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Tommy Tang Spices Up Songkran Festival
Songkran is the celebration of the Thai New Year. It falls on or around the hottest day of the year in Thailand, and, perhaps as a show of sisterhood, this Sunday's Songkran Festival held in LA's Thai Town neighborhood, took place on what certainly felt like the hottest day of the year...thus far.
LAist was looking forward to the 5th annual gathering on Hollywood Boulevard between Vermont and Western, and while some of us strolled the streets and searched out curries and curiosities, some of us took up the offer of the nice folks at Singha beer to hang out (in the shade!) in the beer garden, cool off with some tasty Thai brew, watch renowned contemporary Thai chef Tommy Tang demo a dish, and sample some Thai eats. Because, you know, we didn't get our fill when we Thai-ed On One. สวัสดีปีใหม (sa-wat-di pi mai/happy New Year), everyone!
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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.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
