Lindsay William-Ross

Yesterday, LA Observed's Here in Malibu eulogized the city's indie bookstore Diesel, who will be closing soon, following "a protracted legal skirmish" mixed with recession-era low sales. The store, which has been open for seven years, is in a retail center that became a "ghost town" after new ownership took over the property.

Photo by Lord Jim via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department went after another batch of their "most wanted taggers" this morning when they "executed search warrants across L.A. County Wednesday for members of a tagging crew that's been targeting city buses, trains and other infrastructure," according to KTLA. The "Big Dogs Crew" is the focus of this morning's operation, in which they have 17 locations to...

When a lawsuit was filed alleging Taco Bell was dishonest in their advertising about how much beef goes in their seasoned beef mix, the OC-based fast food giant realized they needed to do some spin control. Their first move was to publish an ad saying "Thank you for suing us." Their next move is to offer 10 million free tacos to their fans, reports the Fast Food Maven. Loyal customers, your reward for yo...

If you're going to a rave, and you're going to take Ecstasy, should the Public Health Department help you know how to take the drug safely? A flier intended to be distributed at rave events that was produced by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has come under scrutiny, particularly by Supervisor Michael D. Anotonvich, who has ordered the distribution of the fliers halted.

A Boeing 737 coming in for its landing at Los Angeles International Airport last night was the target of a laser beam pointed at the jet by a teen boy on the ground, reports KTLA. The pilots were able to determine the location of the green laser, and notified the authorities who headed to Avalon Boulevard and East 161st Street in South Los Angeles to check things out. The 14-year-old boy with the laser...

Hard to imagine this fruit is a luxury, but for many in Los Angeles, it really is (Photo by Lucyrk in LA via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr) NPR's "All Things Considered" profiled the East L.A. community of Ramon Gardens yesterday, shining a spotlight on the city's oldest housing project's lack of food options. Unlike in South L.A., where civic leaders are trying to tame the omnipresent fast food beast and lure...

In the wee overnight hours a 41-year-old man wound stuck up in some trees and needed rescuing. Why'd he get up there in the first place? He said he thought he was being chased by a pack of pumas, according to the Daily News. By the time authorities in South Pasadena arrived to give the guy a hand, he was able to climb down from 20 feet above in the branches of the trees on St. Albans Avenue.

Actress Lindsay Lohan will face a felony charge of grand theft tomorrow, according to LA Now. She is accused of stealing a necklace worth $2,500 from a Venice jewelry store. Lohan is expected to be arraigned tomorrow afternoon, and is not likely to be arrested ahead of her court appearance. A statement issued by Lohan this weekend by her lawyer says she plans to fight the charges in court, but "not in the press."

Some of the victims of the 2008 Metrolink and freight train collision were scheduled to meet with executives from Veolia Transportation, the company liable for the deadly accident that left 25 people dead and over 100 injured, reports the HuffPo. "Rep. Elton Gallegly said Veolia executives requested the meeting so they can hear from those who were injured or lost loved ones when a Metrolink train collided head-on with a freight train." Veolia is...

Last night an armed man tore things up at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier when he carjacked an employee on the property and flipped the stolen vehicle during the ensuing police pursuit, says the LA County Sheriff's Department. The 25-year-old male Hispanic suspect was armed with a semi-automatic handgun when he entered Rose Hills, driving a red Explorer. His sister contacted the authorities to let them know her brother "had been drinking and he...

Following the recent departure of Chef David LeFevre, Downtown's perennial dining favorite the Water Grill has named Amanda Baumgarten the restaurant's new Executive Chef. Baumgarten, already in the kitchen as the seafood restaurant's sous chef, gained attention as one of the Chef-testants on the 7th season of the Bravo series Top Chef. She emerged victorious in her bid for the job at the Water Grill from a batch of national contenders. Her previous gigs...

Last night, the West Hollywood City Council voted three to two in approval of a proposed ban to outlaw smoking on restaurant patios and in other outdoor areas, according to KTLA. This was a preliminary vote on the proposed ordinance, with a final vote to be held later this month. Those in favor of the ban believe it "will improve the quality of life for residents and visitors," while those opposed "argue the law...