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 is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
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.
3rd Annual Marijuana Policy Project Fundraiser
()
Photo courtesy of Zach Behrens/LAist
What can we say? The Playboy mansion loves LAist. After a highly amusing bout at Spike TV's Guy's Choice Awards afterparty, we were invited back to check out the 3rd annual Marijuana Policy Project fundraiser. With Perry Farrel of Jane's Addiction at the turntables and celebrities swarming the grounds, hundreds flocked to the Mansion with the sole intention to raise awareness about the importance of marijuana legalization. Well that, and obviously to flirt with this year's playmates.
Upon walking the grounds of the property, the MPP event would appear similar to any other fundraiser you may have been to, save for the actual items up for auction. Set up along the perimeter of the yard were tables full of art and memorabilia, including autographed guitars, skate decks signed by Tony Hawk, and even a couple Picassos, Chagalls, and Matisses. A young couple adorned in dreadlocks and tie dye uttered the choice words of the evening as they passed a series of old Hollywood paintings; "Marilyn Monroe was such a slut!"
Support for LAist comes from
As the evening progressed, a diverse group of hippies, scenesters, celebrities, and those who clearly paid the $1,000 ticket price all gathered on the dance floor as Perry Farrel DJ'd the rest of the evening. LA tattoo queen Kat Von D was seen chatting with the host of the evening Adrienne Curry, and comedienne Margaret Cho stepped aside as the boys of Ok Go stopped for a picture on the red carpet. One particular party-goer dressed in leather pants and a vintage British naval jacket preached the word of drugs, proudly announcing that the first legal dose of LSD was recently given to study methods of depression treatment.
Although it seemed as if going to the Playboy mansion for a "marijuana party" was a novelty to most, the MPP was all about business. Two projectors surrounding the stage ran a presentation of what the organization has done to promote the use of medicinal marijuana, and it became pretty obvious that the state of California has the MPP to thank for many advances made in legislation. Some of the more interesting talking points included the fact that the MPP lobbied some 20 counties to start offering the coveted marijuana card while simultaneously fighting for the notion that cannabis-related offenses should be among the lowest of punishable crimes. The greatest reaction from the crowd occurred when MPP director Rob Kampia announced that, as the result of the MPP's efforts, presidential hopeful Barack Obama confirmed that he "would not have the Justice Department prosecuting and raiding medical marijuana users", claiming that "it's not a good use of our resources." It's no surprise that there were few right wingers at the Mansion that night.
Ushering the half drunk, completely stoned crowd out of the house at around 1 am, guests grabbed their swag bags full of weed grinders and aromatic oils and headed home to what we can only hope to be a couple bags of Cheetos and a Family Guy DVD.
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
Best of LAist