Staff report

“One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This” by Omar El Akkad is among the top-selling nonfiction releases at Southern California’s independent bookstores. (Courtesy of Knopf)

This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores

January 6, 2026 at 6:18 p.m.

See the top-selling hardcover and paperback fiction and nonfiction releases for the sales week that ended Jan. 4.

Left top to bottom: Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena; L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath; Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Sherman Oaks.
Right, top to bottom: L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, L.A Mayor Karen Bass. (File photos)

Q&A: Elected leaders reflect on challenges, lessons, triumphs, 1 year since Palisades, Eaton fires

January 3, 2026 at 8:45 a.m.

A survey of some local elected leaders yields a mix of lesson learned and challenges to be overcome heading into 2026, one year after the Palisades and Eaton fires.

Outriders ride along the track during horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, March 6, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

January 3, 2026 at 9:32 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin Modesti and Mark Ratzky. Here are the picks for thoroughbred races on Saturday,...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, Jan. 2, 2026

January 1, 2026 at 5:41 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin Modesti and Mark Ratzky. Here are the picks for thoroughbred races on Friday,...

A banner calling for an investigation into the Eaton Fire by riders on the California Community Foundation and Black Freedom Fund float “Rising Together” during the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. On Fan. 2, the maker of the sign who held it up said she accomplished getting the message out. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)

Rose Parade 2026: Float riders briefly hold sign seeking fire probe

January 2, 2026 at 9:28 a.m.

Float riders held a sign demanding the state investigate local county officials.

A father holds his daughter as they view “Rising Together,” a dedicated Rose Parade float honoring survivors of the 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires at the AES Float Barn at the Rosemont Pavillion in Pasadena on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Floatfest gives fans an up-close look at Rose Parade entries

January 1, 2026 at 10:57 a.m.

"Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase presented by Go Bowling" will feature a full two miles of floats for fans to get an in-person look at the posy-packed entries.

Cal Poly Universities float “Jungle Jumpstart” travels down Colorado Blvd during the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena California on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2025. (Photo by Connor Terry / Contributing Photographer)

Rose Parade 2026 awards announced: Top honor goes to Cal Poly Universities

January 2, 2026 at 7:43 a.m.

This is the seventh time a self-built float has been honored with the Sweepstakes Trophy and the first time for Cal Poly Universities.

Santa Anita consensus picks for Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

December 31, 2025 at 9:04 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin Modesti and Mark Ratzky. Here are the picks for thoroughbred races on Wednesday,...

“What We Can Know” by Ian McEwan is among the top-selling fiction releases at Southern California’s independent bookstores. (Courtesy of Knopf)

This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores

December 30, 2025 at 6:16 p.m.

See the top-selling hardcover and paperback fiction and nonfiction releases for the sales week that ended Dec. 28.

The Greendale High School Marching Band from Greendale, Wisconsin performs during Bandfest, featuring the marching bands that have been chosen for the Rose Parade, at Pasadena City College on Tuesday December 30, 2025. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)

Bandfest Day 2 brings more pre-Rose Parade musical thunder

December 31, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

The 45th-annual Bandfest, a two-day lollapalooza of those 19 topnotch marching bands that will trek the legendary parade route on New Year’s Day, continued the extraordinary showcase with more rhythmic...

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