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.
Moving On Up: Google Just Bought 12 Acres Of Land In Playa Vista

The tech presence in Los Angeles is growing—especially with Google, Inc. The tech giant just spent $120 million on 12 acres of vacant land in Playa Vista.
While the Mountain View, Calif.-based company already owns property throughout the city— including a campus in Venice—it looks like they're trying to expand their operations here. The L.A. Times reports that Google bought the land (which is apparently zoned for 900,000 square feet of commercial space) next to the 1943-built Howard Hughes aircraft hangar, and that they plan on leasing the 319,000-square-foot building as well.
The company hasn't disclosed any of their building plans, but buying the land could mean 6,000 workers could be employed at this new Google space.
They'll be in good company, too. Microsoft also opened an office in Playa Vista last year, and Yahoo! Inc. is expected to move into the area soon as well.
"This move by Google really makes Playa Vista the tech and innovation capital of Los Angeles,” City Councilman Mike Bonin, who represents Play Vista, told CBS Los Angeles. “They’ve got IMAX down there, they’ve got Microsoft down there, they’ve got YouTube down there.”
Here's a photo of the historic Hughes hangar:
Google purchases 12 acres in Playa Vista for $120 million. https://t.co/tMfLBdpFth $goog pic.twitter.com/nH0IQTbSEj
— [ Google News ] (@goinsidegoogle) December 3, 2014
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.

-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
-
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain.
-
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care.
-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings.
-
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past.
-
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.