Today's video lunch is a time-lapse wonder from this month's celebration of independence around the intersection of Avenue 52 and Irvington Place. "No one told the people of Highland Park that fireworks are illegal," notes the person who posted this treat to YouTube under the alias ChurchOfBK. The photos were taken between 7 p.m. and midnight on July 4, 2011, says ChurchOfBK, who goes on to explain how the images were shot. more ›

As a food enthusiast, for your Fourth of July barbecue, you're probably not going to want to sully your Kansas City-style spareribs experience by washing them down with a Bud Light. No, you'll want the perfect brew to complement that spicy sweet sauciness…and another beer to go with the rosemary potato salad, and one to go with that bourbon caramel apple pie. more ›

It's 4th of July, and that means hot dogs, fireworks and of course, beer. So whether you're heading somewhere else to watch the pretty explosions in the sky or staying close to home, it behooves each and every one of us to either designate a driver, or bring a toothbrush and plan on spending the night. To keep you on the safety track, LAPD has announced its DUI checkpoints. Here's what we know so far. more ›

It's just a few hours by car or practically the blink of an eye by plane--Las Vegas has long been one of Angelenos' favorite escapes for a night or two (or more for the brave) of great food, drink, gambling, and entertainment. LAist is taking a look at some of the great reasons to be lured to the Nevada desert for some sun and fun in Sin City. First up: A 4th of July Weekend BBQ & Beer event at the Bellagio. more ›

Do yourself a favor and watch as many of these video lunch rarities as your Saturday will allow. The long running Willie Neslon 4th of July Picnic had to start somewhere and on the second year of its existence, this film was created. Some time between 1974 and today, it fell into a a series of rights-related quicksand pits and has yet to see an official distribution. Check out IMDB for at least one version of the debacle. Or just get mellow and enjoy the show. Happy Birthday, Willie. more ›

Yesterday was a holiday, so is today -- observed at least. That means parking enforcement rules within the city of Los Angeles are a bit relaxed. We've confirmed the following points with LADOT about holiday enforcement, but if you're unsure, you can always call 311 and ask to speak to a parking enforcement operator yourself. more ›

The organization charged with monitoring air quality in parts of Southern California warned that some areas may suffer Sunday evening and on Monday due to fireworks. The South Coast Air Quality Management District says firework emissions are expected to release particulate matter into the air, adding to the fine particles already present due to vehicle emissions. more ›

Happy 234th Birthday, America! (Psst, we don't think you look a year older than 230.) If you have your red, white, and blue outfit all coordinated, your miniature flag at the ready for waving, and nowhere to take that irrepressible American spirit, you might want to take a look at our pretty darn spectacular list of 4th of July Events that has all the pool parties, BBQs, fireworks shows, parades, and hootenannies you might be yearning for. Whatever you decide to do today, Angelenos, be safe, designate a driver, surf with caution, and have fun. more ›

Metrolink commuter rail service will proceed uninterrupted tomorrow and follow the regular Sunday schedule, however there will be no service on Monday. On Sunday, July 4th, tickets will be available for purchase for riders from station vending machines, and "are valid for a free connection to Metro Rail Lines (Red, Purple, Blue, Gold and Green) and most buses," according to Metrolink. However, on Monday, July 5th, there will be no service, except for special Antelope Valley Line Service, for which Metrolink is offering two (2) round trips from Lancaster to Los Angeles Union Station. Get info on schedules online or by calling 800-371-LINK (5465). more ›

We may have spent the evening watching fireworks go off all along the horizon, in the streets, on the hills, and from major venues in Los Angeles, and we may have fallen asleep to the not-so-dulcet sounds of neighbors snap-crackle-popping their own stash of illegal fireworks into the wee hours, but we also woke up to a few great photos posted online from last night's many fireworks displays. more ›

If you happen to live within seven miles of where you find yourself too inebriated to drive home today, you can take advantage of The Automobile Club of Southern California's Tipsy Tow service. AAA is offering "free towing in an attempt to keep drunken drivers off the road during the Fourth of July weekend," explains the Daily Breeze. "The Tipsy Tow program will be available to intoxicated drivers through midnight tonight in the 13 Southern California counties served by the Auto Club." If you're in need of a ride (or you are taking the keys out of a tipsy driver's hands) call 1-800- 400-4AAA (1-800-400-4222) and ask for a Tipsy Tow, and a tow truck will haul your car and your drunk ass (not passengers) home (within 7 miles). more ›

What's that saying? You can't swing a dead cat without (in today's case) hitting some sort of 4th of July celebration. Yeah, that's pretty much how it is. If you are looking for something to do, there are a few events you might want to look into, or, grab your loved ones and head out to where the fireworks are legit. more ›

View 4th of July 2009: Fireworks in a larger map more ›

On the heels of the Grammy Museum's attendance spike--thanks to their Michael Jackson exhibit--today its operators and curators celebrated, along with City Councilmembers Richard Alarcon, Tom LaBonge and Jan Perry, the declaration of the first Ritchie Valens Day. more ›

This weekend's Fourth of July holiday and the many celebrations taking place all over Los Angeles means that it's time to remind the non-professional pyrotech-ies that fireworks are, in fact, not only illegal, but also dangerous. The Daily News quotes County Fire Captain Mike Brown, who says: "The use of fireworks not only can cause fires, but can result in severe injuries and burns if not used properly." more ›

Yesterday's wildfire in Malibu charred 25 acres before LA County Firefighters were able to full contain it at 8:14 p.m. The fire, which started at 3:27 p.m. in a mobile home park near Las Virgenes Street and Las Virgenes Canyon Road, was knocked down but had quickly spread to nearby brush, prompting more than 200 campers at Malibu Creek State Park to evacuate as a precautionary measure. It also threatened King Gillette Ranch and a Hindu Temple. more ›

The Flag ceremony at the Van Nuys Civic Center is enough to bring tears to your eyes. more ›

The use of fireworks and explosives are prohibited in the City of Los Angeles, but that doesn't stop people. The city estimates illegal fireworks caused a total of over $380,000 in property damages in 2007. Eeek! more ›

The Hammer museum kicks off it's I Also Like To Rock series in their courtyard tonight with Nico Vega and The Growlers. And for tomorrow night, there are still some quality shows (check before heading out, holiday shows tend to get canceled). more ›

With gas prices high (Los Angeles average is currently $4.597 for regular), the Auto Club is predicting less people traveling this holiday season. 3.029 million Southern Californians to be exact, which is about 1% or around 30,000 people less than previous years. The majority (80%) will travel by car the rest by air. more ›