Local News Briefs

Google Buys 12 Acres in Playa Vista

Google has purchased a dozen acres of vacant land in Playa Vista for $120 million to expand its presence in Los Angeles.

The parcel is zoned for nearly 900,000 square feet of commercial space that could house offices or studios, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

The plot is adjacent to the historic hangar where aviator Howard Hughes built his famous Spruce Gooseairplane.

Google also is expected to lease the hangar, which has housed soundstages for movie and television andUCLA graduate students studying the Hyperloop transportation tube.

City Councilman Mike Bonin, who represents the area, said the purchase “brands Playa Vista as the tech and innovation capital of Los Angeles.”

The Mountain View-based tech giant wouldn’t detail its plans for the properties.

SM Pols Sworn in Sacto

It has been said that Santa Monica elected officials, rarely continue on to higher office. This time, it’s different.

On Monday, former SMMUSD School Board Member Ben Allen was sworn in as State Senator from the 26th District. Simultaneously, former SM City Councilmember Richard Bloom, was sworn in again for his second term in the State Assembly. It is rare that Santa Monica is represented at the State level, by Santa Monica residents.

“I am honored to officially join the California State Senate today, and look forward to working with my fellow Senators in addressing the issues and challenges that California faces,” said Senator Allen, whose parents stood nearby. “I recognize the responsibility that my community has bestowed upon me and will serve the 26th District with dedication and integrity.”

Allen and fellow Senators were sworn in by California’s Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, after an invocation by Father Gregory J. Boyle, S.J. of Los Angeles. Mariachi Divas, a Grammy winning, all-female Mariachi band from Los Angeles, performed a musical celebration and rendition of the National Anthem. This year, 10 of the 20 Senators sworn in are newly elected, like Allen.