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.
Heights of Resentment
()
The film crew shooting "Running with Sissors" finally left our Angelino Heights neighborhood this weekend and we can't say we're sorry to see them go.We tried to be forgiving when arrogant production teams swarmed our street and sectioned off more than 2/3 of the neighborhood's parking with orange cones and "Restricted Parking-Tow Away Zone" signs so they'd have room to park their equipment trucks. We foolishly believed all those media stories about how runaway production has hurt Los Angeles's economy. But upon further thought, we don't think this shoot brought much money into Echo Park directly and seemed to benefit the teamsters from the Valley more.
We looked the other way when, after circling the block for 20 minutes trying to find a parking spot, we walked past glowering guards stationed around the block to protect Sony's precious equipment trucks and lighting aparatus from actual residents. Lord knows what would have happened if someone actually mugged this LAist in front of those guys...they'd probably turn a blind eye and run to protect their precious cargo. We certainly didn't think the neighborhood felt safer with their presence.
But Thursday night was a killer; after 2 weeks of night shoots the filmmakers ended with a double header. They not only hauled in 2 light cranes but left them on in 2 different sections of the neighborhood, flooding the area from Edgeware to Douglas with blinding light for hours. What did we get for our patience? Only the sight of black town cars ushering big wig producers and, we suppose, movie stars like Gwenyth Paltrow and Brad Pitt to and from the set.
Support for LAist comes from
We're glad they've packed on to harrass another section of the city cause the next night was opening day at Dodger Stadium and we're sure the director didn't plan to include shots of a colorful blimp circling in the night's sky.
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 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.
-
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.
Best of LAist