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.
New Roller Derby Team Hits the Banked Track in L.A. Tonight

Gameday preview: Sheri Zampelli - Photo: Michael Zampelli/LAist
Tonight, the L.A. Derby Dolls expand their all-female roller derby league with the debut of a new team called the Varsity Brawlers, who will pair up against formidable veterans in the Fight Crew. (Pump up video)
Fight Crew, who have been hampered by injuries all season, are after redemption and will look to haze the freshmen and end their winless season on a sky-high note. Varsity Brawlers are new faces in the league but have solid, veteran leadership in Juana Beat'n and Long Island Lolita. The newly formed team has been preparing for this debut in the background for many months. What the Brawlers lack in competitive experience, they make up for with enthusiasm and determination.
Since moving to Historic Filipinotown in 2008, the Derby Dolls have sold out every regular season game. Derby Doll events also include live bands at pre-game and half-time. A Vendor Villiage features local merchants and artists selling unique creations, custom clothing and jewelry. The Doll Factory is located at 1910 N. Temple Ave. (map). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. General admission (standing) tickets are available at the door for $20, VIP (bleacher) tickets are $40.
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?