Three Los Angeles-area Congressional representatives were in Washington D.C. Thursday to testify before a House panel about a proposed bill that would put federal restrictions on low-flying helicopters. more ›

West Hollywood has formally gone on record in support of a pending federal bill that could force regulation of helicopters flying over residential areas in Los Angeles. The West Hollywood City Council adopted a resolution in support of HR 2677, the Los Angeles Residential Noise Relief Act of 2011. more ›

Los Angeles is getting some good news when it comes to the city's 30/10 transit initiative and Measure R, thanks to the US Department of Transportation's award of $2 million to help Metro "perform an analysis of transit alternatives for the Van Nuys corridor in the San Fernando Valley and for support work for other Measure R transit projects," says Metro in a release issued today. more ›

The 2000 census report for the San Fernando Valley was recently updated and shows some interesting changes. At the request of Congressman Brad Sherman, the Census Bureau updated the report using detailed data from the 2008 American Community Survey (ACS) in order "to help community organizations, businesses, and government leaders make better-informed decisions affecting the Valley’s future... more ›

Although President Bush visited the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in 2003, he never gave funding for land acquisition during his presidency. Now President Obama "has proposed spending $420 million next year to buy land for national parks, forests and wildlife refuges, and to help states fund parks and recreation projects," reports the LA Times. more ›

Tomorrow, Los Angeles's own Rep. Henry Waxman will begin his reign as chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee when Congress inaugurates its 111th session. more ›

Valley Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) stood his ground on Friday during the second House bailout vote that passed. He, along with the majority, voted no on Monday and he once again voted no on Friday, although that time in the minority. During a session of congress on the night before Friday's vote, he said proponents of the bailout were apparently saying martial law be put in place if the vote didn't go through. "That's what I call fear mongering," Sherman said. more ›

At the corner of Melrose and Highland last night, a group gathered to protest President George Bush's bailout of Wall Street plan. The group may have been small, but represented many. Senator Dianne Feinstein has received so many e-mails, letters and calls (39,180 they say) that they've had to double staffing. Congressman Brad Sherman's office says phone calls are running 300 to 2 against bailout. And of course, more local protests are planned. Photos by LAist Photographer Tom Andrews from last night's protest are below... more ›

Despite the general consensus of constituents in their respective districts, three Democratic congressmen representing Los Angeles areas have voted to pass a controversial bill " that would offer retroactive immunity to telephone companies that cooperated with the federal government’s post-Sept. 11, 2001, domestic spying program and did so despite widespread opposition in their districts," reports the Glendale News Press. more ›

7:43 The spin is winding down and the media room is beginning to empty. Reporters are putting the finishing touches on their debate articles and the crew is beginning to clean up the bottles and box dinners provided. But the next six days until Super Tuesday will be anything but quiet. Commercials will continue to fill the airwaves, candidates will have events around Southern California and LAist will party as we watch the results. Thanks for tuning in and stay tuned to LAist for all your political coverage. more ›

Today City Councilman Greig Smith will propose new housing and pension incentives to help boost the LAPD's flagging recruitment efforts. Hmm... will the success of Crash have any effect? Matt Dillon's LAPD officer is a prick, but he's also kind of heroic, and he gets to handle Thandie Newton. more ›

Today in Traffic: The Gilroy Dispatch came south for Thanksgiving and took record of the trip in the ride; new lamps in Hollywood; Brad Sherman got a little money for the Valley's traffic goals last week; and, a future with a west side subway is still a possibility. more ›

Well, morning internet issues and a hangover kept us from taking a gander at the morning papers but can you blame us? It's Hollywood's 118th birthday today and we thought we'd get our celebrating in a little early. more ›