Lisa Brenner

Photo by Open Air Control Testing Ground via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr A new study by U.S. 9th Circuit Judge Arthur L. Alarcon and Loyola Law School professor Paula M. Mitchell, predicts that by 2030 San Quentin's death row population will have grown to over 1,000 and that death penalty costs will reach $9 billion, according to the L.A. Times. In an effort to improve the deadlock debate, and with warnings about...

Mourners, moonwalkers and megafans have set up a memorial with candles and flowers on Michael Jackson's Hollywood Walk of Fame star to honor the second anniversary of the passing of the King of Pop.

Photo by Non Paratus via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr Metrolink's 2011-12 budget has received final approval after "being adopted by all five of its member agencies," according to a news release. The budget, approved by RCTC, VCTC, SANBAG, OCTA and Metro, will provide for expanded safety enhancements, a new, onboard customer service initiative, 22 new trains (including four express), and no increase in base fares. "I am pleased that our board...

The Richard Lillard Classroom is a trail on both sides of the LA River between Fulton and Coldwater Canyon | Photo by Zach Behrens/LAist One of seven cities selected, Los Angeles will be participating in the Urban Waters Federal Partnership Program with a focus on the LA River Watershed. The project, "intended to reconnect urban communities with their waterways," will run in alignment with President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative "which calls on agencies...

USCG cadet from underwater hockey team | March 2011 (Photo by AN HONORABLE GERMAN via Flickr) Not only is underwater hockey a real thing, Los Angeles is hosting the 2011 U.S. Nationals this weekend. The main pool at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center is a 50 meter by 25 yards 7 feet deep, sports "crystal clear visibility" and will be used for only underwater hockey purposes the entire weekend. There will be 2 playing...

Screenshot of Giovanni Ramirez arriving at police headquarters via NBC LA. Giovanni Ramirez, one of the men suspected in the beating San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium, has been transferred to a prison in San Diego, according to ABC Local. Ramirez, who "contends he was nowhere near Dodger Stadium at the time of the attack," is currently behind bars on a parole violation. He was arrested thirty-three days...

Today in LA! The Armenian Food Fair & Fest, get gaming at Giant Robot, track some wild creatures in Las Virgines Canyon, and avenge Cyrus' death at Hollywood Forever Cemetery Cinespia screening.

New research from the New England Journal of Medicine revealed the not so startling news that potato chips rank as the worst snack food for your health ahead of candy, soda and ice cream.

Photo by southgeist via Flickr A worker has died in an accident at the BP refinery located near Wilmington Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard in Carson, said a company spokesman, according to the L.A. Times. The incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday near train tracks that transport materials through the refinery. The cause of the accident is unclear, said company spokesman Walter Neil. “To lose one of our family members to such a tragic...

Photo by Joits via Flickr A precious commodity in his own right, Huell Howser, the celebrated and affable host of “California’s Gold” (seen locally on KCET along with his Visiting and Road Trip series) swapped broadcast mediums for a turn at the turntables as part of KCRW's Guest DJ project on Wednesday. Recalling with signature enthusiasm his 10-year stint as a reporter for an NBC affiliate in Nashville, Howser harkens back to the Grand...

Police are investigating a jewelry store robbery and gunfire at the upscale, outdoor Westfield Century City shopping mall. Los Angeles Police Department officials said the incident occurred at around 12:05 p.m. on Wednesday, according to LA Now. A suspect took jewelry from the store and fired at least one shot in the air as he ran away. He got into a waiting car and sped off, police said. It is unclear what type of...

Photo by kenteegardin via Flickr Costa Mesa City Council approved layoffs for 200 city workers, eight police officers and one animal control officer despite an independent audit that found approximately $23 million in the city's general fund for the upcoming year, according to CBS Local. The controversial cuts were approved around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday in a move Costa Mesa Police Department interim Chief Steve Staveley called “unethical and immoral.” Staveley resigned abruptly on...