July 18, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

University of Miami President to Replace Gene Block Amid Controversy

Julio Frenk Named New UCLA Chancellor at UC Regents Meeting

The search for a new chancellor at UCLA is over. University of Miami President Julio Frenk will replace the controversial Chancellor Gene Block, who was accused of failing his duty to students and faculty during the vigilante attacks on the Palestine Solidarity Encampment on April 30 and May 1. Block and the UCLA Administration then authorized the LAPD and CHP dispersal of the camp, which led to 200 arrests and numerous injuries to students during the police action. 

According to a press release disbursed on Wednesday, “University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., announced on Wednesday, June 12, the selection of Julio Frenk, M.D., a global health expert and current president of the University of Miami, as UCLA’s next chancellor. The UC Board of Regents approved the appointment today during a special meeting held at UCLA.” 

Students voiced their anger and reproach during the public comment over UCLA’s treatment of student protesters and the use of police and mass arrests during protests since late April, the most recent of which occurred this week. 

The press release also notes that Julio Frenk will not take over the Chancellorship until January of 2025, with Vice Chancellor Darnell Hunt taking over Chancellor Block’s duties when he retires at the end of July. A post on Twitter noted that Frenk’s starting salary is $978,904, yet the “Median annual salary for a UC lecturer is approximately $20,000.”

Frenk will be the first Latino Chancellor at UCLA. Cal Matter’s article on his appointment notes that his Jewish father escaped from Germany to Mexico with his family in the 1930s. The article quotes Frenck, who says this about the status of the school: Students “need to have the environment that allows and enables the learning, and the learning can include all the other activities, but safety is a paramount consideration. Now, we do need to balance that with a very clear commitment to free expression. Freedom of expression should not, does not, include or protect harassment or discrimination.” 

The press release quotes Frenk, who adds, “At this crucial moment for higher education, returning to the public sector to lead one of the top research universities in the world — including one of the 10 largest academic health systems — is an exciting opportunity and a great honor for me,” said Chancellor-designate Frenk. “I look forward to adding my lifelong commitment to public service in education and health care to the vibrant, diverse, and cosmopolitan community that is Los Angeles.”

Dr. Frenk obtained a medical degree from the National University of Mexico, as well as a Master of Public Health and a joint Ph.D. in Medical Care Organization and in Sociology from the University of Michigan.

in News
Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Nearly $1B Secured for Refinancing of Westfield Century City Mall

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The proceeds will replace a $925 million commercial mortgage-backed securities loan, originally issued by Morgan Stanley in 2023 and due...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays...

Tesla Seen Nearly Crashing into West LA Home After Collision

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Footage depicted a blue Prius on the road with significant front-end damage A crash involving injuries was reported around 12:30...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

Hundreds of Red-Legged Frog Tadpoles Released in Santa Monica Mountains

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Once widespread in California, red-legged frogs vanished from the Santa Monica Mountains by the 1970s Nearly 600 California red-legged frog...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

Westwood Village Board to Discuss Public Art Initiative

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The initiative aims to enhance community pride, boost local business revenue, and address urban blight through public art corridors and...

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...