Week in Review: Slight Increase in DUI Arrests, New State Laws, Metro Moved Closer to Expanding Light Rail

1. The Federal Transit Administration gave final approval of plans for $1.72 billion transit line along Crenshaw Boulevard, running from the Green Line near LAX to the Expo Line. Metro officials said construction could begin as early as this summer. They expect the Crenshaw/LAX line will be open in late 2018.

2. LA County saw a slight increase in DUI arrests over the Holiday season. 2,433 individuals were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, up from 2,406 the same period last year authorities said as part of Los Angeles County's Avoid the 100 DUI Campaign.

3. Educators reacted to a possible state budget that would cut $5.2 billion in public school funding if enacted. The cuts would come into effect if voters don’t pass a tax initiative that Gov. Jerry Brown is trying to put on the November ballot.

4. Patch highlighted new California laws that were authored by Mar Vista’s representatives State Sen. Ted Lieu or Assemblywoman Betsy Butler. The laws spanned topics from job training to tanning beds and baby bottles.

5. Christy Wilhelmi recommended taking advantage of the Mar Vista Farmers Market as a way to stick to healthy eating New Year’s goals. She recommended using produce from the market for smoothies and soups.