Zach Behrens

Photo via Council District 4 Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of the Griffith Park fire, which burned through 817 of the park's 4,210 acres in two days. So Councilman Tom LaBonge and other city officials dedicated the 750,000-gallon water Travel Town Tank that will be used to help fight fires in the park and irrigate areas in the Western portion of the park. "It's a tragedy when fires roar, as we see today in...

One of the losses in the Griffith Park fire, which began two years to the date, was the bird sanctuary trail off Vermont Blvd., north of the Greek Theatre. Today, after thousands of volunteers--most notably the Pacific Asian Volunteer Association who adopted the project--the trail once again opened to the public. Of course, Griffith Park's loudest cheerleader, Councilman Tom LaBonge, was there to tell everyone about it and take a hike with them. The...

This house is so big, it has its own website. Too bad they claim it's in Beverly Hills when in reality, it's in Los Angeles's 5th District... but we digress with zip code minutia. This more-than-9,000-square-foot home has nine bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a six car garage, four bars and six fire places. The rent fluctuates, depending on a few factors: furnished or unfurnished and short or long term lease? So anywhere between $39,000 to...

The Labor Department this morning announced April's unemployment numbers, showing that another 539,000 jobs were lost, upping unemployment nationwide to 8.9%--that's the highest its been since 1983. However, some are drinking the glass half full saying the numbers are better than the anticipated 600,000 lost jobs. Last month, unemployment was at 8.5%. Statewide, April numbers still have not been announced, but last month California's rate broke a record at 11.2%....

"I will not send lard through the mail," Bart Simpson once wrote on the blackboard as an after school punishment. That's okay, the United States Post Office has forgiven him. Today, the Simpson family was honored as the first television show featured in a stamp set while still airing on primetime. In fact, this is their 20th year, making the show the longest-running comedy in TV history. That's an impressive feat. And consider this:...

At least we received our state income tax return last week... "The state is facing an unprecedented cash crisis and could run out of money within weeks, says the Legislature's chief budget analyst," according to an LA Times breaking news alert. "Lawmakers and the governor must act to stop the financial hemorrhaging, the analyst says in a new report, or state coffers could run dry by the end of next month." Is this a...

Too bad Manny is suspended. Blogdowntown reports that despite a moratorium on supergraphics, new "Mannywood" advertisements have appeared on the sides of buildings on Flower and Figueroa in the past two weeks. Funny thing is, the billboard moratorium was just extended yesterday until June 24th. (Photo: Eric Richardson)...

It looked to be like another great cool day on the Westside yesterday. Around noon, temperatures were in the low 70s. Then came the late afternoon when temperatures were all of the sudden hovering around 93 degrees, which was a record for UCLA, beating 89 degrees in 1990. What the heck happened? The National Weather Service says it was all in the the crazy wind we've been getting, forcing hotter temperatures as the day...

It's 97 in Woodland Hills. Drive 12 miles over the Santa Monica Mountains to Malibu and you'll be in the low 70s. Head a little further south to the Southbay and welcome to the high 60s. Now take the 10 freeway to Downtown and you'll split the difference at 85 degrees. What's your pick?...

Photo by Alejandro De La Cruz Mexico City blogger Alejandro De La Cruz is in town and last night went to see a friend of his play at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. To his surprise, John Mayer tweeted/announced (twinounced?) that he would be playing later that night. A few hours later, the intimate venue was packed--luckily, De La Cruz already had a front row seat at a table, allowing for some good photos. "There...

Everyone's jaw is dropping here in Los Angeles (holy shit!) while Cubs fans are screaming "suck it, Dodgers!" Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drug and will be suspended for 50 games, according to the Los Angeles Times. His first game back will be July 3rd--in the meantime, outfielder Xavier Paul will apparently be promoted to Manny's position. The official announcement by Major League Baseball is expected later today....

The City Council may have learned their lesson by forcing LA Marathon organizers to a Monday holiday rather than the traditional Sunday. Today a council committee voted to hold the 2010 marathon on a Sunday in March. This year, it will be held on Memorial Day, which has not been good participation or the health of runners who choose to run on the traditionally hot day. It will next go to the full council...