One of my favorite spots in the LA Times building on Spring Street is this balcony right off the series of meeting rooms that flank the Harry Chandler Auditorium. I'd have lunch up there a few times a week, lean against the massive railings and gawk at the skyline.

Here's the same view after dark, City Hall on Saturday night during the reception following the LA Times Book Awards. Most recently held on the grand portico of Royce Hall at UCLA, the shindig has been cut back and moved to the 5th floor at the Times.

I know you're supposed to get jaded and blase when you see the same magnificent thing too many times but I appear to be missing that gene. I'm a fangirl, always, and all the way. It's not a great photo but oh, what a glorious view.