volunteer projects, visit: http://volunteer.ucla.edu/2014/02/it-only-takes-one-to-spark-change/

New to Westwood Village: Retail and Restaurant Roundup

Westwood Village has some exciting new shops and restaurants! 

From businesses specializing in cool fashions to the perfect mini pies, these fresh additions fit in perfectly to our neighborhood.

New Fashion

AG Jeans Pop-Up Store

1029 Westwood Blvd.

AG Jeans opened a temporary pop-up location on Westwood Blvd., and plans to stay open for the next 6 months. This sample store will sell hip denim to cater to the jeans lover in all of us.

Clark and Madison

10918 Kinross Ave.

After major success during the Hammer Muesum’s Arts ReSTORE LA pop-up program, Clark and Madison, the LA-based line, has re-opened its doors in Westwood Village. Clark and Madison offers handmade sustainable-made leather goods, kits, wallets, clutches, luggage accessories and more! They'll be in place for the next several months.

MODLOOK 29

10909 Kinross Ave.

Located in the heart of Westwood, MODLOOK 29 is a women's clothing boutique boasting fashion forward designs, jewelry and sunnies (sunglasses), all at affordable prices! It's a must-stop for your Spring wardrobe.  

New Dining

Barbacoa Mexican Grill

1030 Glendon Ave.

This Utah restaurant chain opened its first California location right here in Westwood! Barbacoa believes in fresh, nutritious, high-quality food. Their menu ranges from Mexican classics to their one-of-a-kind signature items, plus Barbacoa makes everything to order right in front of you. Vegan? All of the items, except the meat and cheese, (obviously), are vegan!

Chilly Ribbons

1135 Westwood Blvd.

Chilly Ribbons is America's newest frozen treat. It's like frozen cotton candy made from fresh fruits and other delicious ingredients that fly into your bowl. Best of all, this creamy dessert is only 100 calories! Offering forty flavors, Chilly Ribbons are the ideal warm weather snack for Westwood cubicle dwellers and UCLA students.  

Donna Sophia Trattoria & Pizzeria 

1076 Gayley Ave.

Donna Sophia, a new member to the Westwood community, is located adjacent to Whole Foods Market. Donna Sophia is a family-run restaurant serving homemade-style Italian food and wine. Authentic cuisine, alongside an atmosphere centered on family and food, Donna Sophia is an ideal date-night spot where you'll feel right at home.

Simplethings Sandwich and Pie Shop

10874 Kinross Ave.

SimpleThings is a quaint sandwich and pie shop that recently opened its doors in Westwood Village. SimpleThings serves simple, classic American food. The shop also offers five or six mini pies daily, as well as two to three chef's special pies. 

Free For All: Hammer Museum Goes Free For Good

Art aficionados rejoice! The Westwood art institution, Hammer Museum, has eliminated the admission fee and now is entirely FREE to the public! Through large, generous donations from longtime benefactors Erika Glazer and Brenda Potter, will fund free admission to the museum for four years, by which time the Hammer board hopes to have a plan for permanent free admission. 

The Hammer joins the Getty Museum and the Fowler Museum at UCLA in offering free admission to visitors at all times.

For all the Hammer happenings, including its amazing free-for-good roster of public programs, check out their site.

FREE FOR LA. FREE FOR YOU. FREE FOR GOOD.