Zach Behrens

Unemployment increased from May to June, but only by one-tenth of a point, or 467,000 lost jobs, a 26-year high. Here's the breakdown: Professional and business services slashed 118,000 jobs, more than double the 48,000 cut in May. Manufacturers cut 136,000, down from 156,000. Construction companies got rid of 79,000 jobs, up from 48,000 the previous month. Retailers eliminated 21,000, up from 17,600. Financial activities cut 27,000, following 30,000 in May. The government cut...

On the southwest corner of Melrose and Highland, there's Osteria Mozza, Mozza Pizzeria and, as of yesterday, now Mozza 2Go. Eater LA visited finding that they're offering "the A-Z in gourmet Italian products, including the newly launched line of Mozza-brand edibles. Need some EVOO? Dried pasta with unpronounceable names? Canned tomatoes? Or even a cookbook? No problemo. The Batali-Bastianich-Silverton joint venture number three encompasses a small retail area plus counter where the hungry can...

A state board voted today to hand out IOUs that will be repaid on October 2nd at the earliest. Although Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's staff wanted a repayment date to be set for as last as next year June with an 1.5% interest rate, staff with Controller John Chiang said people need their money and next year would be too late. Ultimately, the Pooled Money Investment Board sided with Chiang and put the interest rate...

A representation, but not a literal rendering of the arch by artist Peter Shire This year marks the 30th anniversary since the NoHo Arts District began to change from scary, dirty and dangerous to the still-blossoming arts and theatre neighborhood. Part of the neighborhood's redevelopment are three public art projects including a gateway arch that will be revealed next week by prolific public artist Peter Shire, who may be known for his work at...

At a 2008 incident where someone died | Photo by Marshall Astor via Flickr In what appears to be an accident, a 24-year-old man died yesterday evening after he apparently climbed the fence near the cliffs of Point Fermin Park in San Pedro. The fence is there for a very good reason, but numerous people have fallen, often to their death, at the park over the years. Fire department rescues at this location almost...

How's this for punishment? Police checkpoints will be set up on Saturday around hillside areas not to make sure you're driving sober, but to see if you have fireworks. If you get busted, they could confiscate your car, throw you in jail or fine you $50,000, according to the Pasadena Star News. Remember, for the most part, fireworks are illegal and only some cities allow "safe and sane" ones. And of course, they'll be...

Chris Essel Now that Wendy Greuel has officially vacated her seat as the 2nd District Councilmemember for her City Controller post, we're going to begin to hear more about those who are officially running. Councilman Jack Weiss' popular Valley field deputy Joan Pelico was rumored to be taking a stab at running, but it seems not any more. She's been re-hired by Weies' successor Paul Koretz at the satisfaction of a handful of neighborhood...

So California is issuing IOUs for the first time since 1992. They carry an interest rate of 3.75%, but that's apparently on an annual basis only earning about ten bucks for every thousand you're owed. But that's not stopping people from trying to buy them on Craigslist! Unlikely it's for profit, it's probably just for the kitsch souvenir factor....

A transformer in a distributing station tripped this morning de-energizing some circuits causing some 6,000 customers to lose power in the Hancock Park/La Brea/South Hollywood area this morning around 7:40 a.m., according to an LADWP spokesperson. By 9:40 a.m., LADWP crews restored power to 3,300 customers and were working to 100% restoration. Kudos to the department for their first time use of Twitter to update real-time alerts on the situation. You can follow them...

A new fiscal year means a new Metro Board chair at the helms of L.A. County public transportation. Meet Glendale City Councilman Ara Najarian, who has served the city since 2005 and once as the rotating Mayor from 2007 to 2008. “As the new Board Chair, I look forward to providing the leadership necessary to enhance transportation options throughout the region,” Najarian said in a statement. “This next year will be both challenging and...

Shots broke out this morning at Family Dental Care around 10:38 a.m. this morning in Simi Valley. Exactly an hour later, the suspect shooter surrendered to police, but not before killing one, critically injuring three and leaving another with minor wounds. No word yet on the motive....

An Apple a Day... | Photo by Selma90 via Flickr Seeing a rise in influenza cases and outbreaks in Los Angeles County, the Department of Public Health is asking residents to heed caution. “During this summer, the recommendations for avoiding illness are the same as during the fall or winter months: wash your hands, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and stay home if you are sick,” said Jonathan E....