Julius Shulman 1910-2009

Photographic icon Julius Shulman has died.

Shulman was one of my favorite photographers, still owe him a shot of whiskey.

That's the price he charged me to snap his photo.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Long Strange Day in LA

Elephants, ponies, and MJ. Only in L.A.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

MJ Memorial @ Forest Lawn

Scenes from Forest Lawn Mortuary this morning, as the friends and family of Michael Jackson arrive via a massive motorcade. After the brief morning ceremony, Michael's casket was placed inside a hearse and driven to the Staples Center in downtown LA for a public memorial.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

MJ Memorial Preparation

Preparations for the Michael Jackson memorial at the Staples Center in downtown L.A.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss California USA, and Miss California Teen USA Visit L.A.

Miss Universe-Dayana Mendoza, Miss USA-Kristen Dalton, Miss California USA-Tami Farrell, and Miss California Teen USA-Chelsea Gilligan visit Los Angeles on a photo tour.

The group of beauty queens stopped by the headquarters of Sledge USA, a contemporary women's clothing line, to gobble cupcakes and visit Sledge exec's

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Mayoral Inauguration @ L.A. City Hall

Antonio Villaraigosa was sworn in as mayor, along with members of the L.A. City Council on the south steps of L.A. City Hall. Derek Fisher of the L.A. Lakers was the emcee of today's event, Kobe and Villaraigosa have had a recent falling out.

The mayor gave his second inaugural speech outlining his 5 goal plan for L.A.

Protesters from the Bus Riders Union lined the perimeter of the event and were quiet for most of the speech.

Gil Garcetti was spotted with his camera taking photos of his son speaking at the dias.

David Freeman was in attendance wearing his signature cowboy hat. The Agape International Choir Ensemble performed a couple of songs, including a Michael Jackson song.

Some empty chairs were spotted at the event, but they were from the early leavers (trying to beat the traffic?)

Photographs by Ted Soqui c 2009

Media Outside Fawcett Funeral Service in L.A.

Media outside of the Farrah Fawcett funeral services at the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of Angels in downtown L.A.

Footage by Ted Soqui c 2009

Goodbye Farrah

Family and friends of Farrah Fawcett attend her funeral service at Our Lady Queen of Angels Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles.

Farrah died earlier last week after a long bout with cancer.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Media Camp @ Jackson Family Compound

Media camp outside the Jackson Family compound in Encino.

Footage by Ted Soqui c 2009

Media Coverage of MJ at the L.A. Co. Morgue

Behind the scenes coverage of the media throng outside of the L.A. County Morgue.

Footage by Ted Soqui c 2009

Michael Jackson Fans Mourn In LA

Scenes from Hollywood and East Los Angeles.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Long Line For MJ Star Viewing On Hollywood Blvd.

MJ Street Celebration on Hollywood Blvd. 6-25-09

An impromptu street celebration honoring Michael Jackson on Hollywood Blvd.

Video by Ted Soqui c 2009

Michael Jackson, Gone

Michael Jackson dead at 50.

Mayor Says "No," Brown Says "Yes," and Whaley Says "Later."

Monday's round-up.

L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa went on International TV to announce that he would not run for Governor of California, as if he really had a chance.

So-called singer Chris Brown plead guilty to clobbering his then girlfriend Rihanna to an inch of her life. He received 5 years probation, and will have to possibly clean-up litter or graffiti in his home state of Virginia, both are huge problems in that state, NOT!

"Whaley" the wayward gray whale who made Marina Del Rey it's home over the last three weeks, has taken off and was spotted swimming north to Alaska.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Will He, Or Won't He?

LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will announce today at 1pm Pacific time on CNN's "The Situation Room," if he will run for Governor of California.

Citizens of Los Angeles have mixed reactions on Villaraigosa's quest for the Governorship, he would have to leave office as Mayor two years early if elected to Governor.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2009

Anti-Gay Protest Outside Fairfax H.S.

A very small gathering of anti-gay protesters from a Kansas based church, Westboro Baptist Church, picketed outside Fairfax High School. The church members are upset over Fairfax's student body choice for prom queen, 18 year old Sergio Garcia a gay male.

The church is infamous for protesting at the funerals of US soldiers, stating God has killed them because he is angry with America's tolerance of gay and lesbian people.

The counter protest and police presence greatly outnumbered the church members.

Photo and video by Ted Soqui c 2009

Madame Tussauds Hollywood Press Preview

Photos from today's press preview at Hollywood's newest attraction, Madame Tussauds. The new three story $55 million dollar building will feature fabulous celebrity wax figures made in London, England. There will be twelve themed exhibits, including interactive and touchable figures. Visitors will be welcome to touch, play and  photograph the over 80 life like wax figures.

Madame Tussauds located on Hollywood Blvd. next to the Chinese Theater, should open on August 1st of this year.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Gray Whale In Marina Del Rey

A Gray whale has made Marina Del Rey it's temporary home. The small 20 foot Gray is a straggler on it's migratory path from Mexico to Alaska. The whale will probably pick up another whale pod on their way to Alaska.

For now, the small whale is entertaining local Angelenos from the shore and small boats, and has become a local celebrity.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

LAPD Det. Lazarus Arraignment

Images from today's arraignment of LAPD Det. Stephanie Lazarus. Also, one image from last Friday's press conference at LAPD headquarters.

LAPD Det. Lazurus is accused of capitol murder against Sherri Rassmussen over 23 years ago. Sherri Rassmussen was violently beaten and shot to death by Det. Lazarus in a crime of passion. 

Det. Lazarus was in a relationship with Sherri's husband, John Ruetten, months prior to Sherri and John's wedding. 

The Rasmussen family initially called for an investigation into Det. Lazarus, due to several threats against Sherri from Det. Lazarus. On two separate occasions, Det. Lazurus broke into Sherri and John's condo, the second time Det. Lazarus appeared dressed in her LAPD uniform.

Sherri's family members have hired an attorney and are calling for an investigation into a possible cover up from the LAPD. 

Prosecutors may seek the death penalty against the 26 year LAPD veteran, Det. Lazarus. She remains in jail at the Twin Towers facility in downtown L.A. without bail until her next court appearance on July 6, 2009.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Pool images of Det. Lazurus by Mark Boster/LA Times