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.
LA County to Porn Industry: Wrap it, or that's a Wrap
Though LAist has never actually watched porn (ahem), we are led to believe that the use of condoms by performers somehow lessens the thrill of watching silicone enhanced women have sex with impossibly well-endowed men.Again, we have no first hand knowledge of whether this is true, but according to the Los Angeles Times, this argument against requiring porn performers to use protection has gone over like Ron Jeremy at a evangelical tent revival as far as LA County health officials are concerned.
They are similarly unimpressed by the contention of the porn industry that scenes in which condoms are employed take longer to shoot. Perhaps they feel as we do: this ain't David Lean waiting for the sun to rise to get that perfect shot in Lawrence of Arabia. It's porn!
This week, in response to the porn industry's seeming disregard for the health of their employees, the County has fired off letters asking these companies to use condoms in their movies. The move is mostly symbolic, as the health department has no regulatory power over the adult entertainment industry.
Support for LAist comes from
Porn kingpins from Van Nuys to Arleta are protesting the letter. They say condoms will kill the biz.
Now, granted, porn is the San Fernando Valley's most popular product (far more popular than eye-searing smog and the 101/405 interchange), and no one wants to kill that golden goose. Besides providing Southland rock stars with a steady stream of buxom blondes in ridiculously high heels to date, porn helps give LA it's all important seamy, scudzy edge.
But aren't porn stars people, too? Is the profit margin of pornographers more important than the lives of the people who work for them? Don't they deserve to work in a safe, over-regulated industry like everyone else in this state?
And did we actually just write the line: "But aren't porn stars people, too?"
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
-
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.
Best of LAist