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Extra, Extra: The All Fire Edition!!!
- Welcome to the all fire, all the time edition of Extra Extra! The weather is not expected to abate until tomorrow, and fire fighters are still days away from containing major blazes.
- The New York Times is liveblogging the fires; they are reporting that over 500,000 people have been forced to evacuate so far (although other reports are estimating up to one million people have had to flee their homes).
- The Daily News is constantly updating their Google Map mashup tracking each blaze, as well as keeping tabs on evacuation announcements and info hotlines. More satellite photos and maps here.
- Ventura County citizens are also preparing for more fires: the "Ranch" and "Magic" fires are encroaching upon county lines, which could spell bad news for freeway transit if both the Newhall and Santa Susanna passes are closed.
- So what was up with that castle in Malibu that burned down?Luxist took a look at the behemoth structure earlier this year -- the house was listed at $17 million.
- First Jezebel goes on a rant about not caring if those houses on "The Hills" burned down, then they recanted once they realized "oh, hey, that was a heartless, bitchy, thing to say!" Actually, ladies, we kind of agree that Spencer needs to BURN.
- Non-fire news, anybody? Anybody? Bueller? Well, if we're all still alive and breathing in a week, we can party it up in spooky style thanks to la.com's Halloween coverage (and don't forget about LAist's own exhaustive October celebrations).
- Oh, actors, always looking for a way to turn the drama on themselves!! As if the continuing brou-ha-ha over writers' contracts wasn't enough, now AFTRA and SAG are getting involved in a dispute about how to count each organization's votes in contract negotiations.
- Los Angeles Fashion Week happened last week. Cue crickets.
- To be quite honest, I think everybody just needs to sit down, chill out, and enjoy the fruits of California's largest and most valuable agricultural crop. No, not grapes, no, not corn. No, not even strawberries! Marijuana.
Photo by kpe II via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
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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.
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