Are our local cities paying the price for legal troubles? A data set compiled and released by the L.A. Times ranks spending on city attorneys in the 88 cities in Los Angeles County. more ›

Sunset Junction Neighborhood Alliance, the group that put on the (once-darling) Sunset Junction Festival for three decades before the city pulled the plug this summer, filed for bankruptcy in court this December. The group's assets are very few—just $500 for office supplies and furniture—while its debts tally up to $928,000 more ›

The Los Angeles Board of Public Works delivered quite a blow to the organizers of the Sunset Junction music festival and street fair when they denied them their permit, just days ahead of the weekend event. One problem: The event has a $250,000 tab with the (broke) City of L.A. from last year's event more ›

Yesterday, L.A.'s Board of Public Works voted to deny a permit for Sunset Junction. The decision was made based on the fact that the organizers hadn't coughed up $142,000 to pay for this year's city services, including police, fire and transportation services. But organizers for the festival, which is scheduled to take place this weekend, aren't giving up just yet. more ›

A large scale price-fixing scheme involving international air carriers has cost U.S. consumers and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars, say federal prosecutors. Between 2000 and 2006, 21 airlines "allegedly conspired with competitors to inflate passenger and cargo fuel surcharges," notes FOX LA. more ›

The most common complaint from Blockbuster Video customers over the years was probably the exorbitant late fees, which were eventually curtailed in favor of a subscription-based model. But now late fees are threatening to break the bankrupt video rental chain itself. Universal, 20th Century Fox, and Summit Entertainment filed a claim for tens of millions in unpaid fees owed by Blockbuster this week. more ›

Among the nine propositions Californians will be voting on in the November 2nd election, Prop 26 is not getting much attention. How could it, though? Taxing rules, when compared with marijuana, state parks and climate, is not exactly a sexy topic. But that doesn't mean it's important and could mean major change for the state. more ›

Rick Orlov at the Daily News did a nice job rounding up the Thursday L.A. City Council meeting where, as usual, the budget crisis was worked on. The city faces a combined $684 million deficit between this year's and next year's anticipated shortfall. Here's some of what was discussed, in short form: more ›

It used to be $7, then it was $10 and as of yesterday, parking at Malibu Creek State Park is $12. The same price adjustment can be found at Malibu Lagoon and Leo Carillo thanks to nearly $39 million in state budget cuts that are forcing state park officials to look at every avenue for revenue. Some parks are expected to close, though many could be saved through partnerships with communities and businesses. more ›

In order to keep some--not all--state parks open, California State Parks will be increasing fees beginning next Monday. The move comes after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger slashed nearly $39 million from parks last month in the state budget. Officials say that it is likely some parks will close, but are seeking to partner with communities and corporations to keep some open. more ›

The upcoming school year at California's two major public University systems continues to look bleak for students, faculty, and staff alike, as budget shortfalls are forcing school officials to recommend fee increases, furlough days, and enrollment stoppages in order to save costs. more ›

In a time when the city of Los Angeles is in the red by $433 million, the Grammy Awards yesterday got $124,163 in special event fees waived (you know, permits, officers, street closures and the like). With city services being cut and fees to residents being raised (like parking meter rates, etc), some folks are not happy. After all, with all the advertising, the glamour and lawsuits against college students, the music industry can't afford this drop-in-the-bucket (to them) fee? more ›

Yesterday, the LA City Council voted for increases in fees for things relating to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (like the boot fee went up $30 to $150). What the majority of the city deals with are parking meters, which are going to a minimum rate of $1.00 an hour citywide (but remember, it's prorated, so a quarter is 15-minutes). more ›

Amid budget concerns, the Los Angeles City Council voted today to increase parking meter rates and to extend hours of operation. Citywide, hourly rates will be soon be at $1.00 an hour at the minimum. On the high end, some high usage areas will have rates as high as $4.00 an hour. However, you can still can deposit smaller amount of coins for prorated minutes. more ›