Although it might be "understood that Hollywood sells Californication", the boys who wear tube socks on their magic johnsons are headed to court to argue that you can't just steal it. Showtime has found itself on a little roll with "Weeds", "Dexter", and now the sexy/dickish David Duchovny series "Californication", but someone forgot to ask the Red Hot Chili Peppers if it was kosher to use their word for the show. The Hollywood Reporter's... more ›

LAist Editor Tony Pierce has blogged here non-stop for more than a year deserving a well-earned vacation (and did he ever earn it). While out of town, we decided to have a little fun and bring some guest day editors in from around the blogLAsphere starting with Siel, our friend over at www.GreenLAGirl.com. Here's to a green start of your week! 1. Age and occupation: 28, grad student and blogger 2. Home town: Los Angeles... more ›

For over twenty years the funky white boys from Fairfax High have been delivering the goods with their band the Red Hot Chili Peppers and last night at the Roxy for a super secret show to launch Microsoft's Zune media player, it's almost as if they were playing to each other. In fact, before one tune they improvised at all the bands that they had seen over the years at the Roxy. Typically the... more ›

UCLA completed their last exhibition game last Thursday night coming out on top of Humboldt State. Incoming freshmen Russell Westbrook and Michael Roll had great performances alongside veterans Josh Shipp and Arron Afflalo. Although the team is amidst a major transition this year, Coach Ben Howland has expressed much confidence towards this week’s opener against BYU. Major stumbling blocks to consider include an injury impeding Lorenzo Mata’s playability, as well as recent questions regarding... more ›

Many moons ago when LAist was in high school, some of our most favorite memories revolved around sweating it out on a parking lot, wearing funny hats, and rolling in school busses while being part of the marching band. Yes we got teased and taunted, but it was truly a remarkable activity. That's why we're stoked that Fairfax High will be fielding a marching band after 20 years of being without. And it seems like the person to thank for this comeback is new band director Ray Vizcarra of South Central - LA Independent more ›

In 1999, Los Angeles writer Janet Fitch's first novel White Oleander became a national bestseller, aided in part by its selection as a title read by Oprah Winfrey's influential book club. Deemed an "overnight success" at the age of 43, Janet obtained fame and recognition after spending more than 20 years quietly honing her craft as a writer. White Oleander showed readers unique and underexposed aspects of life in the county of Los Angeles as Astrid, the novel's heroine, made her way through the area's foster care system while her mother, Ingrid, served time in prison for murdering a feckless boyfriend. more ›