The Newsletter of LAcon V
Issue Three: Friday August 28, 2026: AM Edition
The Fuzzy Pink Papers is the daily newsletter of LAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention. Edited by Sam Lubell and published throughout the convention. More issues of the Papers can be found here throughout the weekend. Please email submissions to newsletter@lacon.org or drop off written content in the box outside the Hilton, Mezzanine 12 room (third floor).
Important: Today’s Blood Drive
We’d like to let everyone know that today’s Blood Drive is located in the concourse between the Hilton and Marriott hotels, right outside the front doors of the Hilton (past the valet area). We hope you will all come and join us to give blood and save lives. The hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm today, Friday. Thank you!
Opening Ceremonies Recap
“Let the adventure begin!” said Convention Chair Joyce Lloyd at Opening Ceremonies last night. After a brief half hour delay (due to the sign language interpreters getting stuck in traffic), Opening Ceremonies began with a life-sized Fuzzy walking on stage. Chair Lloyd said the convention committee has been working for three years to host the five day event. A representative from the Tongva Native American tribe gave a speech and called for “Peace and may it be well with you all.” A group of Tongva singers sang a couple of songs in the Tonga language. Then Toastmaster Ursula Vernon introduced the Guests of Honor. A couple mentioned how surprised they were to have been chosen and that when they first discovered science fiction, they never dreamed that they would be a Worldcon Guest of Honor.
There was a video showing the very elaborate design for this year’s Lodestar Award by H Emiko Ogasawara, and Scott Lefton, the designer of this year’s Hugo base, described the process for making them. Opening Ceremonies announced the First Fandom awards. The Hall of Fame award went to Mike Glyer, Craig Miller, and Bjo Trimble who made it on stage at the age of 93. Posthumous awards went to Frederick Brown and Myrtle R Douglas aka Morojo. The Sam Moskowitz archive award went to Andrew Porter and David Ritter. The David A Kyle Big Heart award went to Ian Stockdale.
That’s No Moon (Just a Fraction of One)
People partying outdoors last night observed part of the moon vanishing. Others said it was turning red. This was a partial lunar eclipse, eating away at 96.2% of the moon between 7:30 PM and 9:10 PM, before gradually restoring back to a full moon. Lunar eclipses often produce a reddish Blood Moon tint. Lunar eclipses generally happen a couple of times a year. For East Coasters, this is not what the moon usually looks like in California.
Friday Program Update & Highlights
Please note that two Friday events are both canceled due to a family emergency on the part of the presenter: the Friday 10:30am Figure Drawing Demo, and the Friday 12:00pm Pro Artists Painting Session. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Stroll with the Stars: Early risers can go for a walk with Worldcon stars. Meet in the Hilton lobby.- Virtual CERN Tour, live from CERN Switzerland with ATLAS physicist Dr. Steven Goldfarb: ACC North, Room 255, 9:00am
- Blood Drive for the SoCal Blood Bank: Front of the Hilton Hotel (look for the Bloodmobile), 10:00am to 6:00pm. Do it for Robert Heinlein.
- Convention Tour: Learn the secrets of LACon V. Meet in the Hilton Lobby, 10:00am and 4:00pm.
- Stan Sakai: A Comics Legend in Conversation: 10:30am in 255 (ACC North)
- Best of the Silicon Valley Science Fiction Short Film Festival: 260AB (ACC North)
- Barbara Hambly: A Life in Fantasy, Mystery and History: 12:00pm at 255 (ACC North)
- In Residence: Geri Sullivan: Exhibit Hall of ACC North. See the GoH exhibit space.
- Dr. Anita Sengupta: From Star Trek to Sustainable Aviation: Friday 3:00pm, 255 (ACC North)
- Middle Earth Ball: Dances with Hobbits. Pacific Ballroom A (Hilton)
- Celebrating Friendship: Geri Sullivan: 4:30pm. 255 (ACC North)
- Ditch Diggers: What Even is a Toastmaster? with Ursula Vernon: 6:00pm, 259 (ACC North). Mur Lafferty chats with Toastmaster T. Kingfisher
- Art Show Reception. 7:00pm in Exhibit Hall (ACC North). Meet the Artists.
- South Side Symphony: Anime Juke Jam, with Dr. Marcus Norris, Conducting: ACC Arena, 8:00pm
Con Suite for Sodas & Snacks
Did you know that LAcon V, like many conventions, has a con suite? It’s located at the Hilton in room 5505. Our hours are 10:00am to 10:00pm every day (except Monday, we close at 3:00pm.) Stop by, grab a complimentary snack or drink and catch up with your friends.
Con-Goers Oasis
The Oasis is a calm, welcoming place where you can rest and recharge at your own pace. You don’t have to talk to anyone unless you want to. You’ll find simple activities like coloring, short readings, and self-care supplies. If you need something, just ask—we’re here to help.
We’ve moved! We’ll be in the Oceanside room for our usual hours (9:00pm to 1:00am daily) for the rest of the con. Come check us out!
They’re Scooters, Not Bumper Cars
Fuzzy knows you’re excited to get around the convention, but we would like to remind you about the following:
- Please don’t run in front of a scooter to catch an elevator or open door quickly
- Please watch your speed if you’re in a mobi or scooter
There is room for everyone at LAcon V and we ask that you please be mindful of your friends!
Reminder: A Signing of Ice and Fire
Reminder, George RR Martin is signing books on Friday at noon in the Autograph area of the ACC North (the Pedestrian Bridge). He will sign two books per person. He will not sign books that have not been published, so there is no need to mention them.
Volunteers Still Needed
Worldcons need people. You are a person. So, Worldcon needs you. LACon needs volunteers to make things work. Please help out. Even a few hours can make a big difference. Visit the volunteer desk on the second floor of the Hilton to volunteer to help the convention. Even a couple of hours can make a big difference.
Correction From Issue Two
In the last issue, in covering the parties, this publication mistakenly identified the Montreal Worldcon as a bid. It is the 2027 Worldcon, already seated. We apologize for the incorrect reference.
Show Your Write Stuff
The Fuzzy Pink Papers depends on con-goers like you for its contents. We are looking for reports on what you saw at the con, restaurant reviews, recommendations about things to see at the convention and throughout the Los Angeles Area, your art, photos, anything that might interest or inform LAconners. Many of you are writers. Here’s a chance to show you have the Write Stuff (or the Art Stuff) and give yourself a bit of name recognition. Email newsletter@lacon.org or drop off written content in the Fuzzy Pink Papers box outside Hilton Mezzanine 12.
The Fuzzy Pink Papers: Issue Three
Friday August 28, 2026,AM Edition
The Daily Newsletter of LAcon V: The 84th World Science Fiction Convention
Edited by Sam Lubell
Fuzzy illustrations by Teddy Harvia, used with permission
Published by Shaun Lyon
Copyright © 2026, The Southern California Institute for Fan Interests (SCIFI) Inc. All rights reserved.
