Callie Miller

Be careful out there Angelenos! More California car crashes have historically been reported on December 15th than any other day of the year, according to KTLA. Your chances of getting into an accident today as compared to any other day driving the 405 in mad traffic jumps 23 percent. This increase in danger is attributed to weather, holiday shopping and other seasonal distractions.

The 2nd Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl is set for Saturday, December 18th and the sheer number of things to do while pub crawling should make completing it gracefully a feat for only the most socially disciplined. The goal of the crawl is to raise money and food donations for those in need during the holiday. Last year's event brought out 2,000 crawlers that donated 4,000 pounds of food. Saturday's festivities are designed

One of many favorite L.A. foodie hobbies is to wax poetic on the best cupcakes in Los Angeles. To celebrate National Cupcake Day, we're gazing at some delectable photos of the pint-sized treats and asking the time-honored question: right now, as of this very moment, who makes the best cupcakes in the city?...

Operation Gratitude Care Package Received (Photo by USACEpublicaffairs via Flickr) As many Angelenos rush about looking for the perfect gift, others are wondering where they can give the gift of their time or give donations to help those in need this holiday. The Encino Patch has pulled together a fantastic 17 Places to Volunteer or Make a Donation list of spots in their local vicinity and beyond. The volunteer opportunities range from food and...

Photo by Rennett Stowe via Flickr In 2 days, 18 hours, 29 minutes and 33 seconds, the all-new, $42 million dollar Elephants of Asia exhibit at the L.A. Zoo will officially open. For many, this much-anticipated opening is serious cause for celebration as the goal of the exhibit is to shed more light on the plight of Asian elephants and encourage their protection. Yet spending millions amid consistent complaints about the quality of elephant...

To balance out the maybe-legit/maybe-PR-stunt whitewashing of Blu's commissioned mural for MOCA, we're celebrating some other street art in Los Angeles and paying special attention to the detail involved in such large pieces. When you consider the time invested in each element of a large piece, the thought of painting over it all takes on new meaning....

he Pennsylvania coupled wanted in connection with the murder and dismemberment of downtown LA resident Herbert White have been arrested, according to KTLA. Melissa and Edward Garcia, Jr. were reportedly living on the streets and Melissa recently dyed her hair to alter her appearance. Edward confirmed his identity when questioned. They were arrested on La Brea Avenue near Hawthorne in Hollywood.

Photo by vmiramontes via Flickr As prep for the just-announced Art in the Streets show that will open in April 2011, MOCA commissioned a mural at Geffen Contemporary by Italian artist Blu and then promptly painted over it yesterday, according to LA Downtown News. MOCA reps aren't saying why but many are speculating that the content of the mural - rows of caskets draped with dollars instead of the traditional American flag - offended...

Travelin' Local wondered aloud today if Los Angeles is really as laid back as it seems on the surface. Vacationers conjure images of beaches, palm trees and surfers glistening in the sun as they make their plans to head our way, but when you consider the traffic, how stressed out we are, how mean we are, and the fact that Los Angeles is the largest manufacturing center in the U.S., we might be less laid back than we think.

The Small Business Survival Index is out and California ranks 48th in "business friendlieness," according to the Orange County Register. Are we really that mean to small business? When ranking the costs that most impact smaller companies, the answer is a resounding yes. The main reason? Taxes, taxes, taxes. Income taxes, capital gains taxes and unemployment taxes in California have not been kind to California small business owners and many are leaving the state for more tax-friendly climates.