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.
Son and Ex-Wife of Surf Rocker Dick Dale Busted For Blowing Up a Propane Tank

Legendary surf guitarist Dick Dale has been battling cancer and other ailments, and the 75-year-old doesn't have the cash to bail out his ex-wife and son, who found themselves in the pokey after they were caught blowing up a propane tank.
The incident took place at Dale's home in Twentynine Palms in an area known as Wonder Valley. Local radio station KCDZ-FM elaborates:
Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion and fire about ½ mile north of Bullion Mountain and Valle Vista Roads in Wonder Valley about 3:30 a.m. Investigators determined that Jill and James Monsour, the ex-wife and son of Dick Dale, (whose legal name is Monsour), placed a 5-gallon fuel tank--filled with propane--on top of a burning wood pile, and then used a gun to shoot at it, causing it to blow up.
Jill Monsour, 45, and James Monsour, 20, were arrested, and according to the Associated Press, remain jailed on $500,000 bail each.
Dale told the AP his son typically only comes to him when he needs money. The young man had been slated to perform with his dad in concerts scheduled in November and December, however Dale isn't sure his son will be able to join him.
"He wanted to do this tour but if they're in jail what can be done?" Dale asked.
In this video, James "Jimmy Dale" Monsour is performing live with his dad, Dick Dale.
This shows Dale and his son back on 2008, both on guitar:
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.

-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline.
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.