Commencement at UCLA brings many people together on campus to celebrate the graduating class – but it doesn’t come without a cost.
While students and their families budget the cost of hospitality, travel and traditions ahead of graduation, businesses in Westwood may find opportunities during this time to boost profits.

This post was updated May 15 at 10:43 p.m.
Audri Chang’s curly, silver hair and thick, black glasses are unmistakable as the 71-year-old restaurant owner shuffles between rustic tables, balancing platters of steaming food and exchanging friendly small talk with customers.

This post was updated Jan. 31 at 12:32 p.m.
Driverless taxis are no longer futuristic dreams for Angelenos.
Autonomous ride-hailing platform Waymo launched to the Los Angeles public last November, deploying around 100 vehicles in a 79-square-mile area from Santa Monica to downtown.

This post was updated Jan. 16 at 10:07 p.m.
The growing popularity of arts and crafts allows Bruins to reap the activities’ financial and emotional benefits.

This post was updated Jan. 26 at 9:11 p.m.
Last month, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz – famous for its early investments in companies such as Instagram, Airbnb, Pinterest and Roblox – officially opened a new office in Santa Monica.

As the new academic year nears, Bruins may be exploring financial independence for the first time, from learning how to manage a budget to building credit.

This post was updated June 5 at 8:02 p.m. 
Social media platform TikTok and e-commerce companies SHEIN and Temu have recently gained prevalence in the United States, particularly among college students.