The Ports!

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LASA gathered on the edge of the Port of Long Beach to consider the San Pedro Port Complex. Settling under some trees, students learned about containerization and then broke up into groups to conduct their own research on environmental justice work in the surrounding communities, automation and labor, and the history of the port. After sharing what they discovered, we …

A Bit of Culture

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In March, LASA considered the role of art in LA’s cultural landscape. We gathered at LACMA and met with Abigail Duckor, assistant objects conservator. She led us through the conservation lab. Sofia reflects, “You never really think about how they conserve the art pieces and what goes on behind the scenes and how much work goes into it.” Noah adds, …

Examining the Human Body

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During February’s LASA, we considered bodies in LA. Thank you to LAPL’s Central Branch for hosting us in the morning. We welcomed Dr. Cynthia Willard, faculty leader of the USC-Keck Human Rights Clinic. Her work involves the forensic documentation of human rights abuses for asylum seekers here in Los Angeles. She shared her path to this work as well as the …

CORO Youth Fellows

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The Coro Youth Fellows is now taking applications for their summer program! An immersive, experiential, cohort-based summer program that engages high school participants in leadership skill development and understanding how local systems work. Youth Fellows will interview local leaders, participate in site visits to learn about how things get done in Southern California, and participate in small group projects that …

LASA Welcomes 2019!

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LASA kicked off 2019 at City Hall at the top of the Tom Bradley Tower. Thanks to those in City Hall who made this possible, Norma Challita and Christopher Hawthorne, as well as the LAPD officers who joined us. After taking in the 360 degree view on a stunning Saturday morning, LASA teacher John Lee shared an analysis of the …

On the Move!

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Did you see us? LASA moved around the city in November! We conveyed at LA Plaza for a day considering transportation in the city today and planning for the city of tomorrow. Kevin Ocubillo from LADOT taught us, as best summarized by Barker, to “think about streets, their function, and what you can do with them.” Ben shared that Kevin …

Both Sides of the Coin

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October’s LASA focused on justice and law in Los Angeles. An unexpected rain started the day and we took our bus to LAPD’s Rampart Division to hear from Captain McNeill Gardner – as well as Officer Delgado in her third week of work with LAPD. For some, this was a unique opportunity to speak with the police and ask questions. …

LASA Goes To Glenair

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First, an exciting LASA announcement: John Lee joined the LASA team in a new capacity, as LASA’s social media director. Welcome, John! In September, LASA considered the role of business and manufacturing in LA. We traveled to Glenair in Glendale. Thanks to Ron Logan and Rob Tillman for hosting us, providing us with a tour, and giving us lunch. “While …

LASA Plunges into 2018-19

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LASA welcomed the 2018-2019 class with a four-day intensive in August. Throughout the year, we will post student reflections and reports on our journey together. On Wednesday morning, we introduced ourselves, mapped LA, and caused an earthquake. Robert de Groot, from USGS, revealed a deep history of Southern California and shared his day-to-day work – explaining the magnitude of earthquakes …

LASA at LACMA: Art and Art Conservation in Los Angeles

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On May 19, LASA 2017-2018 celebrated its final day together with a trip to LACMA. Abigail Duckor, an Objects Conservator with LACMA, welcomed us and introduced us to her world of art at the intersection of chemistry. We toured the Conservation Lab and asked questions about materials, procedures, and pieces of art we saw tucked into boxes and behind cabinet …