Megan Jamerson

2 weeks ago | kcrw.com | Megan Jamerson

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) estimates that around 4.5 million tons of ash and debris need to be removed from the Palisades and Eaton burn scars. Property owners for 13,200 structures opted into the free federal cleanup program, and as of April 24, That debris - some of it toxic - has to go somewhere. The following map represents the 18 landfills and recycling facilities where the USACE says they are taking it.

3 weeks ago | kcrw.com | Megan Jamerson

As global brands and shipping companies begin to cancel sailings of goods from China in response to President Trump's trade war, Southern California's logistics industry faces growing uncertainty. Los Angeles and Long Beach combined make up the largest port complex in the western hemisphere. Port officials in Long Beach say they expect a 20% decrease in freight volume during the second half of this year, while port officials in Los Angeles expect a 10% decrease.

1 month ago | kcrw.com | Megan Jamerson

Every so often, labor unions in Los Angeles add a little pizzazz to their protests. A little creative expression. A little performance art. Take March 28 for instance, when former cashiers, cooks, and servers of the Original Pantry Cafe swapped protest chants for cries of "free pancakes!" Downtown commuters walking past the shuttered South Figueroa Street diner swung their heads around, and some stopped to eat during the sidewalk breakfast.

1 month ago | kcrw.com | Megan Jamerson

The Palisades and Eaton Fires generated approximately 4.5 million tons of ash and debris, according to local and federal authorities. A lot of this could end up in landfills and recycling centers throughout Southern California. LA County Department of Public Works originally identified 17 permitted locations where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) could take this debris across the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, and Kings.

1 month ago | kcrw.com | Megan Jamerson

The Eaton Fire destroyed Delores Abdus-Shakoor's family home, real estate business, and Masjid Al-Taqwa, the mosque her family helped to found in the 1970s. Now, two months after the devastating blaze, Abdus-Shakoor is focused on celebrating the Muslim holy month of Ramadan (Feb. 28 to Mar. 29, 2025) with no permanent gathering spot and many families displaced. "It's almost like a film. It's almost unreal," says Abdus-Shakoor. "Life goes on.