If ever there was an evening to knock back a brew or two, it's tonight, in observance of the unofficial "holiday" of New Beer's Eve. Say what? "On the evening of April 6, people lined up outside breweries and taverns, waiting for midnight when they would be able to legally purchase beer for the first time in over 13 years. Since then, the night of April 6 has been referred to as 'New Beer's Eve.'" more ›

The road to legalizing marijuana for all in California takes another step tomorrow. The California Assembly Public Safety Committee tomorrow will hold an informational hearing "on the implications of taxing and regulating marijuana similarly to alcoholic beverages," according to a press release from Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), chair of the committee and author of the legislation. more ›

newly minted US Attorney General Eric Holder articulation of the Obama administration's position on medicinal marijuana: Tepidly hands-off. They will no longer raid or prosecute Medical marijuana distributors who are in full compliance with their state's laws governing such activity. Of course, that’s the crucial distinction. Normal criminal penalties will apply for recreational distribution and use, except, maybe not! So far, no official opinion has been offered on Massachusetts' recent decriminalization law (or others pending like it), so it remains to be seen how the Obama administration will choose to act. Marijuana remains illegal on the federal level, but, if their stance on medical herb is any indication, we might see a patchwork legalization/decriminalization legal framework, which means, of course, state by state by state. more ›

After Fatty Arbuckle's career was deep-sixed by one of the biggest scandals of its day, he tried his hands at a few things, not the least of which was Fatty Arbuckle's Plantation Cafe. Built at 11700 Washington Boulevard in Culver City, across the street from the site of Arbuckle's elementary school. more ›

Remember when the manufacture, sale, or transportation of alcohol was illegal? Yeah, neither do we, and thankfully so. more ›

For the past two weeks Councilmember Tom LaBonge has been proudly welcoming visitors to the 12th Annual LADWP Holiday Light Festival at Griffith Park, announcing with a straight face that this year's Festival demonstrates the DWP's commitment to a "Greener LA." Tom deserves credit for maintaining a straight face as he makes this outrageous claim because this Festival is far from Green! Granted, there is a lighting display at the entry that clearly states "DWP... more ›

all photos by Wathana Lim for LAist. Los Angeles may not be know for it's beer. Yet. But if you roll up to a bar with Craftsman on draft, you're about to drink the freshest and most flavorful beer around. So fresh, that it may have found it's way from the fermenting tank to the keg earlier that day. That keg of Craftsman was delivered by Mark Jilg or one of his two full-time... more ›