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 Briefing: The Details On Playgrounds Reopening
Empty playground swings (Aaron Burden / Unsplash)
()
Never miss a morning briefing. Subscribe today to get our A.M. newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Good morning, L.A.
If you have young children, you’ve probably sorely missed public playgrounds during the coronavirus shutdown. Well, we have good news – sort of. Some playgrounds in the city of L.A. and surrounding areas have reopened. (Yay!) But the regulations around them seem … difficult to enforce, at best. (Boo.)
Here’s the deal: Masks are required for kids aged two and older. A distance of six feet is required from other people. No eating or drinking. And visits should be limited to 30 minutes.
Support for LAist comes from
So, you’re going to have a potentially hungry and thirsty kid who has to wait their turn six feet away from the kid in front of them while futzing with their face mask … but, they’ll be on a playground, outdoors, instead of in your living room.
Worth it? We’ll leave it up to you.
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
Coming Up Today, October 8
Although the end date for the 2020 census has been moved back to Oct. 31 by a court, some local outreach organizations say they haven't publicized the new deadline because they’re out of money after the long and dragged out process. Caroline Champlin has more.
Support for LAist comes from
Need a laugh? Head to two virtual comedy festivals. Looking for a scare? Roll up to these Halloween-themed drive-in flicks. Want to sweat? Lace up for a virtual run. Christine N. Ziemba has this weekend’s best online and IRL events.
Never miss an LAist story. Sign up for our daily newsletters.
The Past 24 Hours In LA
City Hall Scandal: Katy Perry concert tickets, a family trip to China and campaign cash: these are some of the gifts that the Chinese megadeveloper Shenzhen Hazens admitted to giving suspended City Councilman José Huizar, and why the developer has agreed to pay more than $1 million to avoid prosecution.
Opening … And Not Opening: Here are the L.A. and SoCal areas that have reopened their playgrounds and other recreational facilities. Large theme parks such as Disneyland won’t reopen any time soon.
Support for LAist comes from
Pandemic Repercussions: A union representing workers at Cal State Fullerton is protesting the university’s move to lay off 46 workers. Local bookstores are struggling, and are all sending the same message: If you value your local bookstore, shop there! L.A. County reported its highest single day number of new coronavirus cases since August but, overall, case numbers are at their lowest point since early May.
New Media: The pandemic has forced fire departments to accelerate their adoption of online and social media communications about big, disastrous fires. NBC's new sitcom, Connecting…, was shot remotely, with actors filming themselves at home. On this week’s episode of Servant of Pod with Nick Quah, Nick talks with Roman Mars about the origins of Mars’ podcast, 99% Invisible, which has been going strong for 10 years.
Photo Of The Day
James Fugate, co-owner of Eso Won Books in Leimert Park, works at his store during the pandemic. Independent bookstores have relied on loyal customers to stay afloat.
(Somerset New-Stein for LAist)
()
Support for LAist comes from
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.
The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don't pan out. Others get added. Consider this today's first draft, and check LAist.com for updates on these stories and more. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
This post has been updated to reflect changes in what's coming up for today.
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
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