With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Yes, LA: Cannabis Shops Stay Open. They're Considered An Essential Business In These Times
In case you were among the many people with the non-existential question: Can I still buy legal weed?
The answer is yes. L.A County's official Twitter account set many minds at ease with this message:
To answer a popular question: cannabis dispensaries with a medicinal cannabis license are considered essential and may remain open. https://t.co/9f8LQDXWCP
— Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) March 20, 2020
Anxiety likely rose locally tonight with twin orders from state and county officials telling everyone in "non-essential" jobs to stay home. And hence:
Uh the line for MedMen WeHo right now pic.twitter.com/ChZoNf35An
— Andrea Chang (@byandreachang) March 20, 2020
Let's all stay safe out there friends. We'll be back tomorrow with more news and tips on how to stay sane through this unprecedented time.
SOME STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT COVID-19
We're all living through this extraordinary and frightening pandemic. The vast majority of our newsroom has been working from home (here's some advice on that) since March 11 to bring you calm, helpful reporting. We are answering your questions and taking more.
LAist is known for our events listings but now hopefully we'll be known for our non-event listings and tips for parents to try to keep you sane. And we're looking for your nominations for everyday heroes in this time of crisis. We're here to help. And if you can help support that effort financially, we'd be grateful.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
-
First Amendment lawyer says LAPD denial goes against principles of public records law.
-
Lucille J. Smith Elementary was one of 31 California schools to be nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School.
-
Unhoused people sleeping in county parks and along flood control channels can now be immediately fined or jailed.
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship.
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million.
-
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it.