State of California, Park Rangers: "'The park system we have is not set up to be an answer to social services' but exists as a recreation and vacation venue, [Roy Stearns, a state Department of Parks and Recreation spokesman,] said. He said churches and community centers would be more appropriate as sites for feeding the homeless." Interfaith Needs Network (represented by ACLU): "'We are not inciting a riot,' Siler said. 'We are simply feeding our......

In a bizarro case that looks like a business deal gone bad, but plays more like a conspiracy theory gone right, a software programmer and his marketing guru partner sailed for San Clemente Island on Saturday to seal a "lucrative" deal with a secret government agency and he never returned. Robert Vendrick, a retired programmer, met up with Gary Shawkey, a self-described marketing guru, and entered into a business deal to develop a highly secretive......

Officer, police thyself: Sherrifs are looking among their own ranks for DUI-free behavior this NYE. And they're looking at you, too, pal. Drive safe, designate a driver, take the Metro, or call for a Tipsy Tow. The darkest hour is just before dawn--but not on our freeways. 4.2 million Commuters in the Southland get a start on their daily drives before 6 o'clock each morning, proving there are increasingly fewer "good times" to get on......

John Fogerty, Blind Boys of Alabama, Lowrider Band, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers, James Cotton, others @ Doheny Blues Festival, Dana Point Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest featuring Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan, Molly’s Revenge, Peter Feldmann & The Very Lonesome Boys @ Paramount Ranch Embrace the Hate Festival starring Demoncy, Nokturne, Sumeria, Crimson Moon, Incursus, Tenebrous, Legions of Asatroth, Ashdautas, Infinitum Obscure @ Knitting Factory Backbiter,......

New York Times Does Culver City "Clearly, things have changed. Culver City, once considered a place to drive by on your way to somewhere else, has become Los Angeles's newest stylish neighborhood, a magnet for lovers of the arts, good food and culture. One part Hollywood nostalgia, one part modern design, the city-within-a-city now inspires expressions like “nascent Chelsea” and 'L.A.'s new restaurant mecca.'”(New York Times) What's in Your Fish? Pesticide and We Have......

Photo © 2006 by Hans Laetz Car tard #1: That guy who smashed the Ferrari in two while speeding through Malibu? It looks like he stole the car. It only took police 6 weeks to arrest him. Car tragedy #1: A 1973 Nova spontaneously combusted while driving on the 10 Freeway; a 3-year old girl died as people tried to pull her from the flames. Her parents and two other children survived. Car tard #2:......

Four homicides occurred on Sunday, reports the Los Angeles Times. "A surge of Easter weekend violence, including a double homicide Sunday night, left at least four Los Angeles County residents dead and two others critically injured, authorities said." This disturbing news comes on top of further efforts, some inspired by the death of Deliesh Allen-Roberts, to get the City of Los Angeles to do something about a surge of gang-related shootings. Some citizens have even......