Extra, Extra

Photo by ZigZagLens via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

• With preparations in full swing for the upcoming Rose Parade on New Years, traffic along the route has been affected already. Officials are advising motorists in and around the route in Pasadena to be especially careful.
  
• The holidays were a little safer this year compared to last. The CHP says that just over 800 drivers were arrested for drunken driving which is down from 1,300 arrests last year. However, 16 people still died in traffic collisions. Of those, 8 were not wearing seat belts.
  
• "Smokey" the owl who was rescued during the Sayre Fire has been able to hang out outside for the first time since November (NBC.com photos). Mating season for the horned owl is in January so his caretakers plan on releasing him real soon. Smokey is of course excited...
  
• A tanker carrying over 6,000 gallons of milk overturned and caused the Pamona (60) Freeway to be shut down for several hours. No injuries were reported.
  
• The results from the world's largest earthquake drill...? We need more work. The Great Southern California Shakeout found a lot of problems with current thinking during major disasters. More emergency workers, better sources of water and an improved way of restoring electricity are just a few of the improvements that are called for.
  
• Some may or may not know about the upcoming Jamie Foxx/Robert Downey Jr. movie coming out called "The Soloist". It is a story about LA Times writer Steve Lopez and his encounter with street performer Nathaniel Ayers. Lopez has another article out about how Mr. Ayers was awarded the "Disciples of Beethoven Award". A great look at a life of courage and perseverance.
  
• Think you know a teacher that deserves a little special recognition? The Cherry Blossom Festival is looking for teachers that are "Making A Difference". Applications are currently available and the awards will be presented at the festival in Little Tokyo Downtown LA on April 5th.
  
• Finally, we have updated our look! Whaddya think? If you like it tell us! If you don't like it... tell us!