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.
Good Grove/Bad Grove: Backstage Edition
It doesn't seem like The Grove can quite figure out what it wants to be. Over the past few months LAist has witnessed a Dodgers celebration, a puppet show, what appeared to be a wedding ("Oh honey, I've always wanted to get married at The Grove...within walking distance of Nordstrom's, The Gap, and Victoria's Secret. Should we book it?"), and several sparsely attended little concerts, all on their tiny little green lawn.
This part Bellagio, part Central Park junior junior, part melting pot continues to baffle us. While this little sliver of green lawn in the heart of the Hollywood/Fairfax district might be much sought after, it leaves much to be desired. The traffic in that middle area always slows from a mosey to a dead standstill, while people gape and gawk at the fountain (Bellagio junior junior), play in the water, or just stop for no reason.
And can you imagine being the booking agent for that lawn? "Guys! I got your next gig all lined up. Heart of Hollywood, LA town, baby! Right in the middle of things, outdoor concert, great acoustics, A-list crowd, you're in!" It makes you wonder if they have Grove roadies and Grove groupies. This past Sunday LAist encountered the above scene where a band rocked out to...no one. Except a five-year-old boy shoving in popcorn like it was going out of style who was enraptured with their rendition of a Fleetwood Mac song.
Hey kid, think big...you never know.
The Lawn stage is definitely part of the bad grove.
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.
-
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.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.