in downtown and San Fernando? not sure. It's on CNN website. I can't get in touch with my headquarters. They have time off, and I don't!

I've heard the same thing (lights out in downtown LA and in the SF Valley)-- but power's still on in Santa Monica (now THAT'S a switch!), so looks like it's "isolated". If your company's phone systems are down (they're all running through electronic switching), their battery backup should keep the main number up for a few hours.

I tried instant messaging - but it was work-related, I promise

They're calling it an LA DWP snafu, which explains why Santa Monica was lit (we're Edison). Everything is supposed to be back up.

If your office won't respond, Faina, they're just ignoring incoming calls...!

Hasn't seem to have affected the South Bay. Maybe it's a LADWP problem and not SCE? They say it should be restored by 5pm.

Frankly, I'm more concerned with what looks like a fire at the Tosco Refinery in Wilmington. Lots of black & dark brown smoke coming from there, and helicopters circling. Just what we need, ANOTHER excuse for them to raise gas prices!