LA Observed is a website devoted to independent reporting, informed commentary and selective linkage on Los Angeles news, media, politics, business, books and other topics. The site went live in May ...

Jim A. Beardsley is an independent archivist and historical research specialist in Los Angeles who began researching Newport '69 while pursuing his master's degree in history at Cal State Northridge.

With Ayn Rand in the media conversation around Paul Ryan and the Republican convention, here's a look at the home that Rand used to occupy in Northridge. And what a house it was — if it still existed, ...

When Daryl Gates ran the LAPD from 1978 to 1992 he also ran a worldwide political spying operation. And he lavished time on it, sometimes several hours each day, including all the dossiers and reports ...

Los Angeles car culture never saw anyone like Big Willie Robinson — or needed anyone quite so much. In the mid 1960s, when baby boomers were racing hot rods and fighting each other and the cops all ...

Wednesday was the last day of work for many of the close to 80 newsroom staffers who are leaving the Los Angeles Times, with farewell gatherings and toasts in several departments. "Hysterical," is how ...

News editor Alan Mittelstaedt is out and controversial columnist Jill Stewart is coming in to edit local news coverage. Mittelstaedt pushed the recent story on Miguel Contreras's death and has ...

L. Ron Hubbard in 1950; crowd at Dianetics seminar in L.A. the same year. Sappell and Welkos hunted down the facts regarding Hubbard's trumped-up military record: his false claims of having received a ...

Now this is Hollywood, and a place where some people will do anything to promote anything. So it could be just that: a promo for something yet to be revealed. But it seems that on Page A7 of Monday's ...

The Los Angeles Times staffers I've heard from seem pretty convinced there will be a new round of newsroom bloodletting next week, with many fearing the firing starts Monday. A hint of what may result ...

Pepy's Galley diner and Phil Yoakums Bowling supply that have enjoyed 40 plus years of time at the Mar Vista Bowling Alley have been given 30 days notice to vacate. There are thousands of supporters ...

A little bit different view of the LA Times building. If you had any doubts that the Los Angeles Times newsrooms (all of them) are consumed with one topic right now — whether to take the buyout or ...