Friday November 24, 5:37 pm: I’m following a long line of red tail lights up Laurel Canyon from Hollywood. The...

Everywhere were gals in their going-out best: sparkly tops, cowgirl hats, perfumed cleavage, skinny jeans and sleek LA-meets-Nashville hair. A guy swept past us on his way to the men's room and seeing the bounty of turned-out feminine beauty and goodwill exclaimed , "Wow! Girl power!" Yes siree.

Not much traffic to report... but a few jaywalking tickets. More strikes to come, EAA says.

Malibu Beaches Owner's Manual, for public owners who want to enjoy their extensive public lands on beaches that aren't always easy to find or use.

LA Observed's new video blogger introduces himself in the aisles at Dutton's Brentwood.

I too was turned away, told that the records to which I sought access were not public, and, apparently, given some misinformation as well.

I have fallen in love with the new education column by a Times Pulitzer Prize winner for editorial writing, Bob Sipchen. A short Q-&-A.

They were drained of happiness after standing in line for three days and nights to spend more than $500 on a video gaming console.

Roughing it with six troops of girls meant soothing their homesickness and trying to outdo the mothers from Beverly Hills. Then the mountain lion showed up.

Retailers shove their hands so deep in your pockets, they give The Nutcracker new meaning.

Reading Janet Fitch’s exquisite new novel took me hurtling back to the glory days of L.A.’s punk scene and gritty places like the Starwood and the Hong Kong Café. “Paint It Black” gave me that giddy rush of meeting an old friend I hadn’t seen in years.

I have been silent on the Times mess until now. Then I spied the New York Times story that wove the tale of how another deep pockets mogul, David Geffen, was eyeing the news company on First and Spring.

Bruce had the kindest way of rolling his eyes when expressing exasperation. The man had style and spirit.

In a town called Okemos, Michigan, some parents don't want to be compared to West Hollywood.

In the future, no one will park for nine minutes. Not in Santa Monica anyway.

What are they thinking? There is no place to rest your eyes.

Guilt-free voting in Redondo Beach, with the assistance of Jefferson, Lincoln and Eisenhower.

On the West Side, even a big box store can be cool.

A place where "9 hour parking" becomes "9 minute parking."