To once again bring attention to the massive budget cuts of state parks, the California State Parks Foundation has declared the next two weekends to be those of advocacy. "The Save Our State Parks (SOS) Campaign is holding 'I ♥ State Parks' weekends of action from now through Labor Day to unite state parks supporters," the nonprofit announced. "Events will take place in many state parks throughout California and online. The 'I ♥ State Parks' weekends of action provide an opportunity for park advocates to come together, express support for California’s 279 state park system, and voice strong opposition to park closures." Over 100 parks could close next month. Two events are being held locally next week. One is the FYFest we spoke about yesterday and another will take place at the Baldwin Hills Overlook. You can also host your own event at a state park. more ›

As one of the advocacy tools to save most of state parks in California from being slashed from the budget is to have a weekend of support. Next weekend, the California State Parks Foundation is asking us all to camp, visit or otherwise bring attention to the state parks issue. While there, take a photo of you holding a sign and submit it so Sacramento can feel bad, or something. Meanwhile, the organization continues its 40 best state park trails podcast series. Recent episodes featuring Los Angeles area trails include Temescal Canyon, the river trail at Rio de Los Angeles State Park and La Jolla Canyon at Point Mugu State Park. You can listen to these three episodes below: more ›

Ben Stiller's latest comedy is not being taken lightly by several groups that advocate for the disabled. Many of the nearly two dozen advocacy groups protesting Tropic Thunder are planning to protest tonight's premiere at the Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, according to reports. more ›

As powerful as the written word can be, sometimes it takes the extra help of a video and a little push by the "fourth estate" to get things done in Southern California. In today's weekly Road Sage column by Steve Hymon, he features Rich Allen who made a nearly 10-minute video to post on YouTube that highlighted the terrible pothole conditions on the 60 Freeway (video embedded below). more ›

It's about time. As of today, NYC Streets Renaissance's StreetsBlog has officially franchised out to our city, that is, you know, duhhhh, full of streets and the love and hate of them. NYC Blogger Aaron Naparstek welcomes the LA Editor and so do we! more ›

On the heels of the recent SoCal beef recall and a property being sold abut the Hollywood Sign, PETA announced an idea yesterday of buying or, at least, renting the next-door land to place 5-letters to the left of the Hollywood sign. If all becomes said and done (they wish), Hollywood's icon would read "Go Veg Hollywood." more ›

A resident in our neighbor city to the north is using YouTube to advocate against a proposed tax by the City of Santa Clarita to help purchase open space. Both sides have good points (nature is good/over development is bad vs. the program sunsets in 30 years, therefore the city can then sell(out) for development) and some very weak ones too (development causes crime vs. "it's really not a green belt"). This is the... more ›