Federal investigators have begun a probe into Monday's small plane crash that found a single-engine Cessna smashing into a home in Santa Monica. Santa Monica Airport Director Robert Trimborn told the Santa Monica Mirror that the pilot was headed back to the Santa Monica Airport after taking off on a solo flight to Santa Barbara. more ›

"Eureka...I have found it!" Yesterday at Unique LA we spotted a trend towards celebrating our sunny Golden State. Check out these California designs that feature the state map, state bears and more make us feel like the most lucky of West Coast dwellers. Unique LA's first summer show at Barker Hanger in the Santa Monica Airport is open today from 11am - 6pm. Happy shopping! more ›

A small plane crashed early this evening at Penmar Golf Course in Venice, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. more ›

Earlier this month, local singer-songwriter Gary Jules concluded his "Old School Tuesdays" residency at the Hotel Cafe (MySpace) in Hollywood, supported by openers Simone White (MySpace), Oren Lavie (MySpace), and Jim Bianco (MySpace). At first a space for jazz musicians, the Hotel Cafe was revitalized as an alternative to Largo -- for early-adopters Jules, Bianco, and Joshua Radin (MySpace) -- a fact that hasn't been lost on Jules, who reminsinced during his set about those early days. more ›

Author and USC professor Gina Nahai and actress Bahar Soomekh (Crash) read from Nahai’s latest book Caspian Rain – about a family falling apart just before the Islamic revolution in Iran. Immediately following, there’s a discussion of the changing lives of women of the Middle East, and relationships between Iran’s Jewish and Muslim communities, as well as how these communities interact in Los Angeles, “home to the largest population of Iranians outside Tehran.” more ›

FARMERS MARKET: Downtown’s latest farmers market takes place in the Fashion District. So hit up some holiday shopping then treat yourself to some of the freshest foods around. 4-7 pm // Fashion District // 716 S. Los Angeles St., Downtown // Free. ART: Diego Cardoso is the Executive Officer of Transportation Development and Implementation for the MTA who headed the East Side Gold Line project. He's also on the city planning commission. But his... more ›

I know the end of the Nordstrom anniversary sale was painful for all of us, but what better way to quick-heal a fresh wound then with new savings. Ready your checkbooks. Saks has embarked upon its yearly Consolidation Sale which means almost every department (minus handbags and cosmetics) is reduced. Men’s Store too. The pre-sale mark downs have already taken place but the full effect slashings don’t happen until Thursday, Aug 9th. The racket goes... more ›

We're still waiting for the Dine for America site to launch with the details of their nationwide event to benefit Hurricane Katrina survivors through local restaurants' generous participation. Meanwhile, we've got our eye on a couple of the many local happenings that promise good eats and drink with proceeds going to help this extremely worthy cause. Our friend at Eating L.A. tipped us off to the Silver Lake Wine hurricane benefit, which is this Sunday, September 11th from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. to be held at their store. Admission is $20 per person, with each person receiving 4 tickets for trade to sample things like Abita Amber and Turbo Dog beer, wines by the glass, and food from hot restaurants like AOC, Literati Cafe, and many others. No reservations are needed, and there is no limit on how many people may attend. more ›

At Arena 1 in the Santa Monica Airport, tonight is the artist's reception for the exhibit Santa Monica Originals, featuring the work of artists with either a historical or contemporary connection to Santa Monica. Among the artists featured are John Baldessari, Frank Gehry, Sam Francis, Lee Mullican, Lucita Hortado, Larry Albright, William Tunberg, Charles Gains, Astrid Preston and Lita Albuquerque. The reception runs from 5–8:00 PM. For more information, call (310) 397-7493. more ›