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.
This Thanksgiving, Pardoned Turkeys Don't Get Disneyland Trip

Just another turkey who won't get to go to Disneyland (Photo by rwhgould via Flickr)
If the official president-pardoned turkey, and their "understudy" want to celebrate their holiday reprieve at Disneyland, they're going to have to buy a ticket. Disney has announced that after a five-year tradition, this Thanksgiving the theme park will not host the forgiven fowl, says the OC Register.
Typically the turkeys wing their way (by airplane) from the White House to California (one exception being 2007's trip to DisneyWorld in Florida) and serve as grand marshal of the park's Thanksgiving parade, then live at the park.
Says Disneyland's spokesperson, Suzi Brown, "Disney officials decided that the turkeys don’t fit with the parks’ new promotional theme, called 'Let the Memories Begin' which is based on visitors’ memories." This, in theory, only presents a problem if your memories happen to be turkey-centric.
For this year's holiday, "the turkeys will live at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estates and Gardens in Virginia, said Sherrie Rosenblatt, National Turkey Federation spokeswoman." Poor turkeys... Having to trade our balmy SoCal temps for the blustery East. Ah, well...at least they aren't for dinner.
Last year: Obama Sends Two D.C. Turkeys to Disneyland
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.

-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline.
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons 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.