Today is the day. After a moratorium on new medical marijuana dispensaries was set in 2007, Los Angeles politicians finally agreed on an ordinance regulating them earlier this year (discussions about the ordinance began in 2005). It goes into effect today, meaning over 400 shops -- hundreds popped up after 2007, despite the moratorium, using a legal loophole -- have to close or likely face some kind of enforcement. more ›

An opinion piece in today's LA Times raises the issue of what seems to be the rampant Pinkberry-fication of many of our local neighborhoods, using recent food and retail closings and openings in the popular Larchmont Village as an example of how major-chain development affects the unique vibe of a given area. more ›