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 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.
Yes on Prop 8 Releases TV Ad
Last week No on Prop 8 launched the first TV ad in the November ballot fight and everyone knew the Yes on Prop 8 side would fight back. That day is today when they launched an ad using footage of gay rights San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom in the ad (and also includes Pepperdine University School of Law professor Richard Peterson).
Proposition 8, which would eliminate same sex marriage in California if passed, is one of the most heated battles within the state with large amounts of money raised on each side. Protect Marriage, the proponents of the prop (they want same sex marriage eliminated), are asking for donations while saying "wealthy gay activists and Hollywood liberals like Brad Pitt have spent $5 million on an 8 week media buy airing an issue advertisement designed to create public support for gay marriage."
No on Prop 8 campaign manager Dale Kelly Bankhead wrote in an e-mail today that truths presented in the proponents TV ad are "a blatant lie":
Their ad claims that the California Supreme Court "mandated" the right to marry for same-sex couples and, as a result, school children will be taught about same-sex marriage unless Prop 8 passes. Of course it's a blatant lie.
What the Court did was uphold the Constitution's promise of equality.
And the proponents know that their claim that the law requires that children be taught about same-sex marriage in school is also a lie, just like the other false claims in their misleading ad.
But honesty clearly is not a value that the proponents of Prop 8 believe in.
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.

-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings.
-
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past.
-
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
-
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead.
-
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades.
-
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend.