Hello Angelenos!
When LAist went dark, an important voice in Southern California news was lost. Poof. Into the void. Goodnight, sweet prince.
Turns out, it was just a very long nap. KPCC bought LAist and, with your help, we can revive all the things you loved about the website.
LAist had your back on weekend plans and things to do across the region, including this cheerful gem about where to have your last meal in the event of a nuclear attack.
LAist uncovered disturbing online comments from a popular Los Angeles city council candidate who was poised to win election. The story led to the L.A. Times and others revoking their endorsements and spelled the end of his campaign.
When an elotero’s cart was overturned and the video went viral, LAist shined a light on the vulnerability of L.A.’s street vendors and the subsequent efforts by the community to build him a new cart.
Or, when you needed an examination of the meaninglessness of life through the lens of multimillion-dollar coastal real estate, LAist was there for you.
Our priority is to start writing ASAP, and we are fortunate to already have some LAist alumni among our crew — Lisa Brenner and Elina Shatkin. Former arts and events editor Christine Ziemba has also signed on for the revival.
But it’s going to take more to run the site and give voice to the stories that matter to you.
WHY DO WE NEED MONEY?
As you know, the current L.A. news scene is… rocky. Journalism, in general, is having a tough minute. Evidence of layoffs, budget cuts and shutdowns exists all over the internet. Here are some notable examples.
We got lucky when a couple of generous donors helped KPCC save LAist. But that was just enough to buy the website — not enough to run it.
We’ll use your pledges to help pay for writers, photographers, illustrators. We’ll use it to pay for gear, parking and other expenses needed to get LAist up and running again. We’ll use it to make sure we’re supporting local journalists.
Even if you don’t care how the news-sausage is made, if you care about LAist, please help make this happen.
Bonus: Your pledge is tax deductible! LAist is now part of member-supported KPCC (also known as Southern California Public Radio), which is a registered 501(c)(3). Translation: we’re a nonprofit, which means we aren’t reliant on advertising, sponsored content or special interests.
In journalism, it matters where the funding comes from. At LAist, now it comes from you.
THE MISSION
“New” LAist will feel a lot like “old” LAist, with its unique voices and complex love of Southern California. We remain committed to keeping you informed about what’s going on in your neighborhood — the good, the bad and the funky.
You can expect to find a familiar mix of hard news, local politics, food, culture and the absurdities of L.A. life, coupled with deep coverage of issues vital to building strong communities.
Only now, we’ll be powered by you and partnered with one of the most powerful newsrooms in Los Angeles.
REWARDS!
Pledge $10 or more | LAist Ally
Get bragging rights that you helped bring back LAist. We’ll also sign you up for the fabulous, forthcoming newsletter — the ultimate easy way to keep up with the news and all the best things to do around L.A.
Pledge $25 or more | LAist Badge of Honor
Score a limited edition enamel lapel pin designed by local L.A. artist Cambria Guevara (@mermaidhex). Pins are in. We think.
Pledge $75 or more | LAist Tote
Grab the LAist tote and put your baggage on display as you schlep across the Southland. You’ll also get the limited edition enamel pin. Put it on your tote! Double done.
Pledge $100 or more | LAist Hero Mug
Get the limited edition LAist Mug. What you put inside is up to you (wink); all people will see is your support of this vital organization. You’ll also receive the LAist limited edition enamel lapel pin. ALSO, if you pledge $100 or more, we’ll list you on the website as an LAist Hero. We’re not sure if you can put that on your resume, but definitely tell your mom that you helped save journalism.
Pledge $100 or more | The Cub House Starter Pack
Cyclists of the Southland, here’s your reason to get back on that bike and also make your apartment cuter. The starter pack includes a bicycle tune up and a Cub House + Prickley Pals swag bag, including water bottles, socks and… a cactus. Obviously.
Pledge $140 or more | LAist Art Print
Pick up the EXCLUSIVE, limited edition, hand-printed serigraph (that’s a poster, btw.. just fancier) designed by local artist Eric Junker. You, friend, are now an art collector. BRAVO. You’ll also receive the LAist limited edition enamel lapel pin. Because you deserve it.
Pledge $365 or more | LAist Revival Launch Party
Get down at the pop-up party this summer! Come to our LAist Revival launch event at Everson Royce Bar and consume all the free food and beverages your Los Angeles-loving heart desires. Toast with some LAist alums and staff. Make some new friends. Shimmy around. There will be a DJ. You’ll also get the LAist limited edition enamel lapel pin and LAist tote AND be listed on the website as a hero. You helped save journalism. Tell everyone you ever met to thank you.
Pledge $600 or more | LAist + KPCC Newsroom Tour
Tour the LAist/KPCC newsroom. It’s just like in the movies except not at all! You’ll be on the inside. You’re practically breaking news yourself! See the team in action and be a part of journalism in your community. You’ll also receive the LAist limited edition enamel lapel pin, art print, mug, tote and be named on the website.
Pledge $4,000 or more | Brunch with LAist
Get up close and weekendy with the crew of LAist. We’ve got a hollandaise hootenanny with your name on it. Think: quiche vibes, spritzers, socializing, cholesterol levels. We can talk about the news. We can play Uno. We can act out the film version of Clue. This is your brunch, we’re just living in it. With this reward, you also get an invite to the LAist launch party, a newsroom tour, the pin, the mug, the tote, named as a hero on the website and signed up for the newsletter.
Risks and challenges
This is the section where we remind you that all of this takes time, and we ask for your understanding and patience. Yes, we will fulfill your rewards. Yes, we will keep you posted on what’s happening. And YES! We will get the website back up and running!
BUT, some of the possible delays might come in the form of: a critical breaking news situation derailing our momentum, technical snafus, scheduling issues with reward partners or manufacturing hold-ups.
If all goes smoothly, though, we’ll be back next month. That’s right. Next month.
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Funding period
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