On the Radar: Labor Day in numbers, Echo Park Lake disappearing and Miss California 2012

Some 31.5 million Americans are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home over Labor Day weekend, a 2.4 percent decline from 2010, according to AAA.

Due to steep gasoline prices, inflated hotel room rates and high unemployment more people are opting for a ‘staycation.’ Expect to see a lot folks at local beaches, parks and their own backyard.

In San Diego, 200,000 visitors are expected to descend on beaches despite recent shark sightings.

Officials vow more lifeguards will be on duty to watch for sharks and patrol the extra crowds.

Bye, bye Echo Park Lake
If you drive my Echo Park Lake in the next month, and notice that the water level is shrinking, don’t worry, it’s intentional.

According to the Eastsider LA, the water is being drained as part of a $65 million water quality improvement project. The water began to be drained last week and officials say it should take about a month to drain the lake’s 26 million gallons of water.

Hoover High grad vies for Miss California crown

Violet Amirkhanyan, a 2005 graudate of Herbert Hoover High School in Glendale, has begun her journey to the Miss California USA 2012 pageant. You can learn more about sponsorship information on her blog.