Hi folks,
First, we hope you and yours are safe as you read this. The unprecedented firestorm that has swept across Los Angeles has upended life for thousands of us. If there’s any consolation to be found, it’s in the deep sense of community Angelenos have for each other and the enormous surge of mutual aid over the past week. Now, more than ever, we keep each other safe.
If you or folks you know have been impacted by the fires, the Mutual Aid LA Network is maintaining a spreadsheet of resources and donation needs. Also check their list of volunteer needs in order to find a place to plug in if you’re able.
We want to send the deepest thanks to everyone who has read and shared our coverage and relied on our voter guides over the last year. We’ve got wild plans for 2025 that we’re excited to share with you. As always, you can support us on Patreon, but if you’re not already a supporter give that money to fire relief and get back to us next month.
In solidarity,
Knock LA
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NEW ON KNOCK
As the fires spread, 96 youth remained locked up in an evacuation warning zone at Nidorf Juvenile Hall with no apparent plan to get them out of harm’s way. Farah Abouzeid reports.
Last year, Washington state passed the first ever Strippers’ Bill of Rights, adding protections, autonomy, and security to the job. In this two-part series, Antonia Crane covers the work it took to get those protections enshrined in law, and the inspiration LA organizers are drawing from its success.
Is LADWP’s $800 million hydrogen plant retrofit a bold step towards a green energy future, or an expensive excuse to keep dirty methane gas flowing? Nicole Levin digs into the greenwashing of the Scattergood Plant project.
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Events for the week of 1/15/25-1/22/25
1/15 and ongoing – Altadena Seed Library Donation Drive & Fundraiser @ Skylight Books
Skylight Books in Los Feliz is taking up a different donation drive – seeds! Specifically, seeds for native Southern Californian plants. “We are prioritizing seed that remediates soil, like CA Buckwheat, Telegraph weed, Bush Sunflower, and Mule Fat, but anything hyper-local is a close second, and anything native to Southern CA is also incredibly helpful.”
-Farah
1/16 – Chris Fleming and Friends Disaster Relief Benefit Show @ Largo
Everyone’s favorite absurdist comic has turned his set at the Largo into a benefit for the victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires. That “and friends” is going to carry some weight too – Largo shows are notorious for surprise appearances by major performers. Support your neighbors with your night out, and assume that anything could happen during the set.
-Ace
1/16 – Eileen Myles @ Redcat
Legendary queer radical novelist, poet, and nonfiction writer Myles presents an evening of their work at CalArt’s REDCAT theater in DTLA.
-Farah
1/16 and ongoing – Volunteer for Community Clean-Up and Donation Sorting @ Pasadena Job Center
The National Day Labor Organizing Network (NDLON) is on the front line as always, spearheading the cleanup of the aftermath of the Eaton fire. They need volunteers to help with clearing the streets and sorting donations. Opportunities throughout the week. 500 N Lake Ave, Pasadena CA
-Farah
1/17 – JSTACOMMUNITYDRIVE @ Love Note DTLA
The jstaparty DJs are hosting a hip-hop and R&B party at Love Note (in the former The Lash space on Winston) donating all ticket sales to families impacted by the fires.
-killa
1/19 – Chicxs Rockerxs SELA Riot Grrrl Carnival @ The Smell
I love The Smell – 25+ years of underground, all-ages music history right there. Sometimes I just browse the events and look up whatever band has the coolest name, and I am rarely disappointed. This event features hardcore and thrash bands Sharpshooter, Listless Dream, and Indomination, and was organized by Chicxs Rockerxs SELA, an extremely cool punk rock music program for girls and trans and non-binary youth. They’ll be donating proceeds directly to fire impacted families. The kids are alright.
-Ace
1/20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Events
MLK Day is home to many family-focused celebrations and educational events. Here are a few that caught our eye:
King Day at California African American Museum
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM @ Exposition Park, 600 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Featuring a study group, family story time, and a concert from the Inner City Youth Orchestra. There’s also a children’s book drive throughout the day.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy MLK Jr. Day of Service
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“Join us for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at the White Point Nature Preserve! You will help care for the White Point Native Plant Demonstration Garden by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, watering native plants, grooming trails and more! Your efforts will help restore this habitat for wildlife as well as create a beautiful place for the community to enjoy!”
-Farah
1/21: Alan Sparhawk @ Lodge Room
Ever since I was a shitty teenage hipster Low were part of my musical world, from meditating to the endless hum of “Over The Ocean,” to playing “California” on repeat as I watched the snow from the window of my Chicago walk-up. The death of Mimi Parker, Sparhawk’s partner in life and art, was an incalculable loss. It’s a blessing for all of us who believe in music that Sparhawk has found a way to continue creating. The processed vocals and synthesized beats of White Roses, My God shift the crunchy textures of Hey What into a post-SoundCloud-rap hymnal—anyhow it sounds good as hell and from what I hear he’s absolutely delivering in his live sets. Somehow there are still tickets available.
-Ace
Ongoing: AK Press LA Wildfires Reading List
“For those of you, like us, trying to fathom the scale of devastation in Southern California, we put together a list of books we hope might be helpful, whether to provide comfort or guide action. Readings on mutual aid and community disaster response, on indigenous ecology and land management, on grief and survival.”
-Farah
