Further up north, two fires are affecting some of the most beautiful parts of California. The Meadow Fire has been burning in Yosemite National Park since Wednesday and the Gloria Fire, burning since Thursday near Soledad, is threatening parts of Pinnacles National Monument. more ›

Today, Pinnacles National Monument begins its second 100 years. It's not exactly local to Los Angeles, but it's one of the many California wonders run by the National Park Service and here at LAist, we always encourage the exploration of the region and state. more ›

"The neighborhood surrounding the Watts Towers presents a stark contrast to the well-maintained aesthetics of this national monument, and currently the residents have limited means to capitalize socially or economically on this cultural currency," reads a pamphlet about the Watts House Project, which self-describes themselves as an an artist-driven urban revitalization project that hopes to be a catalyst for solutions and change in the community. more ›