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 .
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.
Not So Silly String
It's messy. It's dangerous. It sticks to your hair.
It's silly string, and it's now illegal to possess the pressurized party favor on the streets of Hollywood, at least during Halloween celebrations.
All the hubbub associated with this bold legislative stroke led LAist to launch an investigation into the pontential hazards posed by silly string. In other words, what the hell is silly string, and is it really dangerous?
Support for LAist comes from
One Google search later, we unearthed this fact sheet that unequivocally states, "we don't really know what it is" and "kinda sorta, if you eat it or spray it in your eyes". (Click here for another in-depth investigation into the nature of silly string).
Since people do, apparently, find it edifying to squirt each other in the eye during Halloween celebrations, maybe it is best to remove the temptation once and for all. And we can all understand the negative environmental effects of silly string floating around Santa Monica Bay. Maybe silly string is more dangerous than we ever realized, an imminent threat to our well-being, hiding in plain sight on the shelves of 99 Cent Only stores all across the Southland.
Perhaps City Councilman Tom LaBonge was right when he said: "It's not silly at all."
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
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.
Best of LAist