Thanks to LA's budget crisis, city officials opted to nix plans to host the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Downtown this year, saying to do so would "appear unseemly" in light of the cost of traffic control for such an event, according to LA Now. As an alternative, however, the city is co-hosting some Irish-inspired events today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nokia Plaza at L.A. Live, which will feature Irish music, antique trucks, and a beer garden. But if you wait until tonight to hit up L.A. Live for some good ol' St. Patty's fun, you'll find yourself in the midst of a celebration for the great Irish boxer Oscar De La Hoya. more ›

Now here's a great use for the criticized TV screens all around LA LIve's Nokia Plaza. Councilwoman Jan Perry invites all to come "celebrate history" at "L.A.'s Biggest Inaugural Viewing Party." It's next Tuesday morning with events beginning at 7 a.m.. Barack will take office around 9 a.m. with post ceremony coverage, entertainment, and the parade to follow. more ›