The Brief

All Los Angeles Unified schools, child care and adult education centers will be closed through Friday, Jan.10, but some essential staff will be working to distribute food to families.

The district will distribute meals to LAUSD students from 8–11 a.m. Friday at 16 schools. Families may receive two meals per student.

In region North:

• Mulholland Middle School — 17120 Vanowen St., Lake Balboa
• Sepulveda Middle School — 15330 Plummer St., North Hills
• San Fernando Middle School — 130 N Brand Blvd, San Fernando
• Richard E. Byrd Middle School — 8501 Arleta Ave, Sun Valley

In region East:

• Hollenbeck Middle School — 2510 E 6th St., Los Angeles
• South Gate High School — 3351 Firestone Blvd., South Gate
• Los Angeles Academy Middle School — 644 56th St, Los Angeles
• John H. Liechty Middle School — 650 S Union Ave, Los Angeles

In region South:

• Fremont High School — 7676 San Pedro St., Los Angeles
• Harry Bridges Span School — 1235 Broad Ave., Wilmington
• Edwin Markham Middle School — 1650 E 104th St, Los Angeles
• Barack Obama Global Preparation Academy — 1700 W 46th St, Los Angeles

In region West:

• Marina Del Rey Middle School — 12500 Braddock Dr., Los Angeles
• Sonia Sotomayor Arts and Sciences and Magnet -— 2050 N San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles
• Berendo Middle School — 1157 S Berendo St, Los Angeles
• Fairfax High School —7850 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles

A role for closed schools

Staff arrived at Wilmington's Harry Bridges Span School around 5 a.m. to fill 900 plastic bags with fruit, milk and sandwiches.

“We want [families] to know that we're here for them,” said Alfonzo Webb, who helps the district oversee school operations. “We want them to know that we care for their well-being and their children, and we would like to see them in school as soon as possible.”

Workers passed out more than 100 meals in their first hour of service. While most parents LAist interviewed were glad to keep their kids inside— and out of the smoky air— school closures did pose some challenges.

“I'm on a budget at home,” said Melissa Cervantes, a mom of six school-age kids. “My meals and stuff are [normally] planned out. So I was not expecting lunch today.”

On a typical school day, LAUSD schools offer free breakfast and lunch for every student, and 80% of the population qualifies for free and reduced-price meals.

Oliver, who declined to give his last name, said one of his daughters called and asked to be picked up from school early Wednesday because the air quality was so bad.

“Parents always love it when kids get out of the house —they are learning,” Oliver said. “While at home, they eat down the whole pantry [but] at least we know they are safe and we also appreciate the fact that LAUSD are doing everything to keep them safe.”