Morning Briefing: LA Teachers Speak Out

Good morning, L.A.

LA’s public school students are unlikely to return to campus any time soon, as the county remains in the most restrictive reopening tier. But teachers and administrators are still thinking through what a return to campus might look like, so they’re ready when it finally happens.

Yesterday, the union that represents teachers detailed some of their requirements for in-person learning.Those requirements include not teaching students remotely and in-person at the same time, with some students logging on from home and some in the classroom; no roving teachers or students; and keeping cohorts of students isolated from one another.

Despite the many challenges to virtual schooling, union teachers would prefer to have students continue the distance learning they’ve been doing so far, rather than try to reinvent the wheel… again.

“A potential physical return would have to use a hybrid schedule,” said United Teachers Los Angeles President Cecily Myart-Cruz, “and frankly, there is no such thing as a good hybrid schedule.”

Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.

– Jessica P. Ogilvie

The Past 24 Hours In LA

Race In L.A.: LAist contributor Rashad Al-Dabbagh writes about why he pushed for a separate census identity box for his fellow Arab Americans.

Coronavirus: Tobin Nichols contracted COVID-19 eight months ago, and is still dealing with lingering lung/breathing issues and what he calls "COVID brain fog." L.A. County’s limited stay-at-home order begins tonight, and restaurants and bars are preparing for it.

Election 2020: Republican Congressman Mike Garcia’s lead over State Assemblymember Christy Smith in the race for California’s 25th Congressional District is incredibly slim.

Weekend Reads

There's a lot going on in the world right now, and it’s hard enough to keep up with our day-to-day lives, let alone to stay current on the news. But if you have some time this weekend, here’s what you may have missed:

USC’s much-heralded Trojan Marching Band is steeped in racism and toxic culture, according to students and alumni. (The Daily Trojan)

Native American elder Alan Salazar uses storytelling to teach Southern Californians of all ages about his ancestral tribes, the Chumash and the Tataviam. (San Gabriel Valley Tribune)

Pasadena’s annual Doo Dah Parade is always an eccentric event, and this year’s promises to be even weirder. (Pasadena Now)

A public art display of L.A.’s old street lights is moving from its longstanding location at Vermont and Santa Monica to a location a few blocks away. (The Eastsider)

This L.A. writer traced her history back to Belarus and rediscovered her ancestral land. (The LAnd)

A committee of Black men dedicated to equality in education are pushing for immediate action to combat implicit bias towards young learners. (L.A. Sentinel)

Love and loss take center stage in a local Salvadoran poet’s new book. (L.A. Taco)

Photo of the Day

Artwork projected on windows is seen during the "Visions In Light: Windows On The Wallis" at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

(Photo by Jean Baptiste Lacroix/Getty Images)

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The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don't pan out. Others get added. Consider this today's first draft, and check LAist.com for updates on these stories and more. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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