Photo by Henry David for LAist.com

The 6.5-acre Japanese Garden in Van Nuys is open 5 days a week. It was opened to the public in 1984 and has since served as an ideal place of rest and meditation.

It is conveniently located close to the 405 freeway in the Valley -- we encourage you to take a visit. It usually has only a handful of visitors and offers more than enough space to walk in peace -- the park even features alternate pathways. And yes, we have posted a photo essay about this very same subject before! Maybe we just really like this Japanese garden.

Hours:
Sunday, 10am to 3:15pm
Monday through Thursday, 12pm to 3:15pm

The Japanese Garden Website
6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, 91406
$3 Preservation fee. Child and Senior pricing available.

More photos after the jump!

The Wiltern makes everything more glamorous. Its golden art deco designs transport you to another world. Add some beautiful women wearing shimmering dresses, and the night will sparkle. At Pamela Des Barres' party last night to celebrate her new book, Let's Spend the Night Together, my friend Donna Lethal and I just had to stand aside and watch the fashion show go by. Miss Pamela was practically floating in an ethereal pale lavender gown as she greeted her guests. In fact, when Miss Mercy asked her friend, Jill, where Pamela was, Jill said, "She's floating." Mercy made a face, "She's BLOATED?" Donna and I wandered amongst friends of friends, occasionally star-spotting, but returned to hang out with the charismatic Jill. As we left, I asked, "One last picture?" and Jill turned to pose with Mercy. My camera gave me an error message. It just would not work. Mercy laughed, "Ha ha! You lose!" But I am not one to be beaten so easily. I reached into my purse, " I have ANOTHER camera!" I snapped my pic, and we said our goodbyes. Then we left the golden ballroom and wandered back out to the dull grey of the streets.

It was supposed to be a big deal. The signs have been up for months. Big, fancy Target on Colorado Blvd to open on July 29th. We got word that the "soft launch" of this super-new, super-big, super-special Target would take place this week. What's so special about this three-story Target? An excellent question.

So we checked it out during prime evening shopping hours and could not believe that it was empty, empty, empty. We asked some questions. Are there more things here than at our own Target? New items you can't get at other Targets? More Libertine clothing? Whole new sections other Targets haven't even dreamed up yet? Nope, nope and nope. Just more space, they said. It's just bigger, they mantra-d. Wider aisles, they assured us. And we're all for more space, but, um, maybe in a store that needs more space. Like - Trader Joe's where you have to elbow your way through. Whole Foods, maybe. Have you ever been in a Target and thought to yourself "God, this would be so much better if I had more room to wheel my cart around?" Exactly.

The double-header of Redd Kross and Sonic Youth completely blew my mind Friday night at the Greek. I had fantastic tickets (because my husband's online kung fu is the best), a photo pass (Thanks to the kind people at Nederlander Productions) and I was even on the list for the after-party (Thanks to Saccharine Trust and Dave Markey).

I have seen Sonic Youth a number of times, starting with the Gila Monster Festival in 1984, and most recently at This Ain't No Picnic around six years ago. I am used to their heavy, drawn-out jams. At one Butthole Surfers/Sonic Youth show at the Wiltern, there were big signs everywhere saying, "WARNING. Extensive use of strobe lights during this production." My friend added "WARNING. Extensive use of feedback during this production."

So it was fascinating to see Sonic Youth playing the entire Daydream Nation album from beginning to end. They really had to adapt their style in order to function within the constraints of an album. There was still a lot of guitar-shaking and bass-to-amp action, but it was somehow very carefully controlled. They have learned to play feedback as an instrument far better than Hendrix could ever have imagined. I actually preferred this pop-radio style to the long jams, which can be a bit much when you are not out in the desert on mushrooms. Of course Teenage Riot was the big hit of the night. Later they did a song from Sonic Nurse, which is one of my personal favorites. We had to run off mid-encore to avoid the Greek Theatre traffic cluster-fuck, but it does not mean that we love them any less.

Remember when you moved to LA just south of Downtown, and you thought all those people who got to live in Santa Monica and Venice and Manhattan Beach were so lucky? Or maybe that was me. Either way, you were (I was) overlooking one of the major advantages of living so far from the beach -- you can bike there and get a great workout!

Back in August I used bikemetro.com to figure out a route to Santa Monica because I was starting a job out there a couple times a week. I tried the 15-mile ride once on the weekend and found it only took an hour and a half taking Venice Blvd. -- which has a bike lane starting just past Crenshaw -- most of the way and turning north either at Abbot Kinney or on the beach. One day my drive home from the job took more than 1:15, so I said 'screw it' and started biking to work twice a week. On my best days I could do the trip in around 1:10, stoplights and all. Biking to work meant I had to leave a little earlier in the morning, but it was worth it. I arrived in a much better state of mind having avoided the 10, kept my carbon emissions way down, got a good morning workout in the process, and door to door I think the time was about the same.

Then a couple months ago LAist's own Zach Behrens told me about the Ballona Creek bike path, which extends from Culver City out to Marina Del Rey. It's great -- seven miles long and no traffic lights, cars or exhaust. So all you Downtowners who have a couple hours to kill and want to take a nice scenic route to the beach, here's what's in store for you.

Cole Alexander of Black Lips

I become an honorary member of New York band Adam Franklin; their drummer and me share almost the same name (his is Than). Made awkward conversation with Robert Rejnisson (guitarist of the Icelandic band Benni Hemm Hemm) about Icelandic film stars and the weather in Phoenix.

I got shoved and rushed by young whipper-snappers making their way to be front at center for the Black Lips. And I stayed out way past my bedtime- and enjoyed every moment of it.

I have been out of LA for about 5 weeks now for work in a sleepy Nor Cal town. So needless to say I have been a bit out of the loop. A few things I do know: first and foremost, the new Spoon album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is pretty fuckin brilliant; I also know that Spoon played a "secret" show at Little Radio the previous night and it was quite the scene.

As I rolled back into the 323 yesterday afternoon I heard Spoon on with Indie 103.1's Jonesy and heard about another little "secret" show (LA may very well be the WORST place to have these quote/unquote secret shows) at Cinespace with the Watson twins.

The scene was, well, just that: a scene. The line for this "secret" show sprawled from the Cinespace entrance, down Hollywood and down Ivar nearly all the way back to Selma; needless to say, there were a lot of disappointed people.

The Watson Twins opened things up with their sublime, soothing brand of country/folk. The crowd was mostly apathetic to the Twins, talking and drinking while they played, which was a shame as the back room of Cinespace is quite small and it seemed at times the quiet tunes of the Twins was drowned out by the constant buzz of talking. The band was solid, however, delivering a versatile set which included a fantastic cover of the Cure's "Just Like Heaven" and the poppy "Fade Out."

Lots more great Spoon and Watson Twins photos below the jump...

Ten runs + a win = 10 free wings at Hooters. I don't care about a 124 year old franchise getting 10,000 losses. Really I'm more impressed that the franchise is 124 years old. I do care that they gave us all 10 free wings at Hooters. Woo HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTERS!

Last night Little Radio hosted Spoon and John Vanderslice in their dusty sweaty warehouse located Downtown LA. Little Radio also webcast the show, and Dewer's Whiskey as a co-sponsor kept the free drinks flowing.

John Vanderslice opened and wasn't really a great pairing with Spoon, becuase Vanderslice plays a much more mellow style of music, with just his voice and his acoustic guitar. It was like too sleepy and folky, and all the indie kids just wanted their spoon already.

LAist still wonders how Little Radio can pull off these inexpensive gigs with great bands and cheap/free booze. But who cares how, and long as they keep on killin' it.

Photo essay of the night after the jump.

Pictures by John Wayne Maioriello

After covering Wicked Wednesday, I realized that I didn't have to work until later that night. The PR person had said, "Just go wherever you want." I think she meant within the stage area, but I thought I'd wander around a little. The last time I went to Universal Studios they had just gotten Jaws, and they were still doing an avalanche with big cheesy-looking styrofoam boulders.

I went on "Back to the Future" which had me giggling hysterically. It's one of those 'Star Wars" type simulation rides. It had a ridiculously long lead-in; we might as well have just watched the movie again. I guess they just wanted to store us somewhere air-conditioned while we waited. It was a seriously great ride - lots of swoops and dips, and we got swallowed by a giant dinosaur. It was hilarious. I walked around the park, taking photos, then I thought, "What the hell!" And got on the tram.

LAist sometimes is invited to parties. Sometimes it's a backyard BBQ. Sometimes it's a dinner party. Sometimes it's LAist's friend's two-year-old's birthday party.

However, sometimes it's a Hollywood film production company's high school-themed summer party where every girl dresses up as a slutty Catholic school girl.

On any given Sunday there is a barrage of things to do in Los Angeles.

This particular Sunday I received an invitation from Kamran V of Spaceland Records to go to "This is not a Fugazi Show" a tribute to Fugazi (a benefit for Art Share Los Angeles ). As I made my way there I had got a flat tire, I didn't let this deter me and borrowed my loftmates car. It was worth it. 15 musicians that would rotating through out the evening; with some combinations that have never played together The evening was filled with spontaneity and incredible energy (for a worth while cause).

After the jump... a photo essay with some of the evening's best moments.

The Dodgers won their 11th straight game at Pac Bell/SBC/AT&T Park yesterday. The Giants were held to 11 runs during this weekend's series (compare this to the Dodgers' 22 runs - or should we say 11*2?). Brett Tomko's ERA is no longer as close to 11 as it was prior to the game (and it was getting there...). I spent 11 hours in the car this weekend driving back and forth from SF and now hold hour long conversations with myself. Oh and Malingering has 11 letters. So does "coincidence."

The Dodgers won yesterday despite the fact that Tomko started, which is shocking to all Dodger fans. Take some time to let that sink in. Even better, Barroids went 0-5 including a strikeout and a pop up to end the game. It was a beautiful day in San Francisco. Oh and Martin was on base 4 times. Yay.

Enough happiness, now we cut over to AT&T Park and why it (and all of the orange people inside it) pisses me off.

Call the Captivity premiere party a success, because six days later people are still talking about it - which is unheard-of in this town. I was lucky enough to bring my crew with me to this event, where we laughed, cried, and got choked by Suicide Girls.

I also brought my camera and after the jump awaits a trove of pics. But a word of warning - this was the hottest, sexiest, dirtiest movie premiere of the summer. What awaits you is NSFW.

And yes, there was an open bar to loosen us all up.

This weekend Echo Park is hosting its annual Lotus Festival, featuring a variety of entertainment, booths, and food vendors. The event encourages a sharing of the cultures of Asian and Pacific Island communities, and is timed to coincide with the blooming of the lotus blossom. Festivities continue Sunday from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m.

Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, California, located on Park Avenue between Glendale Avenue and Echo Park Boulevard, just north of the Hollywood (101) and Pasadena (110) freeway junction, near Dodger Stadium. Check out the website here for more information.

My favorite overheard conversation of the day:

Remember, you can't spell funnel cake without the F-U-N.

You can't spell funeral without the F-U-N either.

Yeah. They should call it a bummer-al or something.

(Photos after the jump!)

Photo: The Japanese Garden with the Administration Building (which looks like a 70's monorail station)

This is one of our city's hidden gems and if you were looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon or a weekday, here it is (many pictures after the jump)

When the Federal Water Quality Act passed in 1965 came about, so did the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant (after some embattled years and a consent decree). Tillman, the City Engineer, was pressing for a Japanese Garden to be built around the plant to have a beautiful and peaceful buffer zone between the public and the facility. It was completed in 1983.

Open Mondays - Thursdays from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oddly, no Saturdays. Occasionally the garden is booked for an event, so call ahead to make sure it is open that day. Admission is three dollars.

The Japanese Garden
6100 Woodley Ave
Van Nuys, California, 91406
818 756 8166

Thursday July 12, 2007 kicked off the first of three concerts being put on for free by Zune. Zune is a machine that can hold songs and videos, and even lets you share them with your buddies. The Concert was a daytime event centering around eating lots of things drenched in BBQ sauce while listening to some of the biggest rappers bust out for the crowd.

It was great!@#&*^@ The event was at the Los Angeles Historic State Park, and is a new park one or two blocks north of union station on North Spring, Downtown LA. The Live at the BBQ series will be headed to Chicago, and New York in the next few weeks.

Over 25 LAist-Exclusive pictures after the jump.

Pictures by John Wayne Maioriello

Working film production leads one to some interesting places in Los Angeles that aren't accessible by the general public. Some of these places are cool, some are scary, some are dangerous, and some are just odd.

Let's have a look at Lacy Street Studios:

Goldenboy opened for The Rentals last night at Spaceland and sounded beautiful and sweet. The perfect set-up for the beautiful and sweet Rentals.

We would have loved to have brought you photos of Goldenboy, whose sophomore offering, Underneath The Radio (EenieMeenie Records) is gentle and calming and warm, but our summer intern was late to the sold out show, and arrived late with our camera, plus, the settings were way off.

Speaking of which, we are now accepting resumes for unpaid summer interns, since there are suddenly two vacancies as the intern who recommended this person is also gone.

Dude from Goldenboy plays a gorgeous guitar and also plays in the Rentals, of which we have lots of pictures of, after the jump.

LAist is your source for local Obon Festival coverage. This photo essay includes highlights from the Obon Festival at Zenshuji Temple in Little Tokyo.

The Obon Festival still continues at the Zenshuji Buddhist Temple today from 11am to 8pm. You can get there easily by taking the Metro Subway to Union Station, then walk 3 blocks West from Alameda. The address is:

123 South Hewitt St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Pictures of the world-famous Zendeko Taiko Drum Troop after the jump!

This may be the first time anyone has ever heard me say this, but last night the Dodgers lost and I still feel like a winner.

My sheer joy was a gift from a generous benefactor who will be referred to as JC, not only because those are his initials but also because he is now holier than Christ himself. JC hooked us up with seats in the Dugout Club, which is where I am hoping to have my ashes spread after I pass on through the pearly blue gates. We were sitting with the likes of Larry King and Tommy Lasorda, we could talk to the players as they entered the dugout, and I could shoot all the photos I wanted and the only person in my way was Brad Penny, who I forgive entirely.

Unfortunately for the Dodgers, whenever I get great seats to a game, they lose. Four times this season I was given seats directly behind home plate, and each time the Dodgers lost. Last week I was given tickets on the baseline, and not only did the Dodgers lose, but my hand got crushed. So it was a bit selfish for me to sit in the Dugout Club, knowing that the Dodgers were guaranteed a loss, but sometimes I've gotta take care of number one, you know what I'm sayin'?

Some nice up close photos after the jump.

I ended up at another bodybuilding competition. Or more correctly, once again I found myself at Venice Beach while a bodybuilding and figure competition was going on. I really should just get on their mailing list so I don't get caught off guard. Plus I keep missing the 'roided up women's bodybuilding competition, since this usually is first. The flip side to coming late is that sometimes the women are in the stands watching the men, commenting to each other in deep husky voices about this person's medial rectus or whatever.

I'm still not sure how these things work, despite reading the website about 50 times. So I'll just make up my own award system, to celebrate the things that I appreciate.

Good news, everyone!

The terrorists have not won. And in America, we have the freedom of expression, which people today use in various ways.

Though the sun never came out, the section of America we call Venice Beach had a happy happy birthday. Here we will take a look at the people of Venice Beach and how they showed their patriotism on the 4th of July (beyond the $5 Old Navy flag t-shirt). Keep in mind what this world would be like if we hadn't gone through the Revolutionary War to become the omnipotent country that we are today. We fought for the right to paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar-ty, so take that, bitches!

(There will be other photo galleries from Independence Day, so keep checking back for more insanity.)

The 7-11 at the intersection of Olive and Verdugo in Burbank has temporarily been converted into a Kwik-E-Mart. It was re-done late Saturday night and will remain a Kwik-E-Mart for the next month to promote the upcoming Simpsons movie.

Eleven 7-11s in the United States and two in Canada have been converted into Kwik-E-Marts as part of the promotion. DCist has their very own Kwik-E-Mart in Bladensburg, MD.

Golam, Burbank's friendly counterman, was having a lot of fun shouting, "Welcome to Kwik-E-Mart!" as each customer walked in. The other employees were rushing to re-stock cartoonishly pink donuts while the 7-11 rep made frantic calls on his cell phone demanding more Buzz cola, "Send me everything you've got! It's ALL gone. Everything."

Other promo materials are Krusty-Os, Kwik-E-Mart styrofoam ice chests, Radioactive Man comic books, and Squishee cups (No Duff beer, unfortunately).

Watch for specially marked merchandise to enter a contest to appear in a Simpsons episode.

7-11 has hired security to handle the anticipated crowds, and the news vans were already pulling up as I was leaving at 4am. I have a feeling that perky, "Welcome to Kwik-E-Mart!" is going to sound pretty exhausted by the end of the day.

(Way more photos after the jump)

It's bad enough that I got hit by a line drive on Friday and have a nasty contusion on my hand. But then I sit through 12 innings only to watch Tomko lose the game. Tomko who is 1-6. Tomko who can turn a 6 run lead into a save opportunity (see Thursday's game). Last night hurt. It really did.