Exploring Westwood, Los Angeles: From Wolfskill Ranch to UCLA's Home

Westwood is a vibrant commercial and residential neighborhood situated in the northern-central part of Los Angeles' Westside region. Known for being the home of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Westwood offers a diverse landscape, ranging from towering condominiums and Class A office buildings along Wilshire Boulevard to more secluded, residential areas featuring both multi-family and single-family homes, including the exclusive Holmby Hills.

Geographical Boundaries and Climate

The Westwood neighborhood, as defined by the Los Angeles Times, is strategically located. Westwood Village is immediately south of the UCLA campus, bounded by Le Conte Avenue, Gayley Avenue, Thornton Avenue (between Lindbrook Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard: Glendon Avenue), and Wilshire Boulevard. A portion of Holmby Hills, south of Sunset Boulevard, east of Beverly Glen Boulevard and Comstock Avenue, and west of the Los Angeles Country Club, falls within Westwood.

Westwood benefits from a Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb), characterized by dry summers, relatively wet winters, and consistently mild temperatures throughout the year. Similar to other coastal areas of Los Angeles County, Westwood experiences an Indian summer, with the warmest temperatures often occurring in late summer and early fall. The average precipitation in Westwood is 17.43 inches, which is higher than most populated areas in Los Angeles County due to its proximity to the ocean and hillside location.

Historical Development: From Ranch to University Town

Westwood's transformation began on the lands of the historic Wolfskill Ranch, a 3,000-acre (12 km2) property purchased in 1919 by Arthur Letts, the founder of the Broadway and Bullock's department stores. Upon Letts' death, his son-in-law, Harold Janss, assumed responsibility for the land as vice president of the Janss Investment Company.

The establishment of the University of California's Southern Branch (later UCLA) played a pivotal role in Westwood's development. The university's original location on Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles quickly became inadequate due to rapid enrollment growth. In 1925, the decision was made to relocate the campus to the Westwood hills. The Janss brothers agreed to sell the land for approximately $1 million (equivalent to $14 million in 2023), a price significantly below its market value. Funding for the purchase was secured through municipal bonds and a state bond measure.

Westwood Village: A Pioneering Commercial District

Westwood Village, a planned 55-acre (22 ha) suburban shopping district located south of the UCLA campus, holds the distinction of being one of the earliest examples of its kind. Created by the Janss Investment Company in the late 1920s, Westwood Village was envisioned as a premier shopping and entertainment destination.

Opening in 1929, Westwood Village was celebrated for its well-planned design and aesthetic appeal. Harold Janss commissioned leading architects to adhere to a Mediterranean theme, incorporating clay tile roofs, Spanish tile accents, paseos, patios, and courtyards. Landmark buildings, including theaters, featured prominent towers that served as beacons for drivers along Wilshire Boulevard.

However, the architectural landscape of Westwood Village shifted in 1970 with the construction of the 24-story Oppenheimer Tower. This marked a turning point, as subsequent buildings embraced a blend of architectural styles.

Population and Demographics

According to a Janss Investment Co. census, Westwood had a population of 47,916 residents in its 3.68-square-mile area, resulting in a population density of 13,036 people per square mile. In 2008, the city estimated that the population had increased to 52,041.

The neighborhood is considered moderately diverse ethnically, with a significant percentage of Asian and White residents. The 2008 demographic breakdown was 62.9% Non-Hispanic White, 23.1% Asian, 7.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black, and 4.9% of other origins. The median yearly household income in 2008 dollars was $68,716, a high figure for Los Angeles. The percentages of households that earned $125,000 yearly and higher or that earned $20,000 or less were high for Los Angeles County. The average household size of two people was low for Los Angeles. Renters occupied 64.1% of the housing stock and house-or-apartment owners held 35.9%. The percentages of never-married men and women were among the county's highest. In 2000 there were 309 families headed by single parents, a low percentage for the city.

Challenges and Revitalization Efforts

Westwood Village experienced a decline in the late 1980s due to increased gang activity and rising crime rates. The Los Angeles Police Department responded by increasing patrols in the area.

A 2014 report by the Westwood Village Improvement Association indicated that Westwood Village had lost its position as the Westside's dominant retail and entertainment hub. Deteriorating public spaces and a high number of vacancies contributed to the Village's decline. Multiple revitalization efforts have been undertaken over the years, but with limited success.

Arts and Culture

Westwood is home to several cultural attractions, including:

Fox Village Theater: Opened in 1931, this historic movie theater is an iconic landmark in Westwood Village.
Bruin Theater: Another historic movie theater that contributes to Westwood's vibrant entertainment scene.
Hammer Museum: Affiliated with UCLA, the Hammer Museum is an art museum and cultural center known for its artist-centric and progressive exhibitions and public programs.
Geffen Playhouse: Originally built in 1929 as the Masonic Affiliates Club for UCLA students and alumni, the Geffen Playhouse is a renowned theater that hosts a variety of performances.
Los Angeles California Temple: Located on Santa Monica Boulevard, this temple is the second-largest operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple grounds also include a Visitors' Center and the Los Angeles Regional Family History Center.

Recreation and Community Services

The Westwood Recreation Center offers a range of facilities, including barbecue pits, sports courts, a children's play area, a community room, and an indoor gymnasium. The center also features Aidan's Place, a universally accessible playground.

Fire and emergency medical services are provided by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Read also: Protecting Students at Graduation

Education

Sixty-six percent of Westwood residents aged 25 and older had earned a four-year degree by 2000, a high figure for both the city and the county. The Los Angeles Unified School District operates public schools in Westwood.

Transportation

Westwood is accessible via the 405 (San Diego Freeway). Public transportation options include bus lines and the D Line subway extension.

Westwood Zip Codes and UCLA

UCLA's zip code varies depending on the campus building: it is either 90025 or 90095. The zip code 90025 is used for residence halls on The Hill and UCLA Extension. The zip code 90095 is associated with the UCLA Post Office, located on the A-Level of Ackerman Student Union.

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