The meals are being offered at great prices -- only $15 for a three-course lunch at Luna Park, for instance, or dinner at Sushi Roku for $34 (prices vary according to restaurant and meal). American Express cardholders (yes, they're the event's major sponsor, along with the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, aka LA INC.) can make their reservations now; the general public has to wait until January 16th to save their spots. more ›

Of course Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite-Burke lives in her district. Or maybe not. (Los Angeles Times) more ›

According to the Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau, 94% of international tourists that come to Santa Monica visit the promenade. Really? Wow. We don't dislike the promenade. Parking isn't the best but it could be a lot worse and while it is often crowded, it isn't overwhelmingly so. We just don't get why it is so loved by visitors. As time has passed, 3rd street has found itself with fewer and fewer unique retailers and more chain stores. Nevermind that they feature some chains we like (Apple and Adidas we're looking at you) but we just can't help but think that you could get the same consumer experience at home. Besides that, we've noticed many of the street performers getting much more aggressive with their audiences, practically scaring people into giving their money. And with the pier just a few steps away and Main Street and Venice Beach close by (not to mention the Marina), isn't there something better for tourists to be doing? Or is there something really great about the promenade that we're missing? more ›

If you're looking for something sports-related this weekend, and you don't care much for the first-place Dodgers playing the Astros, LAist recommends that you head on down to Long Beach for the US Olympic Swim Trials. more ›