UCLA Block Party: A Tradition of Welcoming Bruins to Westwood

UCLA, a name synonymous with academic excellence and vibrant campus life, is inextricably linked to Westwood Village. While the village has faced its share of challenges, UCLA actively fosters a strong connection between its students and the surrounding community, most notably through the annual UCLA Block Party. This event serves as a cornerstone of True Bruin Welcome, a week-long series of activities designed to acclimate new students to campus life. The block party is a vibrant celebration that introduces students to Westwood Village, local businesses, and the Bruin spirit.

From Black Sunday to Bruin Bash: A History of Welcome Events

The tradition of welcoming students back to campus has evolved significantly over the years. Since 2003, UCLA students have looked forward to a yearly welcome-back party. Previously, the festivities were known as Black Sunday, a campus fraternity block party. However, due to overcrowding in 2002, the Interfraternity Council and university police permanently shut it down.

In its place, the university introduced a Welcome Back Concert in Pauley Pavilion. Over time, this concert evolved into what is now known as Bruin Bash. Early lineups featured a mix of rock and rap artists, while more recent editions have leaned towards hip-hop.

Bruin Bash: A Concert Through the Years

2012: The 10th annual Bruin Bash featured Chiddy Bang, Ra Ra Riot, and Los Rakas. Oakland-based rap group Los Rakas started the night, followed by New York-based rock band Ra Ra Riot, and closed by hip-hop group Chiddy Bang.
2011: Starting Six, a hip-hop group from Northern California, kicked off the concert, followed by Compton-native Kendrick Lamar. Childish Gambino closed the show with a full band, and Major Lazer finished the night with hype-man Skerrit Bwoy.
2010: Due to construction in Pauley Pavilion, Bruin Bash was held in Drake Stadium for the first time. The Cataracs started the night, followed by the Ying Yang Twins, who performed hits like “Get Low” and “Salt Shaker.”
2009: After DJ sets by students, hip-hop duo Clipse took the stage, followed by LMFAO, who brought out props and back-up dancers for a high-energy show.
2008: Hip-hop group The Cool Kids started the show, followed by Hellogoodbye.
2007: Hip-hop artist T.I. performed, sporting a UCLA hoodie.
2006: L.A.-based rock band Rooney headlined the event.
2005: The concert was officially named Bruin Bash and featured Thrice.
2004: Wild Child, a band recreating a Doors concert experience, performed.
2003: The first annual Welcome Back Concert featured Zion I and Bad Religion.

The Westwood Village Block Party: A Modern Tradition

In recent years, UCLA Residential Life and the Westwood Village Improvement Association (BID) have collaborated to host an annual block party on Broxton Avenue for new students and the local community. This event aims to connect students with the village and foster a sense of community.

A Glimpse into the Block Party Experience

The block party is designed to be a fun and engaging experience for all attendees. Activities often include:

Games and Activities: A ferris wheel, a bounce house, a mechanical bull, and Mario Kart games are common attractions.
Local Food Vendors: Students can enjoy discounted food from UCLA and surrounding Westwood businesses. Sami Siddiqui, a molecular cell and developmental biology major, praised the ice cream sundae he got for $3.50, calling it one of the best in town.
Merchandise: Vendors and community groups set up tables to introduce themselves to students, offering merchandise and information. Tristan Duncan, events and outreach manager at Sender One, a rock climbing gym in Westwood, hoped to attract more students to climbing by giving out free day passes. Cassidy LeClair, from Geffen Playhouse, aimed to share her love of theatre with students.
Music and Entertainment: DJ booths and dance floors provide a lively atmosphere. In one instance, students enjoyed a comedy troupe.
Photo Opportunities: Blue and gold selfie stations are set up for students to capture memories with one another.

Welcoming New Bruins and Fostering Connections

The block party serves as an icebreaker for new students. Mia Johnson, a first-year physiological science student, noted that the block party provided a space for new students to socialize. Ortiz-Stock, another student, mentioned that she was able to get to know her random roommates by attending the block party together.

The event also encourages students to explore Westwood Village. Ortiz-Stock said that the block party encouraged everyone to come off campus and get out of their comfort zone. Ma, a student who attended the block party, exclaimed, “I am having lots of fun. I’ve been here for two days and it’s felt like I’ve been here a month.”

Prioritizing Safety

Organizers prioritize safety at the block party. Shah, a student who attended the event, said, “Since they’re taking into account safety as well, I feel much more comfortable.” Signage throughout the event spells out safety precautions.

Revitalizing Westwood Village: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its prime location and proximity to UCLA, Westwood Village has faced challenges in recent decades. The retail vacancy rate in Westwood Village stands at 32%, according to the Westwood Village Improvement Association. Amplified by the pandemic, Westwood Boulevard alone lost several businesses.

The Need for Change

Andrew Thomas, executive director of the Westwood Village Improvement Association, has been vocal about the need for regulatory relief to revitalize the area. He emphasizes the importance of having more 24-hour residents in the village to support local businesses.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

UCLA's Role in Revitalization

UCLA is actively working to connect students with the village. The university is adding more than 5,000 on-campus residential spots, including nearly 3,500 right next to the village. UCLA is also building 80 to 100 new faculty apartments adjacent to the village.

Mary Osako, UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications, envisions an even closer connection between students and the village, with events and activities that serve as a magnet to draw people into the neighborhood.

Balancing Student Needs and Community Concerns

One of the challenges in revitalizing Westwood Village is balancing the needs and preferences of UCLA students with those of long-time residents. Students often seek affordable options and entertainment venues, while residents may prefer high-end stores and ample parking.

Andrew Lewis, vice president of the North Westwood Neighborhood Council, acknowledges the tension between what UCLA students want and need versus what the folks who have lived in the area for a few generations want.

Adapting to Changing Times

As online retailers lure shoppers away from brick-and-mortar stores, Westwood Village needs to adapt to changing times. Other commercial districts are shifting their tenant mix toward dining, entertainment, exercise studios, and medical services. However, Westwood Village is governed by a highly prescriptive “specific plan” that was adopted in 1989.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

Paul Koretz, who holds the city council seat that represents Westwood Village and UCLA, has endorsed amending the specific plan to revise its restaurant definitions, allow buildings to change uses without triggering new parking requirements, apply only citywide parking requirements to new construction, and exempt signs from extra design review if they meet city requirements.

tags: #UCLA #Block #Party #history