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.
Jim Morrison Lives?

It’s true. Jim Morrison, who so many loyal fans thought had perished of a drug overdose some 34 years ago, apparently faked his own death. You heard us right—in what amounts to perhaps the most anticipated announcement in a generation, what follows is a piece of investigative journalism that is unrivaled in its depth, scope and focus. After decades of frustrating dead ends, bad leads and cold case files, LAist proudly presents to you, our loyal readers, the distinguished Cheri Woods, a former actress, former madam and, uh, former inmate. But we urge you to disregard her checkered past and take a good, long look at her story in the Los Angeles Independent. We know you’ll thank us…(thought-provoking excerpt below)
“Jim Morrison really is alive. He is living with his girlfriend in the middle of nowhere. He still smokes pot and drinks beer. The last time I talked to him, he told me he wanted to meet Billy Idol and that he liked the way Val Kilmer portrayed him in the film 'The Doors.'”
Still skeptical? LAist was pessimistic too. But after investigating Miss Woods’ impeccable credentials and closely examining her unimpeachable story, all we can say is shame on you, loyal readers. Cheri’s got the goods…after all, she speaks with him regularly by phone. How many of you do that? Since Jim is probably still a very private guy, LAist totally understands why Cheri doesn’t go into great detail about their personal conversations, but it’s nice to know that the old guy still enjoys a good toke now and then.
What’s that? You’re still not willing to take a leap of faith on this one? LAist confesses that we once shared those feelings too. But then we read what will heretofore be referred to as “the clincher”, because it represents clear, concise and incontrovertible evidence that our favorite 60’s icon burnout lives on to this very day…
It seems Miss Woods and an English production company carried out a séance at the apartment last fall, and while Jim was rudely absent from his own celebration, one of the well-respected psychics present at the gathering was smart enough to ask his spirit if he had a dog.
Lo and behold, the sound of a dog barking outside pierced the air and sent the meeting into a tither. Those psychics, love ‘em or hate ‘em, you have to respect their ability to ask probing, deep and personal questions that cut right to the heart of the matter. Thank God for those fortuitous actions that day, or LAist and countless Doors fans worldwide would remain under the mistaken impression that their hero was in fact a mere mortal.
So the next time you dust off the old album of “L.A. Woman,” take a deep drag on that “cigarette” and thank LAist for restoring your faith in modern man. Jim lives!
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.

-
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.