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 .
LA Marks One-Year Anniversary Of Kobe Bryant’s Death
Kobe Bryant mural along Melrose Avenue. (Chava Sanchez/LAist)
()
Today marks one year since the helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant, and seven others crashed in foggy conditions into a hillside near Calabasas. All were killed. The National Transportation Safety Board is set to release its report on the cause of the crash Feb. 9.
Northridge Congressman Brad Sherman and California Senator Dianne Feinstein have also re-introduced the "Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act," which would require terrain awareness equipment on all helicopters with six or more passengers.
The helicopter carrying Bryant did not have that gear, despite its being recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Kobe’s death rocked L.A., and gave way to myriad tributes to the late basketball star. Fans poured into the area around the Staples Center in the weeks following his death, setting up memorials, paying their respects and communing with other mourners.
Support for LAist comes from
Social media lit up today with murals, photos and memories of Bryant and Gianna. Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife, recently posted a note to Instagram about Mambacita (Gianna’s nickname).
"I will never understand why/how this tragedy could’ve happened to such beautiful, kind and amazing human beings. It still doesn’t seem real. Kob, we did it right. Gigi, you still make mommy proud."
In his farewell speech after his final game with the Lakers in 2016, Bryant had this to say:
"I grew up a die-hard, I mean a die-hard Laker fan. Die-hard. I mean, I knew everything about every player that's ever played here. So, to be drafted, and then traded to this organization, and to spend 20 years here, I mean, you can't write something better than this."
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
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. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist