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 .
Voters could decide whether to ban privatizing libraries in Huntington Beach
A glimpse inside the Huntington Beach Central Library, considered a city jewel by many in the community.
(
Jill Replogle
/
LAist
)
Topline:
A citizen-led initiative to ban privatization of Huntington Beach’s public libraries has qualified for the ballot.
Why now: The Huntington Beach City Council will have two possible library-related ballot initiatives to discuss at its first meeting of the year, on Jan. 21 — this one, and the potential repeal of a controversial children’s library book review board.
What’s the backstory? Public library advocates mounted a petition drive last year after the City Council flirted with outsourcing library operations to a private company. The company ultimately canceled its bid, but opponents continued collecting signatures to change the city’s charter to prohibit selling any public libraries or outsourcing management.
Support for LAist comes from
Next steps: The council can adopt the measures outright, order an impact study, or put them on a future ballot.
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 historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist