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 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.
The Coffee Buzz
With it, your Mondays are full of life, excitement and enthusiasm (at least until lunchtime when the caffeine runs out). Without it, you are useless — inundated with headaches and less-than-stellar attitudes. Let's face it: the buzz is your friend, and without it you may never reach your full potential. But some people make it their life, as LAist found out this week when we visited...
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf #9
829 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Hours: Monday - Thursday 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday - Saturday 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
What some (us) would dub the what-do-they-do-for-a-living-since-they-hang-out-here-all-day-and-know-everyone-who-comes-and-goes coffee shop, is located in a prime location just a few blocks from Ocean Boulevard and a few blocks south of the illustrious Montana Boulevard strip. With a glorious outdoor area with a firepit center, this location serves up a feeling of comradarie, warmth and familiarity and is furthered by regulars who know everyone by name.
Support for LAist comes from
For those who visit Los Angeles, most are often heard wondering aloud what all the people are doing out during the daylight hours. They fill up malls, outdoor eateries and coffee shops and appear to have no concrete profession even though they spend hours on their cell phones appearing as if they're negotiating highly-confidential business agreements. Well here, at the what-do-they-do-for-a-living Coffee Bean, there are many such people.
Our favorite, in particular, is Jeff (not his real name, but he looks like a Jeff so what the hell). In his late 30's/early 40's, Jeff is a well-read man who is always scanning today's world news section of the newspaper or reading a book that is often a biography about a well-known personality. Jeff likes to talk to strangers about said biographies, wondering aloud if they really knew the secrets behind so-and-so's successes. Jeff remembers if you just broke up with your boyfriend, if you're currently hoping to get a ring from your current one and if your parents are visiting. Jeff remembers the name of your dog, the tricks he can do, and the last time he saw you at said establishment.
It is, all at once, flattering, intriguing and disturbing.
Nonetheless, the Coffee Bean at Wilshire and 9th in Santa Monica is a great, relaxing location for those mid-day brainstorming sessions, those quiet afternoon reading spots or if you're looking for a friend like Jeff — a wonderful place to make friends with people who will never abandon you for someone more famous, more attractive, or more informed about the childhood of Howard Hughes.
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
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday 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.
-
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.
Best of LAist