You just gotta ignite the light/And let it shine/Just own the night/Like the Fourth of July
'Cause Baby, You're a Firework: Photos From Last Night's Shows
A Licky Boom Boom Down: Music To Explode Fireworks To
Explosions in the Sky might make you swoon but when it comes to real fireworks these songs got the gusto. And by that I mean they really like the word "boom." Stay safe with them those there fireworks and don't fall for the old hold-this-roman-candle-I-just-quick-have-to-send-a-text maneuver. Happy 4th of July!!
Photo Of The Day: A Bear In Uncle Sam's Clothing
A bear in his natural habitat, a Studebaker Griffith Park. Nothing says independence quite like dressing up a statue in flag garb and a fake beard. Please let's all take this moment to appreciate the splendor of freedom.
Declaration of Perspiration: Fourth Of July Weekend Will Be Hot
Freedom! Liberty! Deodorant! High temperatures will creep through the week reaching triple digits in some LA-areas by holiday weekend time, according to the National Weather Service.
Rockets' Red Glare, Bombs Bursting in Air: Last Night's 4th of July Fireworks in and Around Los Angeles
We may have spent the evening watching fireworks go off all along the horizon, in the streets, on the hills, and from major venues in Los Angeles, and we may have fallen asleep to the not-so-dulcet sounds of neighbors snap-crackle-popping their own stash of illegal fireworks into the wee hours, but we also woke up to a few great photos posted online from last night's many fireworks displays.
Too Tipsy? Take a Triple A Tow.
If you happen to live within seven miles of where you find yourself too inebriated to drive home today, you can take advantage of The Automobile Club of Southern California's Tipsy Tow service. AAA is offering "free towing in an attempt to keep drunken drivers off the road during the Fourth of July weekend," explains the Daily Breeze. "The Tipsy Tow program will be available to intoxicated drivers through midnight tonight in the 13 Southern California counties served by the Auto Club." If you're in need of a ride (or you are taking the keys out of a tipsy driver's hands) call 1-800- 400-4AAA (1-800-400-4222) and ask for a Tipsy Tow, and a tow truck will haul your car and your drunk ass (not passengers) home (within 7 miles).
Get Out: It's the 4th of July!
What's that saying? You can't swing a dead cat without (in today's case) hitting some sort of 4th of July celebration. Yeah, that's pretty much how it is. If you are looking for something to do, there are a few events you might want to look into, or, grab your loved ones and head out to where the fireworks are legit.
Where to Watch the Fireworks Tonight in Los Angeles County
View 4th of July 2009: Fireworks in a larger map
Early Warning: Fireworks are Illegal and Dangerous!
This weekend's Fourth of July holiday and the many celebrations taking place all over Los Angeles means that it's time to remind the non-professional pyrotech-ies that fireworks are, in fact, not only illegal, but also dangerous.
The Daily News quotes County Fire Captain Mike Brown, who says: "The use of fireworks not only can cause fires, but can result in severe injuries and burns if not used properly."
Happy Constitution Day!
Fourth of July celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But today, 221 years ago back in 1787, the Constitution was signed (read the full text here). We don't really celebrate it, but "it was only four years ago that Congress passed a law mandating the celebration of Constitution Day, at least by schools and federal agencies," said the San Francico Chronicle, who has a fun little quiz about the Constitution. One relevant question to California: "If a gay couple married under the laws of California moves to Kansas where gay marriage is not recognized as legal," then...
Malibu Fire Ends with Little Damage
Yesterday's wildfire in Malibu charred 25 acres before LA County Firefighters were able to full contain it at 8:14 p.m. The fire, which started at 3:27 p.m. in a mobile home park near Las Virgenes Street and Las Virgenes Canyon Road, was knocked down but had quickly spread to nearby brush, prompting more than 200 campers at Malibu Creek State Park to evacuate as a precautionary measure. It also threatened King Gillette Ranch and a Hindu Temple.
Van Nuys Civic Center Flag Ceremony
The Flag ceremony at the Van Nuys Civic Center is enough to bring tears to your eyes.
Where are the Best Fireworks in Los Angeles?
The use of fireworks and explosives are prohibited in the City of Los Angeles, but that doesn't stop people. The city estimates illegal fireworks caused a total of over $380,000 in property damages in 2007. Eeek!
Tonight and this Holiday Weekend in Rock
The Hammer museum kicks off it's I Also Like To Rock series in their courtyard tonight with Nico Vega and The Growlers. And for tomorrow night, there are still some quality shows (check before heading out, holiday shows tend to get canceled).
4th of July Travel: Bikes, Car or Plane?
With gas prices high (Los Angeles average is currently $4.597 for regular), the Auto Club is predicting less people traveling this holiday season. 3.029 million Southern Californians to be exact, which is about 1% or around 30,000 people less than previous years. The majority (80%) will travel by car the rest by air.

