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  • Let's take an easy stroll around Atwater Village
    A trek around Atwater Village
    This walk takes you along a particularly scenic stretch of the L.A. River known as the Glendale Narrows.

    Topline:

    Welcome to LAist City Treks, a series of easy hikes and walks that will help you explore the parts of Los Angeles and SoCal we rarely get to see — or only see through the car window. Expect to get about 5K steps, and plenty of photos for your social media channels. Plus, we have some recommendations for grabbing a quick bite to eat once you're finished. This week, we're exploring Atwater Village.

    Where are we headed? This trek mixes old and new as it takes you along a scenic stretch of the L.A. River, pauses at one of Walt Disney's old haunts on Los Feliz Boulevard and ultimately winds up on bustling Glendale Boulevard. If you go, tag us on social media @LAistOfficial and #LAistTreks

    Why now? In its peak year of 1924, a staggering 109,185,650 passengers rode Los Angeles’ premier streetcar line, the Pacific Electric Red Car. Up until 1955, one of its most popular routes was from downtown to Glendale, with a stop on the east bank of the Los Angeles River. While we can’t go back in time and ride the trolley (at least, not yet), we can at least experience ephemeral reminders of its former glory in Atwater Village, a place where the past comfortably commingles with the vibrant present.

    What can I expect? This is an easy trek, nearly all flat, paved sidewalks. About 2.5 miles in all, and it's dog friendly. And when you're finished, you have several dining options to enjoy, including Proof Bakery, Dune (known for Mediterranean fare), the popular Hugo's Tacos, and Holy Basil, which is considered one of the best Thai places in L.A. If you are traveling with a dog, you might also consider the Morrison Restaurant, which touts its dog-friendly patio.

    What's next: Let's get walking!

    Welcome to LAist City Treks, a series of easy hikes and walks that will help you explore the parts of Los Angeles and SoCal we rarely get to see — or only see through the car window. Expect to get about 5K steps, and plenty of photos for your social media channels. Keep scrolling, because you'll also find recommendations for grabbing a quick bite to eat once you're finished.

    Where are we headed?

    This trek mixes old and new as it takes you along a scenic stretch of the L.A. River, pauses at one of Walt Disney's old haunts on Los Feliz Boulevard and ultimately winds up on bustling Glendale Boulevard. If you go, tag us on social media @LAistOfficial and #LAistTreks

    Why now?

    In its peak year of 1924, a staggering 109,185,650 passengers rode Los Angeles’ premier streetcar line, the Pacific Electric Red Car. Up until 1955, one of its most popular routes was from downtown to Glendale, with a stop on the east bank of the Los Angeles River.

    While we can’t go back in time and ride the trolley (at least, not yet), we can at least experience ephemeral reminders of its former glory in Atwater Village, a place where the past comfortably commingles with the vibrant present.

    Quickly, what can I expect?

    • Route conditions: Nearly all flat, paved sidewalks and walkways (with the option to detour on unpaved trails at Sunnynook River Park)
    • Difficulty: An easy 1 on a scale of 1 to 5
    • Distance: About 2.5 miles, with the option to add on more if desired
    • Dog friendly: Yes, and you'll walk by the Morrison Restaurant which touts its dog-friendly patio.
    • Parking: Street parking, free
    • Bathrooms: Several opportunities to stop in at businesses along the way, so you might want bring a few singles to tip in exchange for using the facilities.

    Map it!

    Want to take this map with you?

    Click here and then select "Send directions to your phone."

    OK, let's get started ...

    Nostalgia is a funny thing. Many Angelenos — myself included — were not even alive during the Red Car era, yet we pine for the trolley’s re-emergence. As Southern California Railway Museum puts it, Los Angeles was home to America's largest electric railway system, "blanketing the Los Angeles region with more than 1,000 miles of rail lines."

    This loop through Atwater Village kicks off at Red River Park, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sliver of green just east of the Glendale-Hyperion Bridge where the Red Car once crossed over to the center median of Glendale Boulevard.

    A wooded dirt path leads up into some trees. It looks so unassuming that it could be easily missed.
    The entrance to this walking area sneaks up on you. It's easy to miss, especially when there are many cars parked along the street.
    (
    Rene Lynch
    /
    LAist
    )

    It leads to a 430-foot-long pedestrian and cycling bridge over the L.A. River, reinforcing the adage “what’s old is new.” After the last train rumbled over the river, the tracks were ripped up, leaving behind several concrete stanchions protruding from the water.

    What it used to look like

    Red-painted rail cars with gold trim cross a bridge over water. There photo was taken back in the early '50s, and then is a grainy feel to photograph, a vintage vibe.
    What it looked like back in the day: A vintage shot of the Pacific Electric Railway Company streetcar crossing the Los Angeles River on the Glendale Line on April 17, 1952.
    (
    Alan Weeks
    /
    Metro Library and Archive
    )

    What it looks like today

    A pedestrian bridge opens up in front of the camera, it is made of metal and painted red in spots, a nod to the old electric red cars that traveled this way.
    You'll walk across this pedestrian bridge to get to the other side of the L.A. River, and enjoy walking along the bike trail. Just stay to the far right.
    (
    Rene Lynch
    /
    LAist
    )

    Forlorn and purposeless, the pillars got a new lease on life when the Red Car Bridge, upon which you will tread as you walk across it, was laid over them in 2020. The viaduct’s decorative red stripes are a winking tribute to the erstwhile trolleys.

    After you step off the bridge, being mindful of cyclists, turn right on the L.A. River bicycle path. The river factors into Atwater’s etymology: When it was subdivided in 1902, the tract was advertised as “at-water.” You'll pass under the Glendale-Hyperion Bridge, a 13-arch work of art designed by Merrill Butler in 1927.

    What makes this stretch of the L.A. River special

    Up ahead, Sunnynook River Park emerges on your left. Pause if you like to stroll its paths of restored native vegetation along the bike path. The park’s riparian trees are in keeping with the Glendale Narrows, the name given to an 11-mile stretch through Northeast L.A. While much of the L.A. River is encased in concrete, this section boasts a natural soft bottom, much to the delight of the herons and egrets who feast on fish (and to you, who delight in herons and egrets).

    Once you've taken in the park, you'll cross back over the river via an older pedestrian bridge. Officially called the Sunnynook Bridge, it’s better known as the Love Lock Bridge. You'll find dozens of locks fastened to the fencing. It’s a place for soulmates to solidify their love, minus the potential regret of lifelong tattoos!

    When you step off this pedestrian bridge, turn left and continue on the river's walkway.

    Then, exit and turn right onto Los Feliz Boulevard.

    The next few blocks feature mom-and-pop stores and two iconic theme establishments — Bigfoot Lodge and the Tam O’Shanter.

    The Disney connection

    Occupying the corner of Los Feliz and Boyce Avenue since 1922, the Tam was designed by Harry Oliver, an Oscar-nominated art director who also took on non-studio clients. Oliver was a leading architect of the Storybook style. As the name implies, its structures were defined by crooked windows, pitched roofs, and whimsical flourishes — think Hansel and Gretel’s fairy tale house, or the real-life "Witch's House" in Beverly Hills (also designed by Oliver).

    If you look closely, you can still see Walt Disney's fingerprints at the Tam.

    The original Disney studio was just over the river in Silver Lake. Walt Disney himself (and his animators) frequented the roadhouse so often that the Tam was the de facto studio commissary. In fact, Disney’s legacy is well-preserved in the lobby of Tam O'Shanter's.

    Sketches of Mickey Mouse and his gang hang on the walls, including one drawn by Walt himself. (Book a dinner reservation for later: A plaque memorializes Walt’s favorite table — the much-sought-after Table 31 — near the fireplace.)

    One could see how the restaurant appealed to Walt. How much so is debatable, but there are clear parallels between the Tam and the whole Village Haus portion of Disneyland’s Fantasyland. A more direct link is the Hyperion-Glendale Bridge near this route's trailhead, and which led to Disney’s studio back in the day: A replica of it extends over Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure.

    What's with all the turns?

    After checking out the Tam, regroup back at the intersection of Los Feliz Boulevard and Boyce Avenue. You want to head southeast on Boyce Avenue. (Don't know which direction is southeast? As you walked up Los Feliz Boulevard and came upon the Tam, you would have turned right onto Boyce Avenue. So do that.)

    Then, make your first right, onto Dover Street, and then take your second left, onto Edenhurst Avenue.

    Why this zig-zag route?

    It takes you through the heart of Atwater’s residential district, where you can enjoy some of the prettiest homes around. Deodar cedar trees provide ample shade as you take in an array of architectural styles dominated by 1920s Spanish-style bungalows, perfectly suited for the village’s relatively small lots.

    Why Glendale Boulevard is so wide

    A corner business building is painted in vertical stripes of purple, green, yellow, blue, orange and so on. A few people are walking by, and one person is sitting outside at a patio table.
    A colorful building at the intersection of Edenhurt Street and Glendale Boulevard is painted in a variety of hues, a hint of the relaxed, breezy style this community is known for.
    (
    Rene Lynch
    /
    LAist
    )

    Six blocks later, you'll find yourself at Glendale Boulevard, whose wide center median once served the Red Car tracks that ran through here.

    Fortunately, Atwater’s main drag has staved off the type of decline that has gutted other L.A. business districts, thanks to its diverse and creative community, strong neighborhood pride, and a good mix of essential and trendy retailers that appeals to both locals and outsiders.

    Here, you have a decision to make. You can turn right onto Glendale Boulevard and make your way back to your car.

    Or, you can browse Glendale Boulevard's many boutiques, or languish in a neighborhood bar or bistro. We have a few dining recommendations below. Heck, Red Car River Park took some 50 years to come into being; what’s a few more minutes as it awaits your return?

    Done! Where to eat?

    LAist's Associate Editor for Food and Culture Gab Chabrán recommends the following four places in the area to grab a bite:

    Hugo's Tacos

    Tacos — soft or crispy — are so popular here at Hugo's. You might almost forget everything else that's on the menu, including burritos, protein bowls and quesadillas. And then there's the torta ahogada, served on a Mexican sandwich roll layered with beans, guac, your protein choice, veggies, and then griddled in a honey chipotle dressing.

    Location: 3300 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village
    Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    Dune

    Dune is known for its Mediterranean breakfasts — avocado toast with tomato confit on Bub and Grandma's sourdough — and fried chicken shawarma, as well as lavish meze plates made for sharing.

    Location: 3143 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village
    Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    Proof Bakery

    Proof Bakery is a slice of carb heaven. And it has plenty for those with a savory tooth as well as a sweet tooth. In additional to favorites such as croissants and fruit danishes, scones, and coffee cakes, there are also sandwiches, too, including a focaccia BLT.

    Location: 3156 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village
    Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Holy Basil

    Considered to be some of the best Thai food in L.A. But Holy Basil is really all about chef Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat's channeling of Thai flavors and Chinese influences into something uniquely original. The "Grandma's fish and rice" — the chef's beloved dish from childhood — is a favorite.

    Location: 3170 Glendale Blvd., Unit C, Atwater Village
    Hours: Wednesday through Friday, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

    Where to next?

    Any suggestions for great hikes in and around L.A.? Don't keep it to yourself! Let us know, and we might check them out for a future story.

    Haddad is the author of the hiking bible 10,000 Steps A Day in LA and the upcoming Inventing Paradise: The Power Brokers Who Created the Dream of Los Angeles. Read more about Haddad here.

  • Bass and Raman scheduled for first debate
    A Black woman in a pink jacket and shirt (left) speaks behind a microphone and podium that says "Karen Bass" and "Decision 2026," as another woman wearing pink looks at her in front of a podium that says "Nithya Raman" and "Decision 2026."
    L.A. Mayor Karen Bass (left) and Councilmember Nithya Raman (right) at a mayoral debate in May 2026 ahead of the June primary.

    Topline

    The two candidates vying for the job of Los Angeles mayor — incumbent Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman — will face off Wednesday in their first debate ahead of the general election in November.

    The backstory: Bass finished ahead of Raman in the June primary 34%-29% but is considered a vulnerable incumbent. Rising street homelessness, skyrocketing housing costs and a shortage of basic city services like pothole repair have left some voters disenchanted with Bass, whose unfavorable ratings top 50%.

    She’s also been criticized for her handling of the Palisades Fire.

    Bass stump speech: The incumbent has said she understands that people are frustrated, but she’s “not done” doing the job of mayor.

    “You want to hear frustrated?” Bass said at a recent campaign event. “I’m frustrated too. But I’ll tell you what frustration does to me. Frustration makes me fight even harder.”

    She says there’s been progress: fewer homeless encampments in many neighborhoods, more permits issued to build affordable housing, and a drop in crime. Much of the establishment is backing Bass, including the L.A. County Democratic Party, L.A. County Federation of Labor and Chamber of Commerce.

    Raman: The District 4 City Council member, who remains relatively unknown to voters, says she’s running against “the political machine.” Raman has touted a 49% drop in unsheltered homelessness in her council district, which runs from Silver Lake to Sherman Oaks, and she says she has a plan to cut street homelessness in half citywide by the Olympics and eliminate it entirely by the end of four years.

    Her supporters include City Controller Kenneth Mejia, various local Democratic clubs and the Western States Carpenters Association.

    The details: The debate is sponsored by the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association and will be held at the Sherman Oaks Adult center, 5056 Van Nuys Blvd.

    It is expected to run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You can listen to the debate live on LAist 89.3 FM.

  • Sponsored message
  • Lawsuit alleges Trump admin violated free speech

    Topline:

    The ABC network sued the Federal Communications Commission in federal court today.

    Why it matters: The case has major First Amendment implications, arguing that the Trump administration has violated the network's free speech rights by launching investigations and challenging its broadcast licenses in retaliation for its news coverage, late-night satire and views on talk shows.

    The backstory: ABC and its corporate parent, the Walt Disney Co., allege that the FCC has taken these actions to appease President Trump, who has repeatedly called for the network to be stripped of its licenses in response to material which has sparked his ire.

    FCC reaction: The FCC and its chief, Brendan Carr, did not immediately comment on the suit.

    The ABC network sued the Federal Communications Commission in federal court Tuesday in a case with major First Amendment implications, arguing that the Trump administration has violated its free speech rights by launching investigations and challenging its broadcast licenses in retaliation for its news coverage, late-night satire and views on talk shows.

    ABC and its corporate parent, the Walt Disney Co., allege that the FCC has taken these actions to appease President Trump, who has repeatedly called for the network to be stripped of its licenses in response to material which has sparked his ire.

    The network's lawsuit cites Trump's own social media posts which condemn ABC's news coverage, its talk show The View and late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel — who has frequently mocked the president.

    The lawsuit starts: "Government censorship is deeply un-American."

    It goes on to note that, in the words of a recent unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision involving the National Rifle Association, the government may not "use the power of the State to punish or suppress disfavored expression."

    "This case concerns the Administration's sustained effort to do just that," the ABC/Disney lawsuit argues. "The Administration has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts."

    ABC and Disney own eight local TV stations which beam out the national network's shows and local programming in specific regions. Among them are stations in six of the nation's largest markets, which contribute significantly to ABC's bottom line.

    They require federal licenses because they rely on the public airwaves. The FCC forced all eight of them to undergo early scrutiny of the renewal process of the licenses, years ahead of schedule. It's an essentially unprecedented move in the modern era.

    The FCC and its chief, Brendan Carr, did not immediately comment on the suit. The commission has historically acted in a quasi-independent role from presidential administrations, with the president's party holding three seats and the opposing party two. But Trump publicly said before taking office that he saw it as an extension of the executive branch; recent court decisions have reined in the independence of some other semi-autonomous agencies set up by Congress; and Carr has acted as a booster and advocate for Trump's excoriation of the press, including ABC.

    For his part, Carr has said he is making sure broadcasters operate in the public interest — a legal requirement — and that they don't violate Trump's executive order on diversity, equity and inclusion.

    But he has also been outspoken in his support for Trump's agenda, including specific criticisms of ABC, Kimmel, "The View" and its journalists. In one instance, he warned that ABC and Disney could "do this the easy way or the hard way" amid the president's call for Kimmel to be pulled off the air. The host was suspended and returned days later after a major public outcry.

    Ironically, ABC had been the first in a string of major media companies and digital giants to reach settlements with Trump over lawsuits he filed against them as a private citizen. It paid $16 million to settle his defamation case in December 2024, involving remarks by anchor George Stephanopoulos, after Trump had won a return to the White House but before his inauguration.

    Given Trump's continuing broadsides against Kimmel, its daytime talk show "The View," and its journalists, however, Disney has taken an increasingly assertive stance against the administration.

    "We're very principled on this," Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro told CNBC's Julia Boorstin last week. "We're going to stand up to what we believe is journalistic and integrity, and we're not going to be told how to run that side of our business."

    He took over from former Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger in March. Iger, who remains on the Disney board, is now a business partner of Josh Kushner — the brother of President Trump's son-in-law and diplomatic adviser, Jared Kushner — in striking a deal to buy the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers.

    Other outlets are closely watching the growing ABC-FCC confrontation.

    CBS's parent company Paramount, Meta, X and Google all struck deals similar to the one ABC reached to resolve lawsuits filed by Trump. The president has also filed private lawsuits against the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the BBC over their reporting. They are ongoing.

    Copyright 2026 NPR

  • Some OC students return to schools with e-bike ban
    In front of a school building, a group of students stand outside. Three bicycles are parked out front.
    Newport-Mesa Unified School District is the first in California to ban electric bikes from school property for kindergarten through eighth grade.

    Topline:

    Students are back at Ensign Intermediate School in Newport Beach this week, but e-bikes are not.

    Background: Newport-Mesa Unified School District is the first in California to ban electric bikes from school property for kindergarten through eighth grade.

    Read on … for how students and parents are reacting to the change.

    Students are back at Ensign Intermediate School in Newport Beach Tuesday morning, e-bikes are not.

    The Newport-Mesa Unified School District banned electric bikes from school property for kindergarten through eighth grade, citing a spike in e-bike incidents.

    Annette Franco, communications officer with Newport-Mesa, said parents wanted to see more e-bike enforcement. It’s the first district in California to adopt a ban, according to officials.

    In Orange County, e-bike and e-motorcycle injuries have gone up 430% in the last four years, according to the District Attorney’s office. Children between the ages of 11 and 14 accounted for more than 60% of crashes.

    High schoolers in the district can still ride e-bikes to school, but have to take an e-bike/bicycle safety and training course.

    LAist has asked the district for information about how officials will enforce the ban, including possible penalties.

    What parents say

    Some parents applauded the ban, including Brooke Diehl, who was dropping off her daughter at the middle school.

    “ I think it's the best thing for the kids,” Diehl said. “I saw a lot of crazy things that I didn't think were safe, and I think ninth grade and up is a good age group for them.”

    Sue Healey, a crossing guard, also told LAist that riding e-bikes is more manageable for high schoolers.

    “ For the little ones, in this traffic, at this particular time of day, it's not so safe for them,” Healey said, but she also recognizes the downfalls. “ I know it's going to really hurt the parents because now we have a large influx of cars dropping kids off and picking them up.”

    Keiko dropped her goddaughter off at the middle school Tuesday morning, and she told LAist that the ban may have been too rash. Keiko declined to share her last name out of concern for pushback from other parents and officials.

    “There could have been more education and dialogue, instead of the school board saying, ‘This is what we’re doing,’” Keiko said. “There are a lot of kids that I know who are upset. … they were learning their independence. We need to encourage safety not just through authority but through practice.”

    Dozens of bicycles are parked behind a wired fence next to a school gym.
    Students at Ensign Intermediate School in Newport Beach can only ride traditional pedal bikes to school as the district's e-bike ban takes effect.
    (
    Jill Replogle
    /
    LAist
    )

    Some students have mixed feelings

    A group of four boys walked their bikes across the street from Ensign after riding up a hill. "It's lame," one said of the e-bike ban. "My legs hurt," another said.

    Katherine Martinez, a seventh grader, said the change doesn’t affect her because she has a ride to school, but the same can’t be said for all her peers.

    “If someone doesn't have anyone to drop them off, and if they miss the bus, they don't have a form of transportation besides that bike,” Martinez said.

    Why now? 

    The ban comes as more policies across OC crack down on e-bikes.

    Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer created an e-bike prosecution unit, “RIDE SAFELY,” to review cases of illegal motorized vehicles. The team would review potential criminal charges for youth and adults, including parents who allow their children to ride illegal e-bikes, according to the department.

    What makes an e-bike illegal?

    An illegal e-bike does not have pedals or exceeds the speeds listed below in its designated classification.

    In California, e-bikes fall into three classifications:

    • Class 1: pedal-assisted at speeds under 20 mph 
    • Class 2: throttle-assisted e-bikes that go up to 20 mph. 
    • Class 3: pedal-assisted and capped at 28 mph.

    In the city of Buena Park, e-bikes, as well as electric skateboards and scooters, are prohibited from being ridden on public city sidewalks. The city of La Palma enforces similar rules.

    In Anaheim, Class 3 e-bike riders are not permitted on sidewalks.

    Other cities like Santa Ana have seen e-bike incidents. A driver running a red light hit a 44-year-old resident riding an e-bike. He died in the hospital earlier this month, according to Santa Ana police. The day before, a different e-bicyclist was struck by a speeding hit-and-run driver, an incident captured on video provided to KTLA.

    More restrictions could be coming 

    A state law AB 1569 is in front of legislators that would require the California Department of Education and the California Highway Patrol "to develop a standardized electric bicycle safety and training program for pupils in grades 7 to 12."

    On the federal level, the Safe SPEEDS Act would require the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop safety standards, mandatory labeling and to regularly conduct studies on e-bike incidents.

  • Lawyers admit AI generated fake cases in LA suit
    Red signage for State Farm is on a lawn next to a parking lot in front of a building.
    A State Farm insurance office in Pinole on Jan. 3, 2024.

    Topline:

    Lawyers for a former Los Angeles homeowner find AI-generated “hallucinations” in filings by State Farm.

    More details: Lawyers for a Los Angeles firm representing State Farm in a lawsuit involving the rebuilding of a home after a fire have apologized for artificial intelligence hallucinations in their filings. The homeowner’s lawyers discovered in motions filed by State Farm “cases that do not exist, quotes that do not exist, and holdings that do not exist,” according to a filing by Eric Khodadian, who is representing Fa’alagilagi Meni-Siliga.

    Why it matters: The legal industry is increasingly turning to AI: 41% of law firms and 47% of corporate legal departments said they are using generative AI, according to one recent survey. That has meant legal hallucinations have become more prevalent, said Daniel Ho, a law professor at Stanford University who has researched the issue. In one paper Ho co-wrote last year, he and fellow researchers found that a couple of companies “overstated” that their legal research tools could guarantee hallucination-free legal citations.

    Read on... for more on the lawsuit.

    This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

    Lawyers for a Los Angeles firm representing State Farm in a lawsuit involving the rebuilding of a home after a fire have apologized for artificial intelligence hallucinations in their filings.

    The homeowner’s lawyers discovered in motions filed by State Farm “cases that do not exist, quotes that do not exist, and holdings that do not exist,” according to a filing by Eric Khodadian, who is representing Fa’alagilagi Meni-Siliga.

    Meni-Siliga filed her lawsuit in July 2024, naming a contractor and the contractor’s insurance company, a public adjuster and her homeowners insurance company, State Farm, as defendants.

    A fire in her home in the city of Carson in 2020 caused her home to become uninhabitable, according to the lawsuit. While her contractor was working on the home, a storm caused water damage. After what she said were delays getting State Farm’s approval for repairs, the work on her home was never completed, according to a January court filing. She and her husband have drained their savings and retirement accounts, declared bankruptcy and lost their home to foreclosure, she wrote.

    “My family and I have lost forever our family home,” Meni-Siliga, a U.S. Postal Service carrier, wrote. “We do not come from money… It took many years and sacrifice for our family to purchase our home.”

    In its original answer to her complaints, State Farm said negligence by the plaintiff, her contractor and public adjuster led to the injuries and damages she suffered. The insurer also said she failed to bring her legal action within a year of the original loss or damage.

    The case is set to go to trial in October.

    The legal industry is increasingly turning to AI: 41% of law firms and 47% of corporate legal departments said they are using generative AI, according to one recent survey.

    That has meant legal "hallucinations" have become more prevalent, said Daniel Ho, a law professor at Stanford University who has researched the issue. In one paper Ho co-wrote last year, he and fellow researchers found that a couple of companies “overstated” that their legal research tools could guarantee hallucination-free legal citations.

    A database of legal hallucinations around the world maintained by a Paris-based legal researcher has found 1,922 cases so far; most of them occurred in the United States.

    Last year, a California attorney was fined a record amount, $10,000, for using ChatGPT in an opening brief that contained 21 made-up quotes out of 23.

    Khodadian shared his findings at an Aug. 7 conference in Los Angeles Superior Court. He wrote in a filing later that a State Farm lawyer was “visibly enraged” afterward and followed him and his co-counsel down the hall, “repeatedly demanding to see the list” of mistakes they had found.

    That lawyer was Kenneth Katel of the firm Musick, Peeler & Garrett, who in his filing apologized to the court and to the plaintiff, explaining that his co-counsel told him she used AI to help prepare some filings.

    “I was not aware that AI had been used, but as lead trial counsel I accept full responsibility for our filings,” Katel wrote. He also told the court that his firm has updated its policy about AI use but did not provide specifics.

    Katel disputed Khodadian’s characterization of what happened after the hearing, though he wrote “it is accurate to say I was upset given the seriousness of the allegations.”

    Khodadian and Katel declined to answer questions from CalMatters.

    The lawyer who used AI in motions on behalf of State Farm, Jacquelene Robinson, wrote in a filing that she confirmed there were seven case citations across eight filings “that simply didn’t exist,” as well as some incorrect titles of cases and quotes that were not found in cases she cited.

    Robinson said she used an AI tool called Irys, which she incorrectly thought was tied to her law firm’s subscription to a legal research tool called Westlaw, which she thought “performed an internal cite check.” She was mistaken, she wrote.

    State Farm is reviewing what happened, spokesperson Tom Hartmann said. “State Farm expects its external counsel to conform to the highest level of ethical standards and professionalism, including confirming the accuracy of all legal filings,” he said.

    Hartmann did not respond to questions about how many external law firms represent State Farm, and whether the company asks about their AI policies before hiring them.

    This article was originally published on CalMatters and was republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license.