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.
Photos: 'Star Wars' Fans Pay Tribute To Carrie Fisher With A Lightsaber Vigil
Hundreds of Star Wars fans gathered in Downtown Disney on Wednesday night to pay tribute to Carrie Fisher and light up the night with their lightsabers.
Fisher, best known as Leia from the iconic sci-fi franchise, died on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack on Friday.
"I think a lightsaber vigil was fitting, even if technically she never carried one [as Leia]," vigil organizer Jeff Rowan told CBS 2. "But I thought this was a very fitting way for us to say goodbye to her." The memorial took on an added poignancy when Fisher's mother, screen legend Debbie Reynolds, passed away just hours before the event.
Carrie Fishers Vigil Was Heartbreaking But Also Comforting. Rest Well Angel ♡#RIPCarrieFisher pic.twitter.com/isLHW1TeCw
— Maci ♡ (@Wtfmaci) December 29, 2016
When visiting @DisneylandDTD and a tribute to Carrie Fisher is happening - you buy a @starwars lightsaber and take part. Goodbye princess. pic.twitter.com/6Y5P5Qy0KK
— Chris Silva (@stobal) December 29, 2016
The event caught on across the country, with the Alamo Drafthouse chain of theaters hosting their own lightsaber vigils at several of their locations, including these two in Texas:
For the Princess@carrieffisher ....Thank you#LightsaberVigil@SA_Drafthouse pic.twitter.com/zyxgx4ITCe
— Fillionista 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@TheCaskett) December 29, 2016
#StarWars fans at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Austin holding a lightsaber vigil in memory of Carrie Fisher. Via https://t.co/TlZTvh4ZYC pic.twitter.com/031N1qC3Tr
— Killer Star Wars (@StarWarsTHX) December 29, 2016
May the Force always be with Carrie and Debbie.
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.

-
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?