July 2026
Happy July – and a proud 250th birthday to the nation we call home. We hope you enjoyed a wonderful Independence Day celebration.
In the wake of this historic milestone, we’re reminded that America’s story has always been shaped by the service, sacrifice, and commitment of those who’ve served something greater than themselves. Here at West LA VA, it is our privilege to carry that legacy forward.
Together, we continue building a one-of-a-kind community that supports Veterans today while honoring and strengthening that commitment for generations to come.
To the Veterans who call this campus home, and to those who trust VA Greater Los Angeles with their care: thank you. Your service defines our mission and inspires everything we do.
Read on for the latest campus news, highlights from recent events, upcoming opportunities, and more!
Veteran Art Event Celebrates 13 Years of Camaraderie & Creativity
On Tuesday, June 9th, Paint and Snack celebrated 13 years of serving Veterans through the healing power of art. The special anniversary gathering, held at the West LA VA Peer Center, was filled with creativity, connection, and community!
Before the paintbrushes came out, Veterans shared a meal (thanks to sponsor Village for Vets), reconnected with familiar faces, and welcomed new participants! Attendees painted and decorated small storage boxes before moving on to creating personalized greeting cards.
Accomplished artist, host and instructor Phyllis Miller, a Navy Veteran, reflected on the milestone: “This anniversary was extra meaningful because it showed how art continues to heal, uplift, and connect our Veteran community. Seeing so many Veterans create, laugh, and support one another reminded me why this program has endured with such heart."
Paint & Snack takes place every second Tuesday of the month at the Peer Center (Building 306) from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. All Veterans are welcome, and no sign-up is required!
Colorful New Banners Honor Veteran Artists
Beautiful new art banners are now on display at the LA Metro station construction site across from Building 500 at West LA VA.
Each colorful banner represents a unique Veteran community and incorporates artwork created by Veterans, transforming their voices, talents, and personal stories into a public art display. Click here to watch a special video about the effort!
LA Metro-commissioned artist Stephanie Mercado engaged Veterans, VA, and community organizations to lead a series of hands-on art workshops that inspired four large-scale vinyl banners that are now installed along the station’s construction site sound walls.
The station is expected to open in the fall of 2027 on campus, and will connect West LA VA to the rest of Los Angeles by rail. If you haven’t seen the banners yet, be sure to catch them on your next visit to the campus.
VA Enhances Campus Security at West LA VA
To make the West LA campus safer and more secure for Veteran residents, staff, visitors, and others who spend time here, we have increased our security presence around the Veteran residence buildings on the north campus. You may notice more uniformed, unarmed professional security staff.
Specifically, there are now seven fixed sentry guard posts located throughout the north campus supportive housing areas, with two vehicle patrol units conducting routine rounds.
Security personnel are here to maintain a visible presence, monitor and report suspicious activity, manage access control as needed, and support VA policy compliance while coordinating closely with VA Police for emergencies and enforcement.
This is all designed to better serve the concerns of the community and ensure the campus remains safe as our population continues to grow.
Here’s What to Expect:
- You’ll see more uniformed security officers on post and actively patrolling the grounds.
- Visitors may be asked to present identification or provide information to confirm access only in specific circumstances, such as entering the Gorham Gate or traveling along the bicycle path near the wetlands.
- Security staff will document and promptly report any situations requiring additional follow-up, repair, or policy enforcement.
We appreciate your support and partnership as we continue working to build a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all who live on, work on, and visit the West LA VA campus!
If you have non-emergency questions about this effort, you can contact VHAGLAPoliceManagement@va.gov. For emergencies, call VA Police Dispatch at 310-268-4524.
Come On Out for the Annual Recreation & Wellbeing Expo
Come out to the annual Veteran Recreation and Wellbeing Expo on Saturday, July 25th at Jackie Robinson Stadium!
The Expo, sponsored by the UCLA/VA Veteran Family Wellbeing Center and the Los Angeles Veterans Collaborative, features Veteran recreation and wellbeing organizations from all over Southern California sharing the activities they do for Veterans.
You’ll enjoy:
- Free music, food and drinks
- Recreation and wellbeing activities
- Free giveaways
- Veteran providers and resources
- Kid friendly activities
- Family friendly environment
- Lunch provided by the Cookout Truck & the Dole Whip Guy
This event is open to all! It takes place on Saturday, July 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Stadium on the West LA VA campus. You can register in advance at: https://veteranexpo2026.eventbrite.com
Getting Around Is Now Easier at West LA VA
Have you tried the interactive wayfinding kiosks in Building 500 at West LA VA? These state-of-the-art map tools were installed earlier this year to help you get around more easily.
With just a few taps, they’ll give you easy-to-follow directions to appointments, ancillary services, parking lots, and all other key destinations.
There are two on the first floor – one at the main entrance and one at the east entrance (near the Emergency Department and valet drop-off). Plus one each in the basement and on floors 2-5.
You can even send directions straight to your phone. Plus, there’s an interactive map available on the West LA VA website so you can print directions in advance.
The kiosks are accessible for those with hearing and vision impairments, as well as wheelchair users, all at the touch of a button on the home screen. If you haven’t tried them yet, what are you waiting for?
Antelope Valley VA Clinic Rolls Out Expanded Hours
It’s official – our Antelope Valley VA Clinic in Lancaster is now open a half hour earlier! The clinic is officially open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to better serve Veterans in this region.
The clinic is located at 44439 Veterans Way in Lancaster, Calif. It offers an array of specialty services for Veterans including Primary Care, Women’s Health Clinic with separate entrance, Telehealth, Mental Health, Podiatry, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Homeless Services, Laboratory, Nutrition & Weight Management, Social Work, Dental, Audiology & Speech, and Eye Care.
To schedule an appointment, call 877-251-7295.
Please help us spread the word about this earlier opening time, and all the services available for Veterans at our newest clinic location!
Free Veteran Dental Clinic Brings Big Smiles to West LA VA
Last month, we shared the results of the Mobile Dental Clinic for Veterans that visited West LA VA earlier this year. Now, we’re sharing a video about this special resource and the team who made it happen! Click here to watch!
In April, USC’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, in partnership with Village for Vets and VA, hosted a weeklong mobile dental clinic dedicated to serving Veterans in need. A total of 102 Veterans received free dental care, including cleanings, fillings, root canals, and extractions.
The clinic’s impact extended far beyond the week itself — 272 appointments were created and 1,373 procedures were scheduled, helping connect Veterans with continued care and healthier futures.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this incredible effort possible and for continuing to support those who served our nation. We look forward to next time!
Submit Your Veteran Event or News Item!
If you have a suggestion for a topic that affects Veterans in the GLA area (particularly West LA VA campus residents), we want to hear from you! Good topic ideas offer new or timely information, and helpful or actionable items for readers.
To be considered, please send the following information to VHAGLAMASTERPLAN@VA.gov.
- The information you’re wanting to share.
- Please provide relevant details such as dates/times/links.
- Why this is beneficial for Veterans.
- Feel free to include flyers or other materials for reference.
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