As part of what's being tagged a grassroots movement to create momentum for the US bid for the World Cup in 2018 or 2022, the USA Bid Committee released a video today in celebration of the role soccer plays in American culture. Called "The Game is in Us"--a play on "U.S."--the video piggy-backs the excitement felt by many about the official submission of the United States Bid Book to FIFA during a formal ceremony tomorrow in Switzerland. more ›

A proposal to create a Business Improvement District (BID) in Echo Park heads to a City Council committee (.pdf) this afternoon. Submitted by Councilman Eric Garcetti in January, it "would serve the local business community by providing increased security, homeless services, beautification, and streetscape maintenance. Establishment of the BID is expected to revitalize the local economy and is a positive step towards neighborhood renewal." Not everyone is on board, though. The Eastsider LA spoke to one business owner that was not too happy. "I can't stand the idea of rent-a-cops harassing our street vendors, our homeless, our cholos and our drunk hipsters. It's just not needed," the owner said. more ›

For the last nine months, the slowly burgeoning NoHo Arts District has been holding a monthly gem of an event that's received about zero buzz. It deserves a lot more than that. more ›

Little Armenia business owners are making headway in creating a stronger neighborhood brand. Coming soon are signs on the 101 Freeway near the Sunset Blvd. exits identifying where the neighborhood's location, the Little Armenia Chamber of Commerce announced in an e-mail last night. more ›

When it comes to police surveillance cameras, Los Angeles is still way behind New York City, who feeds thousands of live images to their centralized Real Time Crime Center. Here in LA, MacArthur Park and the Hollywood Entertainment District have had cameras for a few years and now the Valley can claim home to them too. more ›

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom took his first official steps to run for Governor by launching an exploratory committee today. He is the first Democrat to formally do so. Attorney General Jerry Brown also plans on trying to replace Schwarzenegger and as for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, he has been "discussed as a possible candidate, although he faces reelection in 2009, which could complicate any run for higher office," says the LA Times. more ›