Support for LAist comes from
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Stay Connected
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Listen

Share This

KPCC Archive

Loud booms are frightening Alhambra residents — and no one knows where they're coming from

()

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 . 

Loud noises echoing through northeast Alhambra have been baffling, bothering and bewildering residents for months — and no one seems to know where they're coming from.

Alhambra city services manager Chris Paulson tells KPCC media partner NBC LA that the entire City Council experienced one of these frightening booms: "And all of the sudden we hear this large sharp explosion, very quick. And we all flinched."

They weren't the only ones wincing. The booms have frightened residents while rattling windows and setting off car alarms.

City officials have received more than 100 complaints about the random but repeated noises.

Support for LAist comes from

They've ruled out fireworks, sonic booms, earthquakes, construction and work on the railroad as the source. But they can't pinpoint the cause.

"My gut tells me it's either pranksters or something mechanical as opposed to natural or supernatural. But we have no idea," Paulson says.

Alhambra officials say they'll continue to investigate. Until then, residents are encouraged to report any booms they hear to the Alhambra Police Department by calling 626-570-5151 or filling out a report on the department's website.

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.

Chip in now to fund your local journalism
A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right
(
LAist
)

Trending on LAist