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Mariana Dale
What I cover
I explore and explain the forces that shape how and what kids learn from kindergarten to high school. Our K-12 education system has not always provided each child the same opportunities to succeed, but I believe all kids have the capacity to learn and find a meaningful place in the world.
My background
I started at LAist in 2019 as the early childhood reporter where I quickly realized that what we think of as education starts well before a kid steps into a classroom. Health, access to child care and nutritious food are a few of the many factors that shape young people’s lives. My reporting on the disparities in maternal mortality taught me that inequity can lead to deadly outcomes but also that there is a groundswell of community support pushing to change harmful systems.
I grew up in Arizona, where among other things, I reported on education, saguaro cactus and questions from people like you. I’m proud to mentor emerging journalists through Next Gen Radio and various education programs.
My reporting has earned a national Edward R. Murrow award, Hillman Prize and accolades from the L.A. Press Club and the Online News Association.
My goals
I want to help families navigate their child’s education, explore the challenges that prevent schools from creating an environment where all students can learn and highlight solutions.
Best way to reach me
I love to hear questions and ideas for stories about schools and the opportunities in our community for children to learn and grow. You can reach out by email at mdale@laist.com.
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Development threatens many native plants, including the dudleya, but succulents’ trendiness mean the succulents face a unique threat— poaching.
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Birthing support and advocacy from a doula will soon be available for more than 100,000 families a year.
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Preparation for major storms like the one expected this week happen year round.
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A California law that took effect Jan. 1 expands the type of people that workers can use family leave to care for when needed.
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Since February, California workers have had an additional 80 hours of paid leave related to COVID-19. The benefit disappears soon, with some caveats.
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Madeline wrote to the county in mid-November asking for approval to have a unicorn in her backyard. Now the hunt begins.
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While there are substitutes for amoxicillin, one pediatrician says without over-the-counter drugs it’s hard to find relief for coughing, feverish kids.
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Prowl with P-22, trace the life of a famed Black architect, Paul R. Williams, and meet a flower-spouting monster. There’s an illustrated story for readers of all kinds.
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Los Angeles County expects to distribute about 500 grants to child care providers outside the city of L.A.
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Why California's cute, troubled, disruptive wild burros are in danger of causing 'catastrophic harm'It’s hard not to find the curious, fuzzy-eared equids endearing. But they can also mow down vegetation, stomp on homes of native species and even disrupt military operations.
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Karla Pleitéz Howell will oversee a nonprofit that manages tens of millions of dollars of tobacco tax money for Los Angeles' early childhood programs.
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Challenger Hugo Soto-Martinez is a labor organizer who says the council is too slow to act. Incumbent Mitch O'Farrell says the council is plenty active.
