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.
From Super-sized to Shut-Out: Fast Food in South LA
Councilwoman Jan Perry made do witha one-year moratorium on the addition of new fast food restaurants in South Los Angeles that went into effect last year, but now she's gearing up to fight the battle of the bulge in a more permanent way by asking for a complete ban on new fast food joints in the area.
According to the Los Angeles Business Journal, "The ban is intended to stop the proliferation of eateries that serve unhealthful food and save the remaining vacant land in the area for other development. It would be the largest such ban in the nation, according to experts familiar with such issues."
Ideally, this large-scale ban would apply to a 32-square mile swath of land that covers the segment of Perry's district that falls "south of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway and all of neighboring City Councilman Bernard Parks' district. It also includes a tiny section of City Councilman Ed Reyes' district" which, combined, holds 700,000 Angelenos, who are currently lucky enough to enjoy eating at an estimated 40% of the city's fast food establishments already located in the area. While fans of the region's multiple McDonald's, Taco Bell, and KFC locations (among so many more delicious and nutritious spots) can still enjoy what's already there, Perry hopes to improve the health of residents by not allowing even more unhealthy places to open up shop. It is uncertain what the feedback--or fight--will be like from fast food corps who swear they have the public's best interest at heart.
Photo by nickstone333 via Flickr
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 historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million.
-
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it.
-
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course.
-
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits.
-
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.