1812: A major earthquake struck Southern California, destroying the church at Mission San Juan Capistrano and damaging the San Gabriel Mission. more ›

On June 19, 2000 I was staying at the Radisson Hotel across the street from USC, visiting campus for my freshman orientation. About two miles north on Figueroa Street that night, Kobe Bryant was winning his first championship with the Lakers. I didn't get much sleep. The impromptu parade of cars (Benzos, Civics, low riders, it didn't matter) made my hotel their turnaround point before they looped back to the Staples Center. I've lived in... more ›

special engagement, showing thru Thursday more ›

If you see the LA City Council around any of these intersections, may we suggest that you honk if you're horny. According to CBS2, they've got the green light to put digital cams in 22 intersections and these 22 are on their radar. more ›

SFist was there for the 4.4 Earthquake in the Bay Area, which is a good reason to visit The L.A. Times' EQ coverage archive. LA City Beat combs through the West Valley and finds that it's not so bad. They even talk up Follow Your Heart, which we mentioned last week. That plus Figueroa Street, 818 movies and ‘What is your favorite, secret treasure of Los Angeles?’ LA Weekly reports on the convictions of... more ›

Recently we checked out downtown's noted Ciudad, and had a generally enjoyable time. Bottom line: good food, great drinks, and uneven service at times. Despite the drawbacks of our experience, this bright and colorful spot draws raves from devotees, most of whom give the enthusiastic thumbs up to their cocktail hour offerings. In a move that seems on par with many local restaurants' initiation of specialty nights to fill tables (Jar's Mozzarella Mondays, for example) the folks at Ciudad are offering a Tapas Sunday special, featuring an all tapas menu and Spanish wines by the glass, starting this weekend. Some of the savory items on the menu include Cabrales Blue Cheese Fritters with Sherry Soaked Bing Cherries, Piquillo Peppers Stuffed with Avocado Goat Cheese, Seeded Lamb Chops with Algerian Eggplant Jam and Preserved Lemons, and Lobster Salad with Shaved Cucumber, Melon, and Sherry-Mint Aioli. Some of the sweet dessert tapas are Hazelnut Meringues, Espresso Dusted Churros, and Chocolate Barcelona Cake. Little dishes can have big taste; even typing these words is making us hungry! more ›

He starts with 9- and 10-year-olds who are pushed to Ramona Hall by parents eager to get their children's hands on something useful when they are not in school. more ›

This news also answers a question we've always harbored about the banner system in LA. Apparently, the the traditional canvas banners that usually grace city light poles have to be renewed every three months with the city. more ›

Get your holiday shopping done early at the annual African Marketplace & Cultural Faire this week. more ›