Jessica Ritz

Followers of the busblog are given a virtual all access pass to what its author, Tony Pierce, is thinking and doing in and around Los Angeles. And Tony's world within this city is a textured, unorthodox, engaging place to be. (Check out the FAQ Tony posted on January 06, 2005 for a busblog primer.) His insights into myriad topics can also be found on the printed pages of his newly published book, How to...

Westside cinema enthusiasts, fret over traffic no more. The once-threatened Aero Theatre on swank Montana Avenue is now open after a lengthy (alas, the rule rather than the exception) rehabilitation. Better yet, the theater, which was built in 1940 by Douglas Aircraft Company, is now operated by the American Cinematheque. This non-profit entity will use 75% of programming from its Hollywood base at the Egyptian Theatre to illuminate the screen in the Westside outpost....

Westside cinema enthusiasts, fret over traffic no more. The once-threatened Aero Theatre on swank Montana Avenue is now open after a lengthy (alas, the rule rather than the exception) rehabilitation. Better yet, the theater, which was built in 1940 by Douglas Aircraft Company, is now operated by the American Cinematheque. This non-profit entity will use 75% of programming from its Hollywood base at the Egyptian Theatre to illuminate the screen in the Westside outpost....

Los Angeles has a new possible public health crisis on its, er, hands. According to the Daily News, the increase of staph infections among the LA County jail population has quadrupled, infecting over 200 inmates compared to 50 each month in 2002. Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, Director of Public Health and Health Officer for Los Angeles County, points to the risk of the outbreak as "a growing problem" since it also threatens State prisons...

Los Angeles has a new possible public health crisis on its, er, hands. According to the Daily News, the increase of staph infections among the LA County jail population has quadrupled, infecting over 200 inmates compared to 50 each month in 2002. Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, Director of Public Health and Health Officer for Los Angeles County, points to the risk of the outbreak as "a growing problem" since it also threatens State prisons...

History confirms that LA's development has always been dependent on water and land annexation. These ingredients fuel our city's present development as well as its past. Back in April, things looked promising for the proposed 555-acre, mixed-use development known as Las Lomas when a judge blocked the City of Santa Clarita's attempt to annex unincorporated land in its effort to thwart the controversial development. Now the fate of developer Dan Palmer's dream project has...

History confirms that LA's development has always been dependent on water and land annexation. These ingredients fuel our city's present development as well as its past. Back in April, things looked promising for the proposed 555-acre, mixed-use development known as Las Lomas when a judge blocked the City of Santa Clarita's attempt to annex unincorporated land in its effort to thwart the controversial development. Now the fate of developer Dan Palmer's dream project has...

During the insanity holiday season, it's important that we remember to step outside of our own realm and think of others. Yes, it's cliche, but, yes, it's true. This week LAist talks to Tom Bagamane of The Giving Spirit, an Angeleno who's dedicated his work and efforts to improving the lives of others in our own Tale of Two Cities. 1. Age and Occupation: 44, Exec VP, American Health Sciences Chairman & Founder, The...

During the insanity holiday season, it's important that we remember to step outside of our own realm and think of others. Yes, it's cliche, but, yes, it's true. This week LAist talks to Tom Bagamane of The Giving Spirit, an Angeleno who's dedicated his work and efforts to improving the lives of others in our own Tale of Two Cities. 1. Age and Occupation: 44, Exec VP, American Health Sciences Chairman & Founder, The...

While big box stores are turning the retail landscape of this country into an undistinguishable monolithic entity, creative retailers like Lyvonne Hill, owner of Grometville in Silver Lake, help beat back this trend while adding to the character of our neighborhoods. Seemingly superficial activities and consumer choices nevertheless are tied to the texture and appeal of life in Los Angeles (even though we all know opportunities to shop and consume are not the end...