New Blog Reads

A few new local blogs to keep an eye on...

:: Witness LA focuses on "social justice news." The blog's mission statement: "We discuss issues of crime and punishment, race, education, immigration, public health, the environment, civil liberties, economic justice….and more. You’ll find topical commentary plus street reports, leaked and breaking news, and the occasional dollop of gossip."

Among recent discussions on the site: City Controller Laura Chick's request for big cash to “develop a comprehensive approach to stemming the city’s gang problem"; Sunshine week -- when we celebrate the freedom of information; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as an institution in real need of help; and more.



:: My friend and former Variety co-worker Melissa Grego -- now at TV Week -- has launched Mel's Diner. where she tests various L.A. restaurants for lunch while grilling TV execs.

Recently, for example, she interviewed NATPE leader Rick Feldman (above); on another lunch she broke bread with Hilary Estey McLoughlin, president of Telepictures Prods.

While dining at Katsu-ya with McLoughlin, Grego picked up some interesting tidbits: Apparently TMZ.com -- about to be spun off into a daily syndie TV show -- is looking for a new, more prominent home:

She has her eye on space along Sunset Boulevard that might accommodate both the celeb news Web site and the syndicated television show based on it that's due to launch this fall.

The TV show will not be shot in a studio but rather smack dab in the middle of the newsroom, Hilary told me.

TMZ creator Harvey Levin will have an on-air presence along with a number of personalities, all of whom will have strong POVs, serving as hosts.

"It's not going to be a traditional, 'Extra' or 'Access Hollywood' two-host format," she said.

The idea is to capture the sense of urgency and immediacy associated with TMZ.com, famous for breaking the Mel Gibson's DUI tirade.

"It's fast and furious and unfiltered," she said. "TMZ is not sugar-coated. That's why people like it."

Know of any other new websites we should be aware of? Drop us an email...