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 is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
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.
Free Wireless at Starbucks!
()
Free at last!
Starbucks has taken up the guise of responsible community membership by making its T-Mobile wireless access free in some Southern California stores through October 31. The reason for the change? No, they didn't realize that the 11th Commandment is "Thou shalt have free wireless" – they want to help out those who've suffered as a result of the recent rash of wildfires. T-Mobile HotSpots are ordinarily a princely fee of $6 a day or $30 a month.
As far as we can tell, there's no list of stores at which free wireless is offered; it could be all stores or it could be limited, so call ahead. We can vouch for Broxton & Weyburn in Westwood. Remember, Starbucks' free wireless is not for downloading movies off Bit Torrent but for reconnecting with friends and family.
Support for LAist comes from
The text of Starbucks' message on the subject follows the jump.
Dear Valued Starbucks Customers and Community Members: In response to the Southern California wildfires, T-Mobile USA is offering complimentary Wi-Fi Internet service through Oct. 31 at nearly 1,000 Starbucks stores that are T-Mobile HotSpot locations throughout Southern California.
People can access complimentary T-Mobile HotSpot service during this limited time in select Starbucks stores where T-Mobile has agreements to offer HotSpot service in San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as Imperial, Kern, Riverside, San Bernadino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties.
This complimentary service for fire-affected areas in Southern California is for Wi-Fi service only, not T-Mobile voice or other services.
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday 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.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist