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 during our fall member drive.
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.
Zac Efron Did Two Stints In Rehab For Cocaine Addiction

Zac Efron has maintained a squeaky-Disney-clean reputation for most of his career, but reports coming out this week suggest that the actor has a dark side; according to TMZ, he's done two stints in rehab this year.
The gossip site reports that Efron sought help for cocaine and molly addiction for the first time in March. When he came out and began filming "Neighbors" with Seth Rogen in April, he allegedly relapsed and had to check back in.
The site suggests that a stalled career, girl troubles, family troubles and a hard-partying group of friends are to blame for Efron's downward spiral.
According to the LA Times, Efron has been making a huge attempt to turn his good-boy image around and be taken more seriously as an actor, but to little avail. The paper notes that after "High School Musical," which launched him to fame, he followed up a couple of fluffy movie roles with more serious fare, including the drama "At Any Price" and indie film "Parkland."
But "At Any Price" only did $500,000 in ticket sales, and Efron seems to do better at the box office in fluffy comedies or less challenging roles.
Meanwhile, People reports that as his career stalled, Efron began hanging out with people who partied hard and encouraged him to use drugs.
"He surrounds himself with a group that enjoys partying," a source told the magazine. "He got caught up in the partying lifestyle the past few years."
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 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.