Top 5 Westside Stories: Abandoned, Injured Dog, Malibu Fire, SaMo Coyotes, Food in Mar Vista and Politics

Close out your weekend with a recap of the newsiest and most popular Patch articles from the week. Here are five stories that topped the headlines on Westside Patch sites:

Firefighters in Action Above Malibu: A 1.5-acre brush fire broke out in the area of Castro Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu on Monday morning. It took about 45 minutes for a force of 185 firefighters to knock it down. According to investigators, construction work was the cause of the fire. No one was hurt, and no structures were in danger.

Injured Dog Abandoned on Culver City Sidewalk: Culver City Police responded to a call of a possible drunk driver Friday morning and discovered a severely injured pit bull in the street that witnesses said had been in the trunk of the owner's car.

More Coyotes in Santa Monica: The Santa Monica Police Department says coyote sightings have become more frequent in the last few months, with reports of some domestic animals being chased and attacked by them. Sgt. Richard Lewis says the coyotes seems "less fearful" of humans now. To that end, the police offered some tips on what to do in the event of an encounter.

Louie's of Mar Vista is Open: Fourth of July weekend witnessed the opening of the new eatery, with a menu stacked with a variety of indulgent items, such as multiple kinds of cheeseburgers, off-the-wall egg rolls and pork bones with mac and cheese. 

Ex-Mayor of Culver City Seeks Assembly Seat: Christopher Armenta announced plans this week to make a run for the seat of the 54th State Assembly District. Armenta has been a Culver City resident for over 35 years and has served the City of Culver City as the elected city clerk, mayor, and as a council member for 10 consecutive years through 2012.