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.
Morning Brief: Vaccine Good Samaritans, A Baby Bust, And A One-Year-Old Puma
A woman picks up her order at VCHOS Pupusa truck. (Chava Sanchez/LAist)
()
Good morning, L.A. It’s March 8.
It’s no secret that getting a coronavirus vaccine in L.A. County is chock-full of possible barriers. There are confusing — and highly flawed — appointment systems, long lines, line-cutters and more.
But a new group of good Samaritans wants to help, by assisting those who are eligible navigate the appointment process and get their shots.
My colleague Carla Javier spoke to one such volunteer, who began aiding others by starting with her own parents. Candice Kim of Pasadena said that after successfully navigating the state’s appointment system, she decided, “they live in a senior apartment building with a lot of people just like them. Why don't I continue helping people until I've run out of seniors to help?"
Support for LAist comes from
Now, she puts up flyers to spread the word about her work, and tries to share knowledge about open appointments when she finds them in other neighborhoods.
The county of L.A. currently has seven vaccination sites, as does the city; the most recent city-operated site to open is at the University of Southern California. Long Beach, Pasadena, and the surrounding counties all have their own sites as well. That’s not counting the region’s pharmacies, private providers and clinics that are also offering shots to residents.
Most offer phone lines for those who are eligible to call and make appointments, but it’s difficult to locate those phone numbers or navigate the process without access to the internet, or a certain level of technological savvy. That’s where volunteers such as Kim are invaluable.
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
What Else You Need To Know Today
- L.A. County health officials on Sunday confirmed 1,313 new cases of coronavirus and 22 deaths.
- California's quest for 100% renewable energy could be putting the already fragile condor population in danger.
- Stakeholders in the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous victims held a panel to raise awareness around the devastating problem.
- At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, some wondered whether a baby boom would be inevitable — but it may be a baby bust instead.
- With just a pair of gloves and a few buckets on hand, 20-year-old climate activist Edgar McGregor spent nearly 600 days cleaning Eaton Canyon.
- Long Beach officials have partially abandoned a vaccine appointment system that was letting in too many line-cutters.
- A one-year-old puma is the latest to join researchers’ study of the big cats in and around the Santa Monica Mountains.
- After two weeks of residency on the Red Planet, the Mars Rover Perseverance took its first road trip.
- Members of the local teachers’ union have voted overwhelmingly to demand three conditions before returning to class.
Support for LAist comes from
Before You Go … Meet The Man Behind The Park To Playa Trail
David McNeill, executive director of the Baldwin Hills Conservancy, at the entrance to the Mark Ridley-Thomas foot and wildlife bridge over La Cienega Blvd. at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. (Sharon McNary/LAist)
()
The 13 miles of L.A.'s Park to Playa Trail make it possible for the outdoors-y (or outdoors-curious) to run or bike from the Crenshaw District all the way to the beach at Playa Del Rey. (Check out our photo tour of the entire route).
The trail is overseen by the Baldwin Hills Conservancy, and brings together a patchwork of different parks and stretches of land owned by city, county and state agencies.
It's a community vision brought to fruition by the work of David McNeill, executive director of the conservancy, who for 20 years pushed for a way to give the people of South L.A access to the great outdoors in their own neighborhood.
Help Us Cover Your Community
- Got something you’ve always wanted to know about Southern California and the people who call it home? Is there an issue you want us to cover? Ask us anything.
- Have a tip about news on which we should dig deeper? Let us know.
Check LAist.com for updates on these stories and more. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Support for LAist comes from
Never miss an LAist story. Sign up for our daily newsletters.
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