LASA 2021-2022 gathered via Zoom for our summer sessions over three days to meet each other and jump right into exploring LA together via mapping, considering water, and learning more about global plastics.
Spending time in break-out rooms, LASA students introduced themselves and took in the vast geography of our county by mapping routes connecting everyone in each group. Sam concluded this was his favorite part of the three days: “I did not expect our group to be so geographically diverse across all of L.A. I was surprised to find other students from Santa Monica and central L.A., and I enjoyed drawing maps to show how we could (and will) meet up.” Creative routes abounded, using freeways, public transportation, and even as the crow or drone flies.
The second day focused on water. LASA responded to our overnight challenge to methodically taste their water and report back. From “pure” and “refreshing” to “oily” and “like air-conditioning,” the responses covered a range of tastes as well as a number of types of water – tap, filtered, and bottled.
LASA also shared their research on the sources of their water. Interpreting the question in myriad ways, they reported water sourcing from the Colorado River, local wells, the Metropolitan Water District, the California Water Project, and more. Isabel reflected, “Something that stuck with me was the range of where water in Los Angeles originated from, whether that be tap, filtered, or bottled. I hadn’t ever put much thought into where my water was from and it was very interesting to see all the different places that people’s water was coming from.”
Metropolitan Water District Former General Manager Jeff Kightlinger joined us via Zoom to offer thoughts on water planning in a time of climate change. “When learning about where my drinking water comes from it was frightening to learn about how devastating the drought really is,” Anna B. shared, “Because Southern California has few local water sources the LA basin is heavily affected by the drought, meaning water will become an even more high value and price commodity. Before talking with an expert I had no concept of how precious water really is in the city of LA.” Greta added, “Something I found interesting was about politics when it comes to sharing water.” As he departed the Zoom, Jeff offered thoughts on his legacy as well as opportunities for careers within water LASA students might want to pursue.
On our final day of the summer, we looked outwards from LA to global issues involving plastics. USC Professor Josh Goldstein focused on the history and current state as well as action steps LASA and governments may take to create necessary change. Judah found Josh’s presentation on the aspects involving China quite interesting.
Lily J. noted, “our session on recycling was extremely eye-opening: one idea that really stuck out to me was that convenience and ease have contributed to more waste. Also something professor Goldstein said that [resonated] with me is that, ‘you need the social solutions to make the technological advancements a fix,’ meaning that to a certain extent, you need human cooperation, education, and understanding in order for technology to help us in the struggle that is climate change.” “It made me reflect on not only my environmental impact, but additionally,” Eliza added, “how corporations’ impact on climate change is drastically greater than the average consumer.” Rebecca L. shared that it “blew my mind to think that all of the things that I have recycled over the years, might very well have just become landfill.” As Olivia reflected on the talk and strategies to create change, she noted, “I was pleasantly surprised on how his talk was less about guilting people for using plastic, and more about providing information about the recycling system in general.”
As we wrap up the summer and looked towards the rest of our time together, Anna B. provides us with a goal to continue throughout the year, sharing, “my perception of what I understood about my city and global issues has completely shifted.” And LASA already is framing new questions to explore. Reese adds, “Professor Goldstein’s talk about recycling, plastic pollution, and e-waste has sparked my curiosity for larger issues like climate change.” Fernanda shares, “I would love to learn more about other people or organizations involved in both [water and plastics], and how those parties/people play a role in finalizing decisions that affect these topics.” And Ava adds, “I would love to learn more about the other ways Los Angeles is trying to become more sustainable, and the ways our individual households can continue to do our part in battling the climate crisis.”
We wish everyone – teachers and students – a great start to the new academic year and look forward to seeing you in September.