Guest Contributor

You already know about how you can park-hop from Santiago Oaks Regional Park to Irvine Regional Park in Orange County, but a similar 2-for-1 deal exists in Pacific Palisades. It comes courtesy of the Rivas Canyon Trail, a two-mile route that connects two of the most popular L.A. hiking destinations: Temescal Gateway Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park.

Ballona Creek runs west into the ocean, starting almost ten miles inland. Near the mouth of the creek, it widens and forms both freshwater and saltwater marshes. Runoff from the nearby Baldwin Hills fills the basin. Spring is a particularly attractive time to visit the wetlands, although it’s a nice place to take a break during any season.

UCCE Master Food Preserver Sarah Spitz writes about serving as a judge in a 4H baking competition: "It’s a win-win for everyone involved, judges included—minus the sugar rush we experienced, which fortunately, dissipated in a few hours!"

Everyone has a friend named Andrew. No really, check your Facebook. But certain individuals have a real good friend named Andrew. A role model, hero and spokesman for all things loud. Naturally I am referring to Andrew W.K., the front man turned game show host turned motivational speaker who has over the course of the past decade provided the soundtrack for your angst ridden party days.

Hey, did you hear about that deal where you pay only $3 to get into an Orange County park and you can also visit the neighboring park for no additional charge? Now, if you think we’re talking about Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure…well, we’re not.

Many California residents have experienced a big hike lately—and unfortunately, it's not on the trails, but at the pump. We have a couple of tips for the budget-conscious hiker.

While Anacapa may cut a harsh profile, it’s also a great place to see flora and fauna in the springtime. The coreopsis flowers that bloom in March and April are so bright that they can be seen from the mainland.

It’s common to joke about how the Los Angeles Lakers play in a city that has no natural lakes. However, while many L.A. residents are aware that the basketball team’s nickname comes from their days in Minneapolis, few realize that an hour’s drive from downtown, in the hills of Orange County, there is in fact a lake.

It's official. Angelenos may be able to vote on a new ballot initiative come November and see a new food label at grocery stores soon thereafter. According to Debra Bowen, Secretary of State, Californians may now add their signatures to a new ballot initiative mandating labeling of genetically engineered foods being sold in raw or packaged form.

Have you ever wanted to adopt an alias? It must feel powerful to create a name that people have to call you, one that doesn’t even have to be a real word. Read on for overheard conversation on half-naked men, wingback chairs, and Robin.