With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
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.
What Are Villaraigosa's 'Official duties' at Tonight's Lakers-Celtics Game?
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa held a press conference yesterday in which he pressed the public to stay away from the Staples Center tomorrow if they didn't have a ticket to the Lakers-Celtics NBA championship game 7. But Villaraigosa will be there, though the source of his ticket, and what it his being there means in regards to his official capacity remains unclear, notes LA Observed.
Villaraigosa was confident in his assertion that he will be in attendance tonight, but in light of the recent "Ticketgate" controversy surrounding his acceptance of freebies to attend over 80 events since he took office in 2005, he was noticeably cagey about the issue. In order for the Mayor to accept gifts, like tickets, his presence at the event must involve City-related duties, often accommodated by having him present a key participant with a certificate.
In a video interview conducted by LA Observed, reporter Kevin Roderick asks Villaraigosa to explain what his "official duties" will be at tonight's basketball game.
"We'll talk about them soon," said the Mayor, grinning broadly before walking away.
Support for LAist comes from
Game 7 gets underway at 6 tonight. Hopefully by then Mayor V will be ready to let us in on his plans.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to declare immigration enforcement actions a local emergency. -
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain.
Best of LAist