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.
A DOGE enthusiast who wants to thwart Newsom will be California's newest state senator

Huntington Beach City Councilmember Tony Strickland will be California's newest state senator. The Republican has secured enough votes for the 36th District California Senate seat that there won't even be a runoff — and he's already making plans for Sacramento.
What does he say he's going to do?
On Instagram Strickland said, "On Day One, I will fight for lower taxes, safe neighborhoods and against Gavin Newsom and his radical policies."
At a news conference earlier this week, he said he'll also attack the state gas tax, bolster public safety, and “do what we can do to DOGE California,” a reference to the controversial federal Department of Government Efficiency run by Elon Musk.
We reached out to Strickland for more details and will update this story if we get them.
Where is the 36th California Senate District?
The district spans the Orange County coast, as well as Little Saigon, Westminster and Garden Grove. It also includes a sliver of Los Angeles County cities — Artesia, Cerritos and Hawaiian Gardens.
Where does the vote stand?
Because this district spans two counties, Orange County and Los Angeles County's registrars of voters certified their respective ballots this week and forwarded the results on to the California secretary of state for the final stamp of approval.
Here's where the final tally stood Friday afternoon. Winning more than 50% of the vote means Strickland avoids a runoff:
What happens to Strickland's City Council seat?
The Huntington Beach City Council is expected to appoint a replacement later this month.
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.

-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
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.