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.
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.
Sweet Relief! 'Biggest Storm' In Months To Hit Southern California In The Coming Week

Remember that furious winter storm that hit Los Angeles at the end of February? The National Weather Service is saying that the biggest storm to hit the region since Rainpocalypse 2014, Part 1 is expected to roll in at the beginning of the coming week.NWS says that a very weak system will rain about a tenth of an inch tonight and early Sunday, but it's the second, much more powerful system that will strike on Tuesday expected to bring the downpour. That system might hit as early as Monday night and is expected to dump 1 to 2 inches of rain on downtown Los Angeles, according to the LA Times. Rain is expected to continue all the way through to Thursday.
The San Gabriel Mountains can get as much as 2 or 3 inches of rain, and snow could fall at elevations of at least 7,500 feet. NWS warns that this storm could bring a burst of heavy rainfall lasting 2 to 3 hours, which could bring flooding and mudslides much like last time.
Since July 1, downtown Los Angeles has only received a half inch of rain, and the expected downpour might be enough to bring us up to normal levels. However, the ever-quotable Bill Patzert of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory says that it'll only be a drop in the drought bucket.
"One storm is not a drought-buster. But hopefully it is a small down payment and a preview of the coming attractions for the next few months."
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.

-
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.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?