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.
We Might Have Developed Paraskavedekatriaphobia

So there we were. Granted putting ten pounds into a five pound bag, trying to fit too many things into a Friday night but we were fairly convinced we could do what we always do - outsmart LA traffic and when there are moments where the congestion breaks up, well, gun it.
Friday was not one of those nights. Maybe it was because it was Friday the 13th. While it has never served as a deterrent before, we have heard of people who have paraskavedekatriaphobia, a true fear of Friday the 13th. In fact The Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute estimates that more than 17 million people are affected by a fear of this day. Sheesh, all we wanted to do was get from Santa Monica after a dinner party to Tangier in Los Feliz by 11pm to see The One AM Radio perform. Two accidents on the 10 had us almost at a standstill and surface streets weren't much better. Defeated, we turned back. The worst part, we heard the show was amazing!
Our next opportunity is on May 3rd at the Malibu Performing Arts Center. It's a Thursday and we're going to head up early, catch a happy hour and not let anything stop us!
Have we touched a nerve with the whole Friday the 13th thing? Well you got one more this year in July. But there is a silver lining, it's the same day that the next Harry Potter movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be released. Maybe it would be a good night to walk to your closest movie theater though. Just a thought.
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.

-
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.
-
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.