2011 Japan Disaster

An Awards Show for Movie Trailers, and More: Your Weekly Movie To-Do List

See also: *More L.A. Weekly Film Coverage *5 Artsy Things to Do in L.A. This Week Friday, May 3 On Friday, Aisha Tyler (The Talk) and Rob Schneider will host the 14th annual Golden Trailer Awards at the Saban Theater; the pre-party  starts at 6:30 p.m. Don your cocktail-party attire for a night t ... More >>

Contamination: It's What's For Breakfast

Earthquake: Big One Involving Los Angeles And San Francisco Possible, Says Caltech

Something about "stable" zones of earth that sound so, well, stable. In fact, earthquake experts once believed that stable segments acted "as barriers to fast-slipping, shake-producing earthquake ruptures." Now? Not so much: Scientists at Caltech figure that such areas can be sleeping giants that ... More >>

Hurricane Sandy vs. Southern California Disasters: A Comparison

East Coast people sometimes like to say that with our earthquakes, wildfires and occasional uprisings, who would want to live in Southern California? With a disastrous hurricane Sandy looming near Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, we took a look at the claim, putting the East Coast ... More >>

8.6 Earthquake in Indian Ocean Triggered Aftershocks in L.A.'s Backyard

If you've noticed that the Ring of Fire around the Pacific Rim seems to rock like a frat party every time there's a giant earthquake, new science might just back up your observation. A new study by U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Fred Pollitz documents how the Pacific Rim went bonkers following ... More >>

Japan Tsunami Debris Headed Our Way, L.A. Sailing Expedition Reports

Yes, the debris from Japan's March, 2011 tsunami is coming to L.A. And a locally based ocean explorer says he knows exactly want's headed our way: An 8 feet by 5 feet fishing boat, an inflated truck tire, about 200 pounds of tangled fishing net, 6 large fishing buoys and several buckets and crates. ... More >>

Earthquake Warning System Is Running in Los Angeles, But Only A Few Are Hooked Up

What if we were to tell you that L.A. has an earthquake warning system that pretty much works, but that only a few folks will get the precious alerts? It's true. The U.S. Geological Survey's prototype "Shake Alert" system has been running since January. It can theoretically warn you as much as 90 ... More >>

Radioactive Acid Rain Detected in Los Angeles

Rain and mist that fell in Los Angeles last weekend was five times as radioactive as normal, environmental journalist and LA Weekly contributor Michael Collins reported on his website this week. Collins tests samples with his own equipment and says that, on Saturday, he measured the highest proport ... More >>

Santa Monica Spends Earthquake Plum on Ritzy Projects

Sake Fuels Japan's Recovery A Few Local Events

This weekend marks the one-year anniversary of the March 11 catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that so terribly damaged Japan. Food-safety issues and scares -- particularly around the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor -- remain in the news. Although Japan's traditional sake brewers were h ... More >>

Tsunami Debris at L.A. Beaches? Don't Expect to Surf Into a House

Surfers call getting covered by a wave and riding inside its tube "getting shacked." That could have a whole new meaning is some of the debris from last year's disastrous tsunami in Japan -- houses, cars, boats and all -- hits our shores. Near the eve of the one-year anniversary of the disaster, t ... More >>

California, Where Did We Go Wrong?

Top 10 Cult Stars of 2011

Shannon CottrellWhere's Andrew W.K. on this list?​I had the chance to interview quite a few people this year. Some were famous. Others weren't. However, most of this year's interviewees had a few things in common. They all created something, be it an event or a piece of art, that is memorable. ... More >>

The First 15 Minutes After the Big One

Who dies in Los Angeles, and why, when the earth quakes on the San Andreas Fault?

We Heart Performing for Japan Reunites Cowboy Bebop Cast and More

Dianne GarciaStephanie Sheh, who organizes We Heart Japan events, at Meltdown Comics in March​Days after a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, Los Angeles-based voice actor Stephanie Sheh, known for her roles on popular series like Bleach, FLCL, Naruto and The Melancholy of Haruhi Su ... More >>

Radiation From Japan Ended up in Southern California, UC San Diego Researchers Confirm

​Researchers at UC San Diego confirmed today that radiation from quake-and-tsunami-damaged Fukushima reactors reached Southern California. Though other tests have determined that minuscule amounts of nuclear material reached our shores, this one was trumpeted by USCD as "the first quantitativ ... More >>

Japan 6.7: Earthquake Strikes Country Again, Prompting a Tsunami Alert That Doesn't Cover California (So Far)

The last time.​As if Japan needs any more shaking or waves, a 6.7 earthquake hit the east coast of Honshu, Japan today, prompting a tsunami warning for that area, but not for us. According to Associated Press: The U.S. Pacific Tsunami warning center said that it did not expect a destructive ... More >>

California Girls on The Wane Because of Japan Radiation? Study Says Nuclear Release Could Mean Fewer Females Born in Golden State

Katy Perry, a limited resource.​Yes, we still wish they all could be California girls. But thanks to radiation from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, there could be less of them. And more boys. A fascinating study out of Germany correlates release of radioactive material and ... More >>

Lee's Sandwiches Donates $33K to Tsunami Relief

Flickr/mulaohuLee's sardine bánh mì​ After two months of amassing donations in five-gallon jars at its dozens of locations (including 21 in Southern California), bánh mì juggernaut Lee's Sandwiches collected over $18,134 to help victims of the Japanese tsunami and earthquake. The company k ... More >>

Japan's Sake Brewers Want You To Drink Up

True Sake/Sven WiederholtA selection of premium sake from Tohoku at True Sake​Need a reason to feel good about drinking? Japanese sake makers could use your help. Hit hard by the twin natural disasters of earthquake and tsunami, what's really impacting these often small, family-run enterprise ... More >>

Dressing for an Earthquake

Put on your red vest for the big one

Shibuya Girls Pop: Cute Rebellion

A Japanese art collective brings earthquake-fueled inspiration to its show at Meltdown

"I Survived Japan's Tsunami" T-Shirt: Too Soon?

​ What do you think, too soon? This "I Survived" Japan's tsunami t-shirt was designed by Bill Wyatt (formerly Billy Tsangares), owner of Los Angeles t-shirt shop Y-Que Trading Post. Remember the Free Winona tee? Yup. He did that one, too. Are the shirts poor taste? Or are they art? I say a ... More >>

Radioactive Surf Coming to Los Angeles From Japan? Maybe Not (Here's Why ...)

Radioactive waves?​So Japan is releasing 11,000 tons of radioactive water into the Pacific, the same ocean we happen to enjoy right here in Southern California. Should we be afraid? Should surfers cancel that planned weekend session? Will your bikini disintegrate in nuclear--tainted saltwater ... More >>

EVERYBODY THAI NOW!

Actor and Model Sebastiano Serafini and Writer La Carmina on the 9.0 Earthquake in Japan

See La Carmina and Seba's photos from Los Angeles. Sebastiano Serafini, otherwise known as Seba, is a multi-media personality in Japan. He has modeled for a variety of labels, including Paul Smith and h. Naoto. Last year, he played Luca on the Japanese TV series Nijonjin no Shiranai Nihongo. Recent ... More >>

Low Levels of Radiation Found in West Coast Milk: Far Below Levels of Concern, According to the EPA

Flickr/Ashley R. GoodNo need to fear milkshakes.​ According to reports from the New York Times and Associated Press, low levels of radioactive iodine from the compromised Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan have been found in milk in California and Washington state. Last week, tests of mi ... More >>

Z-Trip Is Special Guest DJ Tonight at Echoplex's 'Low End Loves Japan' Benefit

Big Tripper.​Z-Trip's publicist announced that the spinner is the special guest at Low End Theory's "Low End Loves Japan" benefit at the Echoplex tonight.

Marijuana Fundraiser Called 'Joints For Japan' Aims to Send Weed Proceeds To Quake, Tsunami Victims

Compassionate Pain Management.Maui, apparently.​In that last few weeks we've seen people run for Japan, sell clothes for Japan, and dance for Japan. But this is a first (and L.A. area dispensaries, why the hell were you beaten to this punch?): A Colorado pot shop that advertises "WOWIE, WE'V ... More >>

'Simpsons' Show Faces Foreign Backlash Over Nuclear-Themed Episodes in Wake of Japan's Radiation Crisis

FoxThis photo would be censored on some stations.​Our favorite nuclear family is suddenly losing viewers in some parts of North America and Europe. And it hasn't done anything different. No, the L.A.-born Simpsons is a victim of thinned skinned censors who fear some folks can't stand to consi ... More >>

After Japan, Americans' Taste For Nuclear Power Sours

San Onofre.​In the span of less than a month, after watching disaster unfold in Japan, Americans have started to turn their backs on nuclear power. The latest Rasmussen Reports national survey finds a near three-year low among Americans who want to build more nuclear power plants: 38 percent. ... More >>

Higher Nuclear Radiation From Japan Detected in California, Other Western Region States

Fukushima.​Don't bite down on that suicide pill just yet, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says radiation levels at West Coast monitors are up slightly. The readings follow last week's arrival of radiation from Japan's ailing Fukushima nuclear reactors, which are in dire straights ... More >>

No Nukes Vigil to Honor of Japan, Mark Three Mile Island Anniversary, Tonight in Westwood

FoxNo longer?​It feels almost like the '70s are back. Following Japan's nuclear crisis, demonstrators will hold a vigil outside the Westwood Federal Building to urge "a Non-Nuclear Future" for the United States and Japan. The action marking the thirty-second anniversary of the Three Mile Isl ... More >>

[Updated] 10 Food Fundraisers for Japan Disaster Relief: Cube, Koi, Umami, Manuel's El Tepeyac, La Seine, Xino More

Courtesy of Koi.The Rising Sun Roll (left) and Koi Fusion Shot (right).​Want to help the Japan earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in your own gluttonous way? If you don't have the skills to make a treat for LA Bakesale for Japan, the mega, citywide fundraiser set for April 2, here are 10 ot ... More >>

Nearly Half of U.S. EPA's West Coast Radiation Monitors Might be Out Sick (Good Timing)

FoxBeware the EPA.​We've been telling your for almost two weeks now that radiation from Japan was headed our way, but not to worry. We are your friend. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported this week that trace amounts of the Fukushima nuclear power plant radiation was detected ... More >>

Sony HD Tape Shortage Caused by Japan's Tsunami Panics California and NY Filmmakers

By Michael Stabile Indy filmmakers are scrambling for vanishing $1,000 HD tapes​When directors of the independent feature Gone wanted to send a copy of their documentary about a missing ex-pat to the Tribeca Film Festival a few days ago, they discovered that the high-end tape stock they neede ... More >>

Japanese Radiation Reaches Southern California: Feds Say Don't Trip

A gift from Fukushima (which was an American design).​It's here. Radiation from Japan's ailing Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station was detected in Southern California by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitors this week. The trace amounts found in Riverside and Anaheim were said by ... More >>

Could California's Big One Be Around the Corner, Triggered by Japan's 9.0 Earthquake?

tomvandewegheJapan's big one.​One man caused a lot of fright in California in recent days, and we're not talking about Gov. Jerry Brown. No, he's journalist Simon Winchester, who wrote in Newsweek that the Japanese 9.0 earthquake March 11 paired with other Pacific Rim shakers could help trigg ... More >>

San Onofre Nuclear Plant Mounts Info Blackout When We Want to Know Most

San Onofre.​So people are scared again about the safety of nuclear power. President Obama has ordered a review of plant safety across the nation. California's two U.S. Senators want the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to conduct inspections of the two generating stations in the state. And Califo ... More >>

Could California's Medical Marijuana Crop Be Tainted by Japanese Radiation?

This indoor weed has a healthy glow.​This passes for a serious concern in California. Our precious multi-billion-dollar marijuana crop could possibly maybe be threatened by radiation from Japan. And who wants their green glowing, well, green? It's a question posed with a sober voice in the ... More >>

Tsunami Awareness Happens a Day Late in Los Angeles County (Really)

Andrew Davis at Mav's. This is not a tsunami.​County leaders want you be aware -- and to prepare -- for a tsunami in L.A. They're getting behind "Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness Week." Which started ...

Nuclear Power in the Wake of Japan: 2,452 Spent Fuel Assemblies Stored at San Onofre

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.​Southern California's San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station has plenty of spent fuel on-hand, Fukushima-style. There are 2,452 spent fuel assemblies from three reactors (one is being used only as storage) there, we're told, versus 4,685 at the ailing, ra ... More >>

Radiation From Japan a No-Show in Los Angeles, But Does Arrive in Northern California

FoxHomer would be bummed.​Updated after the jump: Radiation detected in Sacramento. Should you worry about the weekend's rain? Lot of build up. No payoff. (Sorry to disappoint). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency radiation monitoring system in L.A. has found nothing above daily "back ... More >>

UCLA Pulls Students Out of Japan Following Radiation Fears; USC Students Can Stay if They Want

NoeluapUCLA students will come home.​We're hearing Tokyo, one of the world's greatest, most-bustling metropolises, is a ghost town following Japan's 9.0 rocker and subsequent nuclear crisis. And now a few more folks are headed back home to L.A. as UCLA has suspended its study abroad program i ... More >>

Japan Radiation Scam in L.A.: Email From 'Fire Department' Warns of Acid Rain, Hair Loss

hot-new-hairstyles.comNot funny, guys.​As if the mass paranoia in Southern California over that fabled radiation cloud from Japan wasn't ridiculous enough, it appears some Los Angeles email scammers are doing their part to feed the fear. Inspector Matt Levesque from the L.A. County Fire Depar ... More >>

Japan Earthquake: Could Nuclear Power Plant Radiation Reach L.A?

Fukushima, on-edge.​Update: Minor amounts of radiation are projected to reach SoCal by Friday, after the jump. Could radiation from Japan's quake-stricken nuclear power plants reach Los Angeles? It's a long shot. But a look at Pacific jet stream animation shows that what happens in Japan doe ... More >>

Top 5 Ways to Give Japanese Nuclear Radiation a Proper Welcome to Southern California

FoxWelcome.​So by now you've probably heard. Some of that radiation released by Japan's ailing Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is likely headed to Los Angeles. Don't be afraid. Don't ask if you should drop a potassium iodide pill. You shouldn't. Don't ask if you should stay indoors. G ... More >>

Radioactive Clouds Antidote? A Big Fat Chill Pill For L.A., Public Health Officials Say

AirplaneCalmate, eses.​Updated after the jump: L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa weighs in with much of the same. The worst thing about radioactive clouds headed our way from Japan tomorrow? Panic, says L.A. County Public Heath chief Jonathan Fielding. "The biggest health impact is the psych ... More >>

Give, Laugh, Repeat

Hollywood Tsunami Blockbuster 'Hereafter' Pulled From Japanese Theaters; Some DVD Profits to Fund Red Cross Relief

Way, way too soon.​And the Oscar for awkwardest international release date ever goes to Clint Eastwood's "Hereafter," the glamorous, fear-profitting tsunami flick that dropped in Japan on February 19, 2011. Three weeks later, as we're now brutally aware, news cameras captured a real-live vers ... More >>