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 Downtown Dog Park That Charges Rent
The Arts District Dog Park sign (Photo via Los Angeles Downtown Arts District Dog Park)
()
The Arts District is becoming the "it" place downtown, full of hip coffee joints, trendy lofts and even a new arcade bar. But something local residents didn't count on is for their beloved dog park to start charging $60.
Downtown News reported this week that the Arts District Dog Park, which is located at Molino and Fourth streets and has been opened since 2010, has been locked up for the past three weeks. The only way to get in is to pay $60 for a key that allows usage of the facility for six months. Sounds exclusive, right? But it really has to do more with the cost of running the park.
The Arts District Dog Park is not a city park; it's privately run by the Los Angeles River Artists and Business Association (LARABA). In a sign posted at the park, it read, "It is a private park made possible by funding and volunteers from LARABA."
And it's been costing the group $4,000 a year to manage and clean the park, in addition to paying property taxes and utility bills. LARABA took over the park's responsibilities from the Arts District Business Improvement District (BID) after the group shuttered in May 2013, but it's getting to be too pricey for the group to afford the entire cost. They're still willing to pay part of the cost though as long as locals chip in.
Support for LAist comes from
The Los Angeles Downtown Arts District Dog Park posted on their Facebook page, "Hopefully we'll get enough donors to come forward to satisfy LARABA's budget and reopen the park."
Downtown News reported that only seven keys have been bought. It might be a lonely existence for these poor pups in the meantime.
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 L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs. -
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
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.
Best of LAist