Toxic Ash Concerns Linger as Los Angeles School Prepares to Reopen After Palisades Fire
Kelli Ferrone wiped blinds and window sills inside her daughters’ elementary school, just a half mile from the devastating Palisades Fire that scorched the coastal enclave in Los Angeles. The cotton swabs and wipes came up black. “There is scattered ash and soot at her feet,” she observed. Outside, it’s on the ground next to a playground.
Ferrone, who recorded videos and shared them with The Associated Press, wanted to see for herself this week if Canyon Charter Elementary School had been adequately cleaned before its planned reopening. She wasn’t impressed. Weeks after the most intense days of the fire, parents are grappling with the reality that toxic ash from burned homes and cars could be harmful to their children. This risk is becoming more common as wildfires increasingly encroach on urban areas.
In the Pacific Palisades, Canyon Charter could reopen as soon as Monday. School officials say staff are working hard to ensure schools are clean and safe, and they’re confident in their decision. However, some parents feel the school is rushing to reopen. They’re urging officials to temporarily relocate, while others are trying to transfer their students elsewhere.
“The los Angeles Unified School District has never experienced a disaster like this in their history,” saeid Ferrone, who has two daughters at the school, one with asthma. “And I do think people are trying really hard, but our school needs a new temporary home with classrooms and teachers teaching in-person. That is the only thing that is going to make people feel comfortable.”
In a statement, LAUSD said staff ”has worked diligently to prepare schools for a return to in-person instruction.” This includes inspecting ventilation systems, replacing filters, installing air purifiers in classrooms and offices, and cleaning both indoors and outdoors. An environmental consultant is inspecting campuses, and staff is monitoring air quality. The district’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety is following its protocols to ensure safety.Some schools, including Canyon Charter, are within a “do not drink water” advisory. This means fountains are turned off, and bottled water is provided.
Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician and executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, said the school is taking all the right steps. Yet, she cautioned, ”there’s no zero risk.”
The ash is a toxic soup of incinerated cars, electronics, batteries, building materials, paints, furniture, and other personal belongings. It contains pesticides, asbestos, plastics, and lead—substances children are notably vulnerable to.”Children often have more hand-to-mouth behavior, and their bodies are rapidly growing in these frist few years, so they can be more sensitive to this type of pollution,” said patel. “There will be a risk for a while to come in terms of exposure.”
Key Concerns and Actions
Table of Contents
- Key Concerns and Actions
- The 5 Ws and 1 H: The Backbone of Every News Story
- The Five-box Framework: Building a Story Fast
- Writing for Impact: Tips and Techniques
- Table: Key Elements of a News story
- Crafting the perfect Lede
- The Role of Multimedia in News Writing
- Final Thoughts
- The Art of Writing News: A Conversation with Journalist Melina Walling
| Issue | Details |
|—————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| toxic Ash | contains pesticides, asbestos, plastics, and lead. |
| Health Risks | Children are more vulnerable due to hand-to-mouth behavior and rapid growth.|
| School Cleanup Efforts | Ventilation inspections, air purifiers, and environmental consultants. |
| Water Advisory | “Do not drink water” advisory in place; bottled water provided. |
As the community navigates this challenging situation,ferrone and other parents continue to advocate for a temporary relocation. “Our school needs a new temporary home with classrooms and teachers teaching in-person,” she emphasized.
The Palisades Fire has left a lasting impact, not just on the landscape but on the lives of families in the area.As schools like Canyon Charter prepare to reopen, the debate over safety and risk continues to unfold.
For more facts on wildfire safety and health risks, visit the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health. Stay informed and engaged as the community works toward a safer future.nThe lingering effects of California’s wildfires continue to raise concerns among parents,educators,and health experts as schools reopen amidst the aftermath. The long-term health impacts of exposure to massive urban fires, such as those in California and the 2023 Maui blaze, remain largely unknown. Though, emerging research suggests that certain chemicals released during these fires might potentially be linked to heart disease, lung issues, and even Alzheimer’s disease, particularly due to exposure to minerals like magnetite, wich forms when fire burns iron [1].
In Pasadena, Emily Stough is taking precautions for her 11- and 14-year-old children, who recently returned to Blair High School.She ensured they wore masks, despite the Pasadena Unified School District’s efforts to clean up 38 tons of outdoor debris and conduct rigorous environmental tests. “Did they test air quality? Did they test ash samples? Were the ash samples from inside the school, in the hallways, from outside the schools?,” Stough wonders. “Air quality both inside and outside the schools? I’d like to see that. I’d like to know what cleaning was done.” the district has yet to respond to these pressing questions.
The persistence of fire toxins in the surroundings is another concern. according to experts,these toxins could linger for months,with strong winds like the Santa Anas potentially spreading them into soil and groundwater. Dr. Ilan Shapiro, a medical affairs officer for AltaMed, emphasizes the lasting impact of plastics and other burn materials. “And we need to remember that the fires are still going. That we still have burn materials coming out,” he said. As communities recover, the movement of ash during cleanup efforts could reintroduce these toxins into the environment.For Tanya Reyes, the decision to send her children back to Longfellow Elementary School, set to reopen next week, is fraught with uncertainty. The school is just two miles from where the Eaton Fire destroyed their rented home. Despite the school’s safety measures, Reyes remains hesitant. “My gut is saying ‘no,'” she said. “They shouldn’t be around that area. It’s too soon.” Her family is currently staying in West Hollywood, where she is exploring choice schooling options, including homeschooling.
The dilemma faced by parents like Reyes underscores the broader challenges of balancing children’s health with their educational needs. As Patel notes, “When kids miss school, that is also a detriment to their health. It impacts their learning, it impacts their socioemotional growth, their sense of connection and community during a time of crisis.” This sentiment echoes the struggles families have faced during wildfires and the pandemic, highlighting the complex interplay between safety and education.
| Key Concerns | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Health Risks | Exposure to chemicals linked to heart disease, lung issues, and Alzheimer’s |
| Environmental Impact | Toxins may persist for months, spreading via wind and groundwater |
| Parental Concerns | Uncertainty about air quality, ash testing, and cleaning protocols |
| Educational Disruptions | Missed school impacts learning, socioemotional development, and community |
As communities navigate the aftermath of these devastating fires, the need for clarity, thorough testing, and alternative solutions remains critical. Parents, educators, and health experts must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of children while addressing the educational disruptions caused by these crises.The Art of Crafting a Compelling News Story: A Journalist’s Guide
Writing a news story is both an art and a science. It requires precision, clarity, and the ability to convey essential information in a concise yet engaging manner. Whether you’re an aspiring journalist or a seasoned reporter, mastering the fundamentals of news writing is crucial.
The 5 Ws and 1 H: The Backbone of Every News Story
Every effective news story answers the fundamental questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. These elements ensure that readers are fully informed without unneeded fluff. As an example, a story about a local event should clearly state who organized it, what happened, where and when it took place, why it’s significant, and how it unfolded. This structure keeps the narrative focused and accessible.
The Five-box Framework: Building a Story Fast
To streamline the writing process, journalists frequently enough use the Five-Box Framework. This method divides the story into distinct sections:
- Lede: The opening sentence or paragraph that grabs attention.
- Nutgraph: The core of the story, summarizing the most critically important details.
- Story Development: Expanding on the lede with more context and details.
- Supplemental Details: Adding statistics, expert opinions, or background information.
- Kicker: A strong closing element, such as a quote or thought-provoking statement.
This framework ensures that the story is well-organized and easy to follow, even for readers with limited time.
Writing for Impact: Tips and Techniques
Writing a news article differs from other forms of writing.it demands brevity and clarity while maintaining reader engagement. Here are some key tips:
- Be concise: Stick to the facts and avoid unnecessary elaboration.
- Use active voice: It makes the writing more dynamic and direct.
- Incorporate quotes: They add authenticity and provide firsthand perspectives.
- Include multimedia: Images, videos, or infographics can enhance the story’s appeal.
Table: Key Elements of a News story
| Element | Description |
|——————–|———————————————————————————|
| Lede | The opening sentence that hooks the reader. |
| Nutgraph | A summary of the most critical details. |
| Story Body | Detailed information,context,and background. |
| Supplemental | Statistics, expert opinions, or additional insights. |
| Kicker | A memorable closing element, such as a quote or call to action. |
Crafting the perfect Lede
The lede is arguably the most critical part of a news story. It must be compelling enough to draw readers in while succinctly summarizing the key points. For example, instead of writing, “A new policy was announced today,” try, “City officials unveiled a groundbreaking policy today aimed at reducing traffic congestion by 30%.”
The Role of Multimedia in News Writing
Incorporating multimedia elements like images, videos, or infographics can significantly enhance a news story. They provide visual context, break up text, and make the content more engaging. As an example, a story about a natural disaster could include a map showing affected areas or a video of the event unfolding.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of news writing takes practise, but understanding the fundamentals is the first step.By focusing on the 5 Ws and 1 H, using the Five-Box Framework, and incorporating multimedia, you can create stories that inform, engage, and resonate with your audience.
for more insights on news writing, explore this comprehensive guide or learn about the Five-Box Framework.
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AP reporter Melina Walling in Chicago contributed to this report.
The Art of Writing News: A Conversation with Journalist Melina Walling
Editor: Melina, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. What are the key elements of a compelling news story?
Melina Walling: Absolutely! The foundation of any great news story lies in answering the 5 Ws and 1 H: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. These elements ensure that readers get a complete picture of the event or issue. for example, if you’re reporting on a wildfire, you need to specify who is affected, what happened, where it occurred, when it started, why it’s critically important, and how it’s being managed.
editor: That makes sense. How do you structure a story to ensure it’s engaging and informative?
Melina Walling: One of the most effective tools journalists use is the Five-Box Framework.This includes:
- Lede: A captivating opening that grabs attention.
- Nutgraph: A summary of the most critical details.
- Story Development: Expanding on the lede with context and background.
- Supplemental Details: Adding statistics, expert opinions, or additional insights.
- Kicker: A strong closing element, like a quote or call to action.
this structure keeps the narrative organized and easy to follow.
Editor: How important is the lede in a news story?
Melina Walling: The lede is crucial.It’s your one chance to hook the reader. A good lede should be concise yet compelling. Rather of saying, “A new policy was announced,” you coudl write, “City officials unveiled a groundbreaking policy today aimed at reducing traffic congestion by 30%.” It’s specific, engaging, and immediately tells readers why they should care.
Editor: What role does multimedia play in news writing?
Melina Walling: Multimedia can elevate a story significantly. Images, videos, and infographics provide visual context and make the content more engaging. For instance, a story about a natural disaster could include a map of affected areas or a video of the event unfolding. These elements not only break up the text but also help readers better understand the subject matter.
Editor: What tips do you have for aspiring journalists?
melina Walling: First, always strive for clarity and conciseness. Stick to the facts and avoid unnecessary fluff. Use active voice to make your writing more dynamic. Incorporate quotes to add authenticity and firsthand perspectives. And don’t forget to include multimedia—it can make a world of difference.
Editor: Any final thoughts for our readers?
Melina Walling: News writing is both an art and a science. Mastering the fundamentals—like the 5 Ws and 1 H and the Five-Box Framework—will set you on the right path. Practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. Remember, the goal is to inform, engage, and resonate with your audience.
Editor: Thank you, Melina, for sharing your insights today. This has been incredibly helpful for our readers.
For more insights on news writing, explore this thorough guide or learn about the Five-Box Framework.