Jeremy Oberstein

"Mural on the Surfing Museum in Hunting Beach California," by rink rat via LAist Featured Photos Pool on Flickr Mayor Tony, during his anywhere but LA tour, met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday and handed him a Kobe jersey. "He said his gift reflected that there is no better ambassador for the city of Los Angeles than Kobe Bryant," the AP report said. I'm glad the leader of Los Angeles thinks...

One week into the race for President of the United States and the biggest issue of this early national campaign has been a debate about debates. John McCain wants 10 town hall meetings, Barack Obama has said five might be sufficient and both have called each other's stylized stalling on the issue a sideshow aimed at drawing each other into political wedge. McCain originally proposed holding 10 meetings once a week until the week before...

"Boombox," by delara-photos via LAist Featured Photos Pool on Flickr. A series of unfortunate events, including combustible materials that were too close together, contributed to the severity of the recent Universal Studios blaze, said a report issued Friday by the fire department. A loss of water pressure at key moments also complicated efforts to quash the inferno. The report has given rise to fears that media studios are not prepared to deal with disasters,...

The Black Angels. Photo by Jeremiah Garcia / www.IceCreamMan.com" The Black Angels area a very serious rock band. They play serious music, they don't smile on stage and they for damn sure do not look like they are having a good time. It's not that they seem bored on stage, it's that they -- either intentionally or unintentionally -- exude cool. It drips from their pulsating rhythms, from their drawn out songs, from their I-Don't-Give-A-Fuck-What-You-Think,...

AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais As the Obama ordination slowly takes shape across America this week -- cemented by Hillary Clinton's graceful exit -- the race for next in line will begin to supplant coverage of the Democratic quest to take over the White House. Obama's Veepstakes team -- headed by staunch supporter Caroline Kennedy, former Fannie Mae CEO Jim Johnson and former Clinton deputy attorney general Eric Holder, now an Obama legal adviser --...

"Fifty Merc," by James Herman via LAist Featured Photos Pool on Flickr. It's been a killer week for Los Angeles County. At least nine have died since last Sunday, most having been murdered by gangs. The amount is not unprecedented, but it is greater than the county's average homicide rate, the LA Times said. And, if this morning's news of a homicide suspect in North Hills shooting himself in the finger is any example,...

"Television," by ccharmon via LAist Featured Photos Pool on Flickr. Supervisor Michael Antonovich, fresh off Tuesday's primary win, questioned why the Grand Avenue Project -- a proposed shopping center and hotel in Downtown -- is taking so damn long. He wants to send the project out for bid again. Not so fast, gay couples. Kern County will stop performing gay marriage ceremonies because the region's clerk supposedly objects to the idea, though cited financial...

"Peace," by ~db~ via LAist Featured Photos Pool on Flickr. Holy marijuana, Batman! A Northern Californian town near Eureka has been inundated with pot growing houses. More than 10 percent of the 7,500 houses in Arcata are used for pot, creating a housing and safety issue, officials said. But everyone is too tired and hungry to do anything about it. Oops! A snafu in the race for Torrance City Council has left some voters...

"One More Shot," by hinducow via LAist Featured Photos Pool on Flickr. With one day before Memorial Day, a holiday traditionally devoted to BBQ's and beer drinking, it's worth remembering those who did not make it back from Iraq, Afghanistan and other wars. The LA Times devoted some ink to California's war dead today, online and in print. Remember the geese! A proposal to retool the 405/101 interchange has been questioned by environmentalists who...

"Noon-Five," by Tyler S. Andrews via LAist Featured Photos Pool on Flickr. Q: How is the San Fernando Valley like 1950's Mississippi? A:Apart from the wide lots, racism is once again rearing its ugly head. Hate crimes have nearly doubled so far this year from the same period last year with Jews and blacks taking the brunt of the attacks. Q: When is it time to say goodbye to your dog? A: How about...