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.
The Flooding In East L.A. Yesterday Was Caused By A Mattress, Officials Say
Yesterday's rain caused flooding in East L.A. and Boyle Heights, but officials say it wasn't just the rain—it was a mattress that caused the whole ordeal.
Officials say an abandoned mattress was blocking the inlet to a catch basin, which was a factor in yesterday's flooding during the early evening rainstorm, KTLA reports.
Residents were concerned that the City had actually failed to clean the debris from the storm drains, but officials assured us all that we're El Nino ready—except for that mattress, apparently.
"Unfortunately, we have a lot of debris that floats down with the water. We're asking homeowners to check their property and look for items that could float down in heavy downpours and secure those items," Brian McCormick with the Department of Public Works said.
KTLA reporter Kareen Wynter said that McCormick was going to provide photos of the mattress blockage to the media, but then later said he was unable to show them. "Many people are very skeptical here…they question how that one item could have caused such widespread, extensive flooding," she said.
Wet weather hit SoCal Monday, flooding Boyle Heights streets https://t.co/mJxXMTKo3u https://t.co/tTT6Tsmbgw
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) October 20, 2015
THIS JUST IN: Flooding in Boyle Heights after heavy rain hits the area https://t.co/kf9X9V3503 pic.twitter.com/gTAUr63VgI
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) October 20, 2015
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.

-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
-
Hexavalent chromium is the same carcinogen Erin Brockovich warned about in the 1990s, but researchers say more study is needed on the potential health effects of nanoparticles detected earlier this year. Experts will answer questions at a webinar this evening.
-
The budget gap has led to a tuition hike, along with spending cuts and fewer course offerings. At the same time, generative AI already has transformed higher ed — including post-grad job prospects.
-
The construction work is part of a $143.7 million plan to rehabilitate pavement between Van Nuys and Westwood along the Sepulveda Pass.