Julia Barajas
is following the impact of President Trump's immigration policies on Southern California communities.
Published November 21, 2023 5:00 AM
Fertilizer from Santa Monica College's composting system is used for landscaping and the school's gardens.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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Topline:
At Santa Monica College, some 400,000 red wiggler worms transform 300 pounds of campus waste into nutrient-rich soil every week.
Why it matters: The worm composting system is part of broader efforts to make the campus more sustainable, another method to address the climate emergency.
For The Half Million Worms That Chew Up Santa Monica College’s Food Waste, Thanksgiving Is Just Another Day
Every week, Kenny Derieg grinds about 300 pounds of food waste, mostly leftover fruit and vegetables gathered throughout Santa Monica College.
The grinder, he said, is “a very heavy duty, very fast spinning machine that turns any produce item you can think of into baby food.”
Derieg is the school’s recycling program specialist, and with the help of student workers, he mixes the goop with mulch and horse manure. Then, they deposit the mashed potato-like substance into two studio-sized bins. That’s where 400,000 red wiggler worms stand ready to devour it.
The worms have been at Santa Monica College since 2001 and are part of broader efforts to make the campus more sustainable, another method to address the climate emergency.
Instead of transporting this food waste to landfills — which would contribute to methane and carbon emissions — the college employs the worms to transform it into nutrient-rich fertilizer.
These “worm castings,” said Derieg, “are really special.” Not only do they take all the nutrients that were “locked up in those produce items and make them bioavailable for plants to absorb, but there are microbes and bacteria in the intestinal tract of the worms that are just magical for plants.”
The fertilizer is used for landscaping and also nurtures the school’s fruit trees and organic learning garden. And it increases the plants’ immune response and productivity, making trees, herbs, and flowers more abundant.
Derieg, Santa Monica College’s recycling program specialist, places ground vegetables into compost bins.
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Brian Feinzimer
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More than worms
The college employs newer forms of sustainability practices, too, including changes to its infrastructure. In the middle of the quad, for instance, a 75,000-gallon cistern prevents the waste of rainwater.
“We dug up a swimming pool-sized hole, filled it with crates to give it stability, then covered it with a permeable cloth and gravel and planted grass on top of it,” said Ferris Kawar, Santa Monica College’s sustainability manager.
Students use the quad to rest, chat, or play between classes, but when it rains, “all the water from campus is diverted there, so it fills up the pool underneath the grass, and then it slowly sinks down and refills our aquifers,” Kawar said.
This is significant, he explained, because when it rains in Southern California, the water generally hits “hard surfaces and goes straight into the gutter, without a chance to soak back in.”
Elsewhere on campus, 66 solar panels convert energy from the sun into power that’s used to heat up the water in the gym showers.
The Sustainability Center at Santa Monica College.
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Sustainability advances
And it’s the school’s Sustainability Center, which provides a gathering space for environmentally conscious students and staff, that serves as the most direct example of “green” living. Nearly every feature of the building — from its construction to its furnishings — has been made with the environment’s health in mind.
The center is housed in a 1940s cottage on Pearl Street. When it was renovated in the ‘90s, Santa Monica College opted for parallam board instead of solid wood beams. Parallam boards, said Kawar, are made of wood scraps, which are compressed and held together by nontoxic glue.
These boards have a “higher carrying capacity than a solid beam of wood,” he said. “And you don't have to grow a tree in a managed forest for 20 years, and then cut it down” to get them.
At the center, these boards are left exposed, so that students can see the alternative construction material.
Staff workstations include desks made of sunflower seed board, which also serves to reduce tree consumption while repurposing waste after seeds are harvested. The center’s cabinets and blinds are made of bamboo, which regenerate much faster than hardwood trees. In the living room, the couch and carpet are made from recycled water bottles. The center’s walls are insulated with recycled wool and denim. To make sure students take in these details, the center features peek-a-boo windows, enabling them to see what’s inside the walls.
Santa Monica College provides students with robust course offerings in sustainability, including two certificates and an associate’s degree in recycling and resource management. The Sustainability Center, which features blue placards highlighting all its environmentally friendly features, embodies what’s taught in the classroom.
“When students come through this office, I want them to understand that the solutions to all the really scary world problems we have are here with us today, we don't have to invent our way out of this. We've had the solutions at our disposal for many years,” Kawar said. “We're just not choosing them.”
Desks made from recycled sunflower shells inside of the Santa Monica College Sustainability Center.
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Brian Feinzimer
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A chance to get some sunlight
Derieg, the school’s recycling program specialist, grew up in Santa Monica and studied at the college before transferring to UCLA, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and urban planning. Still, he didn’t know about the worm system until after he returned to the college as an employee with a master’s degree in urban sustainability.
The worms are housed behind the campus bookstore, he said, “in a bit of a hidden area. Most students don't actually see what's going on back here.”
Interested in composting? Here’s how to get started:
Derieg, Santa Monica College’s recycling program specialist, has these recommendations:
Choose the right worms: Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are the best option.
Use an appropriate bin: Make sure the bin has multiple layers. The bottom layer is where the worm castings (poop) accumulate, the middle layer is where the worms mainly live, and the top layer is where the food is deposited. Also, make sure the bin gets air ventilation.
Use proper bedding: Coconut coir (pronounced "COY-er") and shredded newspaper are good materials for the worms. (The bins and bedding can be found online or at a home improvement store. You can also check with a local independent gardening store.)
Maintain proper conditions: Worms need their home to be moist but not too wet. The moisture level of a wrung-out sponge (damp to the touch but doesn’t drip when you squeeze it) is perfect. Worms also need the temperature to be between 55-75 degrees, so avoid direct sunlight.
Feed the worms a balanced diet: Red wigglers do not like acidic foods, and the soil can’t become too acidic, either. Avoid foods like citrus, onions, and tomatoes and prioritize foods that are alkaline or neutral in pH, such as leafy greens, carrots, potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, kale, broccoli, spinach, and asparagus. Avoid giving them cooked foods, only using raw vegetables.
Chop or blend food: The smaller the food items, the quicker the worms will be able to process it.
Be patient: Vermicomposting takes time and worms will become more efficient over time as they establish their population.
The college's sustainability courses provide opportunities to learn about the worms’ work. But students can also do this through on-campus employment.
Enrique Zanotta, a film production major who plans to transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, works with Derieg at the composting site. He rides around campus on a golf cart, picking up leftovers from the garden, the bodega (where students can get everything from fresh produce to diapers for free), and even the glassblowing classes.
For Zanotta, the work brings a welcome break from typical student life.
“I think it's cool that we get to be outside,” he said. “You know, sometimes a lot of classes, a lot of studying gets kind of monotonous. Here, we get to get a little sunshine, the chance to do physical work.”
On a recent November morning, Zanotta brought discarded lettuce to the composting site. Derieg added it to a pile of apples, celery, and bell peppers.
Student worker Enrique Zonneta thrusts the compost inside the worm bins at Santa Monica College.
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Brian Feinzimer
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The worms don’t like food with a lot of acid, said Derieg, so they keep things like oranges, onions, and coffee grounds to a minimum when preparing the goop.
Thanksgiving is coming up, but it’s not an especially important day for the worms. The goal is to keep them happy year round.
Still, they do partake in some holidays. After Halloween, Santa Monica College had a “huge pumpkin smashing event,” said Derieg. The worms got to feast on the scraps.
Derieg grinds vegetables before placing them into compost bins.
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Brian Feinzimer
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Derieg shows vegetable waste that will be ground and placed into compost bins.
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Brian Feinzimer
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Contrary to popular belief, the earth where the worms reside does not stink. Derieg inhaled the scent of the soil, comparing it to a forest floor after a fresh rain.
“Worms are a lot smarter than they get credit for,” he added. “They’re essentially the intestines of our planet.”
Then, Derieg got back to grinding discarded apples and lettuce. “Smells kind of good, right, almost like a juicery?”
Mariana Dale
explores and explains the forces that shape how and what kids learn from kindergarten to high school.
Published July 21, 2026 2:50 PM
The Marshall High School Jazz Band opened the 2026 Los Angeles Unified Opening of Schools event.
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Mariana Dale
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LAist
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Topline:
Los Angeles Unified students showed improvements on the state’s reading, math and science standardized tests for a third consecutive year.
Why now: Superintendent Andrés Chait announced the preliminary results at the annual opening-of-schools address at East L.A.’s Garfield High School— his first as the district’s leader since the board appointed him to the job in June.
“ These are not just numbers on a page,” Chait said to an audience that included about 1,000 principals, administrators and district supporters. “They are the result of your passion, your persistence, your belief in what students can achieve.”
Why it matters: Student achievement, as measured by test scores, plummeted during the pandemic. Los Angeles Unified’s growth in 2025 outpaced the state as test scores exceeded pre-pandemic levels. This year the percentage of students in all grades who met or exceeded the standard are 39.7% for math, 48.3% for English and 32.1% for science.
It’s unclear how this compares to students statewide because those results have yet to be released.
Read on ... for more information from the address. This story will be updated.
Students within the Los Angeles Unified School District showed improvements on state reading, math and science standardized tests for a third consecutive year, district authorities announced Tuesday.
Superintendent Andrés Chait revealed the preliminary results at the annual opening-of-schools address at East L.A.’s Garfield High School— his first as the district’s leader since the board appointed him to the job in June.
“ These are not just numbers on a page,” Chait said to an audience that included about 1,000 principals, administrators and district supporters. “They are the result of your passion, your persistence, your belief in what students can achieve. These are collective accomplishments.
"They reflect the dedication, skill, and commitment of our entire community,” he said.
Jai Gant-Leau, principal of Eagle Tree Continuation High School, said the “back-to-basics” focus of Chait’s speech was a welcome departure from the tone of recent opening addresses.
“We will continue to rise for the outcomes and expectations for the success of our students. That's the message I got,” Gant-Leau said. “Very different than the others where it was a lot of… bells and whistles.”
This year the percentage of students in all grades who met or exceeded the standard are 39.7% for math, 48.3% for English and 32.1% for science. It’s unclear how this compares to students statewide because those results have yet to be released.
“The decisions will be hard, but we cannot lose sight of what defines us,” Chait said. “We are the system that lifts students to opportunity, turns potential into achievement, creates spaces of belonging, healing, growth.”
Cato Hernández
covers important issues that affect the everyday lives of Southern Californians.
Published July 21, 2026 2:41 PM
The program will focus on homes that survived the Eaton Fire.
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images
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Topline:
Altadena residents with homes that survived the Eaton Fire will soon have a chance at getting their soil cleaned up. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a new remediation program focused on lead contamination.
Didn’t this already happen? The federal government previously remediated properties where homes burned, although that thoroughness has been scrutinized. Helen Chavez Garcia, a spokesperson for Supervisor Kathryn Barger, said the county’s new program will be for properties that are still-standing, to help residents facing insurance obstacles.
What we know: The program will use $3 million of state and county funds for administrative and remediation costs. It will prioritize applicants who live with pregnant women or children under 6 years old. These groups face serious health risks with lead exposure.
What’s next: The program structure is being figured out, but it will be under the L.A. County Development Authority. A cohort of community organizations and researchers are helping design it. That's expected to launch this fall.
Keep up with LAist.
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Lucas Brady Woods
covers the weather and disasters, among other climate and science topics.
Published July 21, 2026 2:37 PM
A beach vendor takes a break under the Santa Monica Pier last week. More heat is in store for Southern California this week and into next.
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images
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Topline:
A heat advisory is in place for much of Southern California from 10 a.m. Wednesday through Monday.
The heat: Temperatures are expected to climb steadily this week. Inland valleys in L.A., Riverside and San Bernardino counties will see highs between the mid-90s and about 105 degrees. Areas closer to the coast, including downtown Los Angeles and most of Orange County, will hit the 90s, while beaches hover mostly in the upper 70s. Humidity also continues to add to the discomfort, making it harder to cool down.
Fire risk: Despite higher-than-normal humidity, a combination of dry brush and wind will also increase the likelihood of fires sparking in some places. The risk will be concentrated in places prone to high winds, including parts of the 5 Freeway corridor in northern L.A. County, especially around the Grapevine, and southern Santa Barbara County.
Beach conditions: Forecasters expect dangerously large waves and strong rip currents to persist through the weekend along the Southern California coast.
Read on … to learn more about what’s driving these uncomfortable conditions.
We hope you’ve gotten used to the hot weather, because it’s going to be here for a while.
The National Weather Service has issued yet another heat advisory for much of Southern California, less than a week after other high-temperature warnings were lifted.
This week’s advisory will be in place from 10 a.m. Wednesday through Monday. Forecasters expect temperatures to climb steadily over the course of Wednesday and Thursday.
The San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley and other inland areas in L.A., as well as Riverside and San Bernardino counties, will likely see highs ranging from the mid-90s to about 105 degrees. Areas closer to the coast, including downtown Los Angeles and much of Orange County, will hit the 90s. Beaches will hover mostly in the upper 70s.
Humidity will also add to the discomfort. Even though it’s decreasing slightly, it makes cooling down harder, especially at night.
People who work outdoors or do not have air conditioning are especially at risk from the heat and humidity, along with people over 65, young children and other sensitive populations.
Making sense of heat forecasts
Southern Californians are no strangers to hot weather in the summer, but heat waves are getting hotter, longer and more frequent as the climate changes.
So you should know the words forecasters use to describe these weather events — and the risks they pose.
Heat advisory: Advisories are issued when temperatures are expected to be hot enough to cause discomfort and potentially lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for more vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly.
Extreme heat watch: Watches are essentially forecasts for upcoming periods of extreme heat. Forecasters say heat watches often cover wide areas and will be revised into more focused warnings and advisories as conditions become clearer over time. Watches are a good time to prepare for extreme heat.
Extreme heat warning: Warnings are issued when heat levels are or will likely become extremely dangerous. Under extreme heat warnings, it's a good idea to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, stay hydrated and help loved ones and pets stay cool.
Forecasters are warning that conditions are ripe for fires, driven by a combination of wind and dry vegetation.
Southern California hasn’t seen much rain recently, despite the humidity, leaving plants with little moisture and turning them into the perfect fuel.
“Even though the air feels kind of moist, we're in the time of season where it doesn't matter. The fuels are dry and they're ready to go,” said NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell.
Kittel said people should take extra care with anything that could create a spark, and residents in fire-prone areas should remain aware of their surroundings in case a fire starts.
The fire risk is likely to be concentrated in a few specific areas that will experience higher winds than others, including parts of the 5 Freeway corridor in northern L.A. County, especially around the Grapevine, and in southern Santa Barbara County.
For most of the region, though, winds should stay fairly mild.
Dangerous beach conditions
Southern Californians also have to contend with some ocean-specific risks this week.
Forecasters expect dangerously large waves and strong rip currents to hit the coastline at a time when the heat may drive more people to the beach. The conditions are expected to persist through the weekend.
If you decide to head to the beach, it’s a good idea to ask a lifeguard for advice on the conditions before entering the water. It’s also recommended to swim only near occupied lifeguard stands, stay off of rock jetties and avoid turning your back to the waves.
South-facing stretches of coastline will bear the brunt of the swell, which is being driven by two tropical storms churning hundreds of miles away in the Pacific Ocean.
“Those two systems generated the winds and the waves locally that are pushing towards us, and so that's creating elevated surf and some stronger currents than normal,” Kittel said.
The swell is not expected to cause significant coastal flooding as high tides remain relatively low.
Free transportation to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area swim beach will be available this week as East LA families continue to seek relief from another heat wave and the aftermath of the Lineage warehouse fire.
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Jackie Ramirez
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Boyle Heights Beat
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Topline:
Free transportation to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area swim beach will be available this week as East LA families continue to seek relief from another heat wave and the aftermath of the Lineage warehouse fire.
Why now: More than a month after the Lineage Logistics warehouse fire, many residents continue to report persistent odors from rotting food and cleanup efforts. Because of the ongoing air quality concerns and community complaints, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation has canceled its local aquatic programming.
Free rides begin Wednesday: Los Angeles County is offering complimentary transportation Wednesday through Saturday to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area Swim Beach in Irwindale. Pickup locations are at select Eastside parks.
Read on . . . for more information on the free shuttle services, schedules and more.
Free transportation to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area swim beach will be available this week as East LA families continue to seek relief from another heat wave and the aftermath of the Lineage warehouse fire.
Los Angeles County is offering complimentary transportation Wednesday through Saturday at select Eastside parks so residents can enjoy a day at the lake at no cost.
More than a month after the Lineage Logistics warehouse fire, many residents continue to report persistent odors from rotting food and cleanup efforts. Because of the ongoing air quality concerns and community complaints, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation has canceled its local aquatic programming.
To ensure families still have access to summer recreational activities, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis directed resources toward providing the “beach bus” program to Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area Swim Beach in Irwindale.
Read below for more information on the free shuttle services, schedules and more.
Pickup locations
Belvedere Aquatic Center
5035 1st St. East Los Angeles, CA 90022
Obregon Park Pool
4021 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90063
Salazar Park Pool
3864 Whittier Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90023
City Terrace Park Pool
1126 N. Hazard Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90063
Shuttle dates and times
Wednesday, July 22
Thursday, July 23
Friday, July 24
Saturday, July 25
Morning trip:
Check in at 8:30 a.m.
The bus departs East LA at 9 a.m.
The bus leaves Santa Fe Dam to go back to East LA at 12 p.m.
Afternoon trip:
Check in at 12:30 p.m.
The bus departs East LA at 1 p.m.
The bus leaves Santa Fe Dam to go back to East LA at 4 p.m.
What to know
No registration or proof of address is required, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own food and drinks. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
