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 during our fall member drive.
Survey: iPad tops kids' wish lists

A new Nielsen survey suggests that Apple's iPad is the most desired electronic item for the holidays among kids ages 6- to 12-years-old.
The survey, which Nielsen conducted in October, found nearly one-third of kids (31 percent) want an iPad in the next six months. The iPod Touch and "a computer" tied for second, followed by the Nintendo DS or DSi hand-held gaming system.
New York Times technology columnist David Pogue says he was initially surprised kids that young would want an iPad.
“But then I remembered early on when the iPad first came out there were these marginal bloggers and pundits who raised an interesting point," says Pogue. "This thing is a full-blown computer, a powerful one, with no traditional operating system, so there aren’t menus and sub-menus and folders and commands.”
Pogue says that makes it a perfect device for young kids as well as older people. He sees the evidence in his own house: his six-year-old son likes to play with the iPad and "kicks and screams" when it's taken away.
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.

-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious.
-
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
-
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
-
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places.
-
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures.
-
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump.