Tejal Rao on KCRW
More from KCRW
Altadena mosque was destroyed but Ramadan traditions go on
ReligionThe Eaton Fire destroyed Masjid Al-Taqwa, but during Ramadan, the community still finds ways to gather and provide a sense of normalcy.
Invasive plants make fires worse. Can they be stopped?
EnvironmentInvasive plants are overrunning the Santa Monica Mountains, making fires more destructive and more frequent. Thus, conservationists are trying to grow more native species.
Poppies aren’t popping: Why a superbloom won’t happen this year
EnvironmentSpring is usually peak poppy season for Southern California, but limited winter showers dampened the flower species’ chances.
LA’s labor unions grab attention with creativity
Business & EconomyFree pancakes, sidewalk runway shows, and cheeky wall calendars — LA’s labor unions have a knack for seizing public attention.
Angelenos learn to schmooze, kvetch, and kvell in Yiddish
Race & EthnicityYiddish, the historic language of Jews in Europe, was once spoken by tens of thousands of Jews in Los Angeles before largely fading away. Now it’s making a comeback.
After the fires, surfers weigh the risks beneath the waves
WildfiresSince the Palisades Fire, many surfers have avoided the breaks from Malibu to El Porto. But stubbornness and new water quality reports might change that.
LA Metro CEO talks public safety, system growth, Olympics
TransportationLA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins discusses the transit system’s planned expansions, progress on its in-house police department, and funding for the 2028 Olympics.
Soil testing in fire zones reveals toxic material left behind
WildfiresToxic material in burn scars remained even after cleanup, an investigation found. Do homeowners feel safe rebuilding?
Where is fire debris going? Here’s a map of potential sites
WildfiresLandfills and recycling centers in five California counties are on the list of potential fire debris disposal sites.