Zach Behrens

Since 1970, the Bodhi Tree Bookstore, a Melrose Avenue staple, has been an information center for spirituality-related information. But times have changed and the store which used to have a staff of 100 is preparing to close its doors in a years time, reports the LA Weekly. "Twenty years ago we felt like it was an expanding situation," said Co-Owner Stan Madson. "We were concerned the store was getting too big. We had a...

Obama's Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke, is in town today to help announce a $7.5 million Recovery act investment to increase broadband access in the city. "The investment will help bridge the technological divide and improve access to job and computer training and educational opportunities," an advisory explained. Details of how the money will be used should be announced later today. U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will all...

Legalizing marijuana would bring the state about $1.4 billion, according to a state analysis. Now compare that to this: "California could reap an economic boon worth $16 billion by legalizing its 1.8 million undocumented adult Latino immigrants," reported the LA Times based on a USC study released today. Some disagree with that number, citing the public services offered to citizens, which USC admittedly did not study. And then add this: "the study was released...

Photo by stephenfalk via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr To smoke outdoors or not smoke outdoors? That's the controversial question and some fighting words among people. As West Hollywood begins to follow in the footsteps of Los Angeles, which is close to completing its own law banning outdoor smoking around restaurants, the WeHo News this week published an article about the science, or lack thereof, of studying the effects of second hand smoke near...

When the new LAPD Police Administration Building opened last Fall, a park was gifted to the community. But it wasn't too long before it was blocked off to the public for two weeks to make way for a Los Angeles Police Foundation gala. When all was said and done, the equipment used ruined the grass, leaving it brown and muddy during wet weather. Eric Richardson at blogdowntown has been following the lack of progress,...

This is just too 'effin adorable to pass up. Travis Kaplow at LA Metblogs scored an amazingly cute photo of a hot pink children's car parked in a space next to a full sized car. "Must be the Mini-Me version of Angelyne," joked blogger David Markland in the comments section. Or perhaps it's the beginning of the next Valley Girl as this was found in Sherman Oaks, home to Galleria and nearby to Frank...

Photo by vanz via Flickr Another huge step was taken this morning in the effort to legalize marijuana beyond the current medical-use constraints. The California Assembly's Public Safety Committee voted 4 to 3 to approve A.B. 390, the Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education Act, which is the legislation that would tax and regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. Part of the opposition was former CHP Commander Assemblyman Danny Gilmore (R-Hanford), who was...

Mike Prasad Looks like Kogi BBQ is losing some of its roots as it expands from the streets to a permanent address. Mike Prasad, the brand/social media guy for Kogi (and credited for bringing the Twitter idea to the table), has severed ties with the mobile food truck king. "Yes, you read correctly; Mike will no longer be putting up with Alice Shin’s taco-fueled demands - and by all accounts she is VERY demanding,...

Did you seen any of these plays in 2009? Tonight is the 20th annual Ovation Awards, which are basically the Obie's for Los Angeles. Put together by the L.A. Stage Alliance, one nominee from each of the various categories like Best Season, Musical, Playwriting, Director, Actor, etc., will be awarded. Los Angeles has an overwhelmingly amount of theatre to choose from. So much, in fact, we're a bit sad we missed out on the...

via MyApartmentMap We once heard someone say finding a new apartment every year or so is a "Los Angeles thing to do." True or not, apartment hunting is a big business here--from Westside Rentals to various other pay websites to the free Craigslist where free rent can be found, provided you're willing to throw in some spanking and leather here and there. Today, MyApartmentMap, which aggregates rentals on the market into their slick looking...

A little news from the other coast. Both of New Jersey's state houses voted to legalize medical marijuana, letting the state become the sole dealer. Gov. Jon Corzine is expected to sign it before leaving office next Tuesday, reports Gothamist....

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck is continuing his appearances at public meet and greets with his first in the new year. The public is invited to a community a forum tonight in Boyle Heights and participate in an "interactive question and answer session," the department announced today. It takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bishop Mora Salesian College Preparatory at 960 South Soto Street. UPDATE: The event is tonight, not tomorrow....