Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
Cheap Dates: $5 Ramen Noodles and a Sweets Social in Downtown L.A.

Two of our favorite carb forces come together as one, offering you two great date nights. Yes, this sure will make up for your lack of creativity on Valentine's Day. Take your loved one to both, and you'll come out only spending $30. Take that, Chili's.
Here's what's happening:
$5 ramen bowls at Daikokuya: The iconic ramen house in Little Tokyo is preparing to celebrate their 11 year anniversary by offering their namesake Daikoku Ramen -- made with simmered pork bone stock, kurobuta pork slices, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, green onions and a soft boiled egg -- for $5. (Normally it's sold for $8.95.) The offer goes from Wednesday, Feb. 20 through Friday, Feb. 22, from open to close. For more info, check out their site.
Pie of the Month Club: Sarah Williams of Fruit & Flour pies will be hosting her monthly pie pop-up at Handsome Roasters this evening from 6 - 9 p.m. Admission to this sweet little social club goes for $10, and includes a slice of her dutch apple pie and a cup of Handsome Roasters brews. You can find out more info here.
If things are going well, of course, you could take your date for a night cap at any one of these romantic bars around town, and consider yourself forgiven.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline.
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.