Close out your weekend with a recap of the newsiest and most popular Patch articles from last week. Here are the five stories that topped the headlines on Westside Patch sites:
- Santa Monica's ban on holiday scenes in public places is still in place after a federal judge denied an injunction by a Christian group who wants to put up a nativity display in a public park. In its , a nonprofit association of 13 local churches and the Santa Monica Police Officers Association, said the City Council's June decision to outlaw displays infringed on its members First Amendment rights and is "hostile to the Christian religion and our nation's religious heritage." Despite the judge's decision, the group is planning Christmas celebrations at the southern end of the park and will continue to fight the ban.
- Join the conversation: We're celebrating everything we're thankful for in our communities this weekend. Upload a photo and a caption that shows us what you appreciate in your life and check out the great photos from our readers and editors. We hope you are having a very restful and grateful Thanksgiving weekend.
- In response to rising tensions and violence last week in Israel and Gaza, hundreds of demonstrators descended on the Federal Building in Westwood on Tuesday and last weekend. Supporters of Israel and Palestine were at the larger protest last weekend.
- The race between Betsy Butler and Richard Bloom to represent the 50th Assembly is still not over. Bloom currently holds a lead over Butler — 430 votes as of Friday. For the latest vote tallies, click here.
- A motorcyclist died in a crash with a Big Blue Bus in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday. and police say speed was the main factor in the incident.
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