Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Man Dressed as Woman Hid in Mall Restroom to Videotape Ladies

Authorities have arrested a man they say dressed up as a woman and hid in a department store bathroom to videotape ladies using the facilities.The incident in question took place Saturday May 11 at the Antelope Valley Mall, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Customers reached out to security officers working for Macy's to complain that there was a man "acting suspiciously" in the ladies room. In turn, the security officers contacted the Palmdale Sheriff's Station to report the complaints.
A deputy patrolling the parking lot of the mall spotted an individual matching the suspect's description, including that the man was wearing a wig and dress. The suspect, later identified as 33-year-old Jason Pomare, tried to hide in a storage area when he was approached by the deputy.
Investigators learned Pomare had allegedly donned the getup from bra to dress to the wig, and had been hiding in the restroom with a video camera stashed in a paper bag, and had been using the camera to record the women using the restroom.
Pomare was arrested and booked for Use of a Concealed Camera and Peeping into a Restroom.
Formal charges were filed against Pomare on Tuesday. Pomare is facing six counts of Unlawful Use of a Concealed Camera for Purposes of Sexual Gratification, according to the LASD.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out.
-
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings.
-
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
-
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority.
-
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding.
-
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.