While cities around the globe spearhead bicycle-friendly innovations, SoCal's own Long Beach is garnering much attention for its prosperous pedal projects. One of Long Beach's most notable innovations, which officials say is the first in the country, is its efforts to establish bike-friendly shopping districts and show local merchants how biking can bolster clientele and vitality. more ›

Here are a few events for people who like to leave the house before sundown. A few of them are even family-friendly and some involve dogs wearing costumes. more ›

Photo by xxjetlab via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr more ›

While there's certainly more than a few funky little coffeeshops in the Southland where you can get your java on, how many of them can offer cool services like free headshot-worthy portraits from an up-and-coming photographer? At Viento Y Agua in Long Beach, that's exactly what you'll be getting this weekend. Local photographer and lecturer Mitchell Maher will be taking free photos of the Viento’s patrons all day on Sunday, May 6th. His style... more ›

On storefronts all over town the word Famima!! (and its quirky pair of exclamation points) is showing up, with a vibrant backdrop of neon green and black. So what's Famima!!? Basically they're the Japanese version of 7-11, proffering convenient food and sundries for the urban dweller. Packaged sandwiches nestle alongside Asian-style eats like sushi rolls and noodle bowls, the dessert area is resplendent with tasty cold creme brulees and pastries, and the refrigerated drink... more ›

Here’s the thing: this book isn’t even out yet. But because we live in Los Angeles, and this book is about Los Angeles, you’re in luck. We’re all in luck. Denise Hamilton and the bevy of supremely talented noir writers that contributed stories to this book are signing all over town this week. And the book will be, yes, you guessed it – available for signing at the readings two weeks before the rest of... more ›

Last year, when the Amgen Tour of California cycling race finished in Redondo Beach, Floyd Landis was the golden boy in the golden jersey, the winner of the seven-stage race down the California coast. more ›