{"@context":"http://iiif.io/api/presentation/3/context.json","id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/iiif/wh2d797m99/manifest","type":"Manifest","label":{"en":["Lost \u0026 found: Yusra Farzan"]},"logo":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/200/original/lapl_logo.png?1628076950","metadata":[{"label":{"en":["Agent"]},"value":{"en":["Yuzra Farzan","Reporter at Last"]}},{"label":{"en":["Date"]},"value":{"en":["2025-12-15"]}},{"label":{"en":["Format"]},"value":{"en":["MPEG-4"]}},{"label":{"en":["Type"]},"value":{"en":["TheirStory"]}}],"provider":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/aboutus","type":"Agent","label":{"en":["Los Angeles Public Library"]},"homepage":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/","type":"Text","label":{"en":["Los Angeles Public Library"]},"format":"text/html"}],"logo":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/200/original/lapl_logo.png?1628076950","type":"Image"}]}],"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/299/684/small/Screenshot_2026-01-09_at_10-54-04_Story_Hub_-_TheirStory.png?1767984875","type":"Image","format":"image/png"}],"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684","type":"Canvas","label":{"en":["Media File 1 of 1 - open-uri20260108-2656257-4pzoqo.mp4"]},"duration":1654.61333,"width":640,"height":360,"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/299/684/small/Screenshot_2026-01-09_at_10-54-04_Story_Hub_-_TheirStory.png?1767984875","type":"Image","format":"image/png"}],"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/content/1","type":"AnnotationPage","items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/content/1/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"painting","body":{"id":"https://aviary-p-lapl.s3.wasabisys.com/collection_resource_files/resource_files/000/299/684/original/open-uri20260108-2656257-4pzoqo.mp4?1767897683","type":"Video","format":"video/mp4","duration":1654.61333,"width":640,"height":360},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684","metadata":[]}]}],"annotations":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["TheirStory Transcript (Paragraphs with Speakers) [Transcript]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e Um, I'm a reporter at LAist, which is based in Pasadena. So our station was affected. I had a bunch of colleagues lose their homes, um, in the January wildfires, on the day the wildfires broke out. Um, I was at the station, and I remember the winds were really bad. And the NWS had issued a really harsh warning, which was very unusual for them. They called it life threatening winds. And I actually wrote the story about that. Um, so we updated the story and we heard about the Palisades wildfire. Um, I want to say around 1040, 11 ish. Um, we get alerts from lAFD about this wildfire, and we had a work event. Um, and because we'd known about the winds, my first task was finding out, you know, uh, about evacuation orders. Evacuation warnings, how far that spread. And I remember I was on the phone at I was on the phone with the LA fire department, was trying to get in touch with the Pio, and the lines were busy for a really long time. And then, um, when I finally spoke to them, they said it was 200 acres and not contained by that point, 200 acres. It was spreading very, very fast. And, um, it was not contained. So then it was so at LA, the way we approached news, our first thought is, okay, what would residents find most useful? What would the community find most useful? So we first reported on evacuation orders. You know, what can people do if they're trying to evacuate in a hurry? I remember that day I wrote a story about if you're driving away and there's high winds. Like what? What are some tips you should be taking during that time? Um, and so it was immediately reporting on things like that. And I live, I live in the South Bay, and my editor was like, I think you should go home because the traffic's going to be really bad. These winds are going to pick up in the evening. You should go home. Um, and so instead of driving back on the 110 and I could see the smoke from the Palisades fire, and the wind was really, really harsh. And, you know, it was like tiny rocks were, like, hitting my windscreen. I was really scared. But I got home and then it was again back online, getting that story up about driving in the high winds. And then we get alerts, um, that there the fire had broken out. Um, and since our station is in Pasadena, we have a lot of, you know, colleagues who live very close by. Um, and so in addition to your sort of reporting and you're trying to get that information out, but you're also hearing from colleagues saying things like, I'm going to be packing up and leaving or I'm packing up, you know? Um, so like, it's all of this is happening on slack. And then my, my shift was done for the day, but my editor was like, we need you to start early the next morning. Um, we typically don't staff during the nights, but just given the situation, we had to have folks. Um, and so we're staffed in the night and then he's like, can you start at 4 a.m.? And I did. And so just waking up the next morning hearing just how I couldn't even sleep. And I remember my executive editor reached out and she was just like, we need you to rest because we need you up in the morning tomorrow, and we need you to be alert and fresh. Um, you feel very isolated. It felt like the pandemic almost, because you hear of all of your colleagues who are being affected, right? Like they're evacuating. But you also have to sort of keep your head and think of like the greater community. What is their need in that moment? Um, I've never, ever experienced something like this. Um, so, like, the next morning it was me and my editor were figuring out. And then I think in that during that period, the hardest part also started and just the magnitude of how fast it was spreading. Um. Honestly,","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=3.52,274.01"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/2","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S2:\u003c/strong\u003e I was kind of just sitting at home. So","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=274.01,276.17"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/3","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e we're trying to sort of get all of those information accurate and then checking in on schools, checking in on, um, how communities were faring. One of my first stories in that time was people have evacuated. People are losing their homes. Some of these are my colleagues. Um, I have a I have a daughter. She's six and she was so confused because we like the air quality was really bad. And she had all these questions because some people from the Palisades evacuated to where we are. So, you know, like she's seeing all of that and she had all these questions. So I think when it came to responding in that moment, a lot of us were sort of doing stories that we were hearing from the community. So for me, it was literally like something she was asking me. She was asking me all of these questions, and I was like, I think this would be a helpful resource. You know, how to talk to kids about something like this. Um, and then we were also sort of lining up stories for what the, you know, like future stories on this. Um, I'm visibly Muslim. I heard about a mosque, um, that had burnt down, and it was one of the only black, um, like, so black Muslims in the majority in America, but they have very few community spaces, and this was one of them. Um, so one of my first stories after that was reaching out to the mosque community. I think we were the first, um, to cover it, reaching out to the mosque community to find out how they were fairing. Um. And I got to go out there because I had a press pass, even though it was closed off. And then having people tell you things like, can you check? So one of the people that I interviewed, her husband stayed behind because they didn't have fire insurance. So he was still in the house and he managed to save the house using pool water. Um, and then she said, can you just check on him, maybe give him some? And I was like, I can't do that because, you know, and so I think it's also navigating, you know, stuff like that. Because at the end of the day, I'm also human. But then I also have these like ethics that I have to adhere to. Um. And I remember speaking to one of. He's like the head of the mosque. He had lost his business. He had lost his home, and he'd lost his place of worship that he'd built. And it was not just a place of worship. It was also a place of community. And just hearing their stories and also having to sort of you're hearing about community members, you're hearing about colleagues who have been affected. But you're also, you know, because of the nature of our job, you have to keep this, like persona. I think that was yeah, it was one of the hardest stories. Um, and they're all like, they're also very they were very generous. I remember I'm like, they've lost everything. And they evacuated to Silver Lake, but they came out to Altadena to tell me their stories. Um. They couldn't come with us to where the mosque was. But I could go in and I went with a photographer. And I remember just we were just. I've never seen anything like that, ever. Like the rubble. Um, and at the mosque, I was expecting to see, like, maybe a remnant of a book or a cop or nothing. It was nothing. The only thing that I could tell that this was a mosque was you'll have chairs. If people can't stand up to pray, they line up chairs. And that's usually facing, um, Mecca and those chart like. So the chairs were still facing that way, but it was just charred. It was just like skeletons. Um. Yeah. So","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=276.17,527.33"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/4","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S3:\u003c/strong\u003e kind of going to that when you were maybe driving home, what were you feeling and like what was going through your head from your like self and also your reporter self. Um,","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=527.37,538.88"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/5","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e we couldn't we couldn't just up and leave. So like usually when you take, you know, when you go out on assignment, you can take photographs and you just sort of leave right after. Right. I think for my colleague and I, it was like we couldn't it was it felt like it needed a moment of silence, like we had to just like spend some time reflecting. And I think so the mosque is on Lake um. And since she's a photographer, she also wanted to get some other photos for sort of like, you know, like a photo bank. And as we were driving down, I think it was just just how the fire spread that far as well. There were some blocks that were completely burnt down and some that were completely untouched. The mosque is in front of a school and from the outside the school looked like it was okay. But then when you look at the windows, it was like all the glass was shattered and you could see that inside, and it was just like there was no method to the madness. Like, I think trying to make sense of that as well. Like, how was this corner spared? But this one not, you know. Um, and I remember we she she was taking some photos and we got out of the car and just seeing the electric cables, it was like somebody just cut wires, like, as if they would cut paper. And I know how strong stuff like that is, you know? So just seeing how. It was, like, reduced to nothing. Um, and I remember we were looking at somebody's house. We could see nothing that told us, you know, who lived here and their story. There was nothing that sort of shared the kind of person that they were. But there was this Succulent garden that was completely untouched. So it was just like it felt. It felt almost invasive, like we're looking at their house. But it's just rubble. You're standing in somebody's garden. And I remember, like, her name is Samantha, our photographer. I was just telling her I was like, this feels so wrong that we're looking at people's houses and inside their houses. But I'm sorry. We're looking inside of their houses. But, you know, people are private. Not everybody wants to put their lives on display like this. And it feels it felt very. It felt like we were intruders, almost, you know, um. Because people don't just let you into their homes, you know, like, not everyone's comfortable with that. But here we are. We're just able to see everything we could tell where a pool once stood or, you know. Oh, that must have been like the kitchen. Or that was where the fireplace was. Um. And I love being a local reporter. I love being a community reporter. But I think in times like that, like I think it was also I'm trying to say it without saying. Mind. Fuck. I don't know what else to use because during these times you also see so many people like the international national reporters. Everybody was out there, right? And they're taking pictures and they're talking and things like that. And I'm I always think about this. I've covered disasters. Um, I've been covering the Rancho Palos Verdes landslides for like the last two years. And I always think about this in disaster reporting. You know, as reporters, we go out there when there's big news or whatever, and then we just leave. But these are people's stories that you're extracting from, and these are people's lives that you're talking about, right? Like, and I think this story in particular, it hit very close to home because I had colleagues who also lost their homes. So this is what it felt like. You know, this isn't just this is very much my community as well. Like, this is, you know, like this, like I know people like I had colleagues, one of my colleagues, he didn't lose his home, but his very pregnant wife and him had to evacuate. And then they had to wait till, like, the house was cleared of damage. Um, and you think about that, right? Like, they wouldn't want their stories just sort of shared publicly. Um, I think we would. For me, I always grappled with this as a reporter. Like, how do we not be extractive of people's stories? How do we tell these stories in a way that really captures the community, the essence of what it is. And I think what I really sort of come out of this thinking is how is this useful? Right? Like, are we just telling this story because we're going to get clicks or because, you know, like stories of like loss and things like that? You know, it can appeal to like a certain type of audience. Why are we telling this story? Like, really, really reflecting on that. Um, and I think as a newsroom, we've had some really good conversations on that as well. Like, you know, what makes something a story? Like what? Like, why are we telling this? Like, what are we hoping people would gain out of this? Um, and I think even driving out of there because for me, it felt very personal, like, you know, we're looking at this like the rubble. It's people's homes. And then we just go back and we're supposed to go about our lives. Um, I think it's like, okay, how can we sort of add value to the conversation as reporters. Um, I think we've really reflected on that as a newsroom as well. Like, and what are some lessons that we learned for something like if something like this happens again, you know, so I think really thinking through what makes something a story, like, why are we telling this in the story of the mosque? It was telling a story not just of a mosque, but it ended up being a story about community, a place where people grew up together and those bonds that even once they've left the community. Why, you know, how those how those bonds and those lessons that they learned in that community space continues to impact them? Um, how it was a place of sort of generational community, you know, people people came back with, like their kids and their grandkids. So instead of just it being a story of doom and gloom, here's a story of that. Um, another story that I told from the wildfires was about a mail carrier in Pasadena. He had the same route, or he was a mail carrier in the area for 34 years. But he lived in Altadena around on his first day back from work. And that's what I learned from him as well. You know, um, here was this man who's dedicated his life. Just thought of it as like, community service, his job. But he formed so many relationships and how that greater community came through to support him after, like, his family suffered this devastating, devastating loss, you know, um, so I think it's that it's like what makes something a story. Why are we telling this? Is it just for, again, clicks or doom and gloom? No, this is community. This is people's lives and this is resilience, you know? So, like, really thinking through what makes something a story. I think that was my biggest lesson. You know, Palisades. I'm","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=539.52,1001.07"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/6","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S4:\u003c/strong\u003e the Palisades. So","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1001.07,1002.47"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/7","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e do you know. Yeah. Are y'all opened those homes. Had to evacuate both. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. It's","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1002.47,1012.97"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/8","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S3:\u003c/strong\u003e been a journey, I'm sure. Yeah.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1013.01,1015.57"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/9","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e And then navigating school and. Yeah.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1015.61,1018.09"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/10","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S3:\u003c/strong\u003e That was definitely quite a challenge. Yeah. Yeah.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1018.09,1021.85"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/11","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S4:\u003c/strong\u003e Yeah. We're","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1022.21,1022.97"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/12","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S3:\u003c/strong\u003e excited to be here. Like, this is an awesome opportunity for us, for sure. I'm","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1022.97,1027.569"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/13","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e sure it's also healing in some way. Right. Like being able to. Yeah. Yeah. This","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1027.569,1034.53"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/14","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S4:\u003c/strong\u003e is great if you're ready to start. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Okay.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1034.53,1037.05"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/15","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S3:\u003c/strong\u003e Um, and then you mentioned covering other, um, natural disasters before. How has this differed from that besides, like, the enormity of people affected? Um,","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1037.41,1049.93"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/16","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e and it's always sort of been wildfires or storms, right. So like the 2023, 2024 winter storms? Um, I think the magnitude for sure. But I think this time around, um, I mostly we go into the office at least twice or thrice a week, but this time, because, um, ash got into the station and the air quality within the station, they asked all of us to work from home, except if you were a host. And like a core team of producers and, um, uh, technicians who had to come in. So it was a very small group, um, till they cleaned up the station, um, there was some damage to some equipment and things like that. So I think this time it felt very isolating. Right. Um, you couldn't like some working from home? I'm telling this story. Yes, I'm able to interact, but I was only interacting with my editor, my immediate team. Whereas, like, during something like this, when, you know, it's your colleagues affected and it was every day was like you were hearing a story of somebody, you know, who went back and found that their home wasn't standing or they had to evacuate. Um, I think it was also that it became it sort of came to our doorsteps and it was the isolation factor. Um, I think that was very, very hard. Um, you're telling this very devastating story, but. And I always say this, I think being a journalist is a very lonely profession, right? Because sometimes you work on stories that you don't get to come and share with family or friends because of the nature till it comes out. There is this level of sort of we're not going to share it till it comes out because, you know, it's a sensitive story. And I think this time around, um. You're hearing about it affecting your own colleagues, but you can't sort of be in a community with each other. And then I also think I live in the South Bay. It was like after like, you know, after like the smoke had sort of cleared up. People were going on with their lives. So I think it was even that for me, where I'm still covering this and I'm still very much a part of this tragedy, it was all hands on deck situation given, you know, the magnitude, given that a lot of our colleagues were affected. But it's also life is as normal for some people just a few miles south, you know, um, that was a mind fuck again. Like it was just like, how can people just go about their lives when this is happening to some, um, and I think not being able to like. Um, talk about that because it's like it is very isolating. Right. Like, not a lot of people in my circle had people who were affected, whereas like for me it was like every day, okay, this person, another colleague or another newsroom. And I think As journalists, especially as the industry has gotten so much smaller. You know, people at like the LA times or, you know, other organizations. I think it was also that, you know, um, just seeing how people had to do these stories while also dealing with loss, um, and that loss is not something that ended after the fires ended. Right? Like for some, it's been still ongoing. Um, and now being able to go back home and things, I think it's like an ongoing conversation. Um, and then how can we provide support, right, for, like, colleagues affected and stuff? I remember I was texting with a few and I was like, I have an extra bed. Like if you needed to come and like, stay here and things like that. Conversations around PPE, like, do we have enough? Like, how are we going out there? Like our own safety and things like that? Um, yeah. Here's","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1050.81,1299.42"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/17","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S3:\u003c/strong\u003e other people's stories, especially the mosque. That's a beautiful story. What would you want to tell? Like people going through this and people still wanting to, like, remember it while the rest of the world moves on? Um.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1299.52,1315.48"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/18","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e I","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1317.64,1317.76"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/19","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e think this is any disaster, right? Like,  wish people stick around for the rebuilding.  wish people stick around to sort of see how community comes together. 'm still in touch because for us, this is an ongoing story. t's not something we are going to forget anytime soon. Um, so for us, it's very much front and center in what we do. And  think it's just that just watching people, um, come together to rebuild, to, um. Sort of how they're navigating life, you know, um, 've learned of things like one of my friends has become a block captain. So she's sort of shepherding in Altadena. She's sort of shepherding the rebuilding in her, um, like on her block. And then just also seeing how people take advantage of the tragedy and just really doing stories to highlight that as well. Like, we've done a lot of stories on rent gouging and price gouging. And just so  think,  think, is that  wish people just stick around because yes, it's devastating in that moment. But  like me personally. 've also been very moved and inspired to sort of see how community rallies around each other, you know, like in the story of the mosque, like 'm talking to this man who's lost his home, business, community space. And he wasn't, you know, like he was already thinking about, like, we're going to be coming back. Like when  spoke to the mail carrier,  remember he said this one thing, and it stuck with me even now. Um, he said, because he's evacuated and he's rebuilding. But he said now when he goes home, he makes a right to go home. And that was something that he had to get used to because for 34 years he went left and he said,  will go left again. And  was like, yes, you will. So it's tough like that, like it sticks with you, you know. Um, and  think,  think this tragedy and then just seeing how the community came together,  did this story as well. t is related to the fires. Um,  think we saw such an outpouring of donations after the wildfires. Right. And  remember, like one of the visuals that  kept seeing was clothing, just mountains and mountains of clothing that people donated. Um, and so  did a story about what happened to all of that. And it's really sad to say that the majority of it people couldn't really reuse because it was it was trash. A lot of it,  think, even just like trying to like, like what are our lessons learned from even stuff like that, right? Like when a disaster strikes, everybody feels helpless and you want to, like, donate. And your first thing is like, oh,  have all of this stuff people can use. No, they can't. Like, if you're not using it, somebody else is not going to. So  think really thinking about lessons learned, even in stuff like that, like continuing those conversations. Right. Like, um, it's not this not just this one story of like, okay, you donated your clothing and then now what? But it's really following through and really sticking with it. Like,  still keep in touch with the mail carrier and the mosque because  want to still keep telling that story, you know, because it's not just a story of loss, but it's also that rebuilding story. So  really like wish people stick around for that full picture, you know. And","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1317.76,1533.3"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/20","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S3:\u003c/strong\u003e fire kind of afterwards. And I'm continuing this story. How do you see the rebuilding or like. Yeah, um, of the Palisades and Altadena. Are you hopeful about it, or do you have another feeling? Yes","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1533.34,1550.45"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/21","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e and no. I hope they rebuild in a way that is sustainable. Um, I hope we rebuild in a way where we learn from the lessons from this tragedy and, um, like something I'm really keen on pursuing and I've been trying to tell this story is how are we preparing for disasters? Like what is emergency response look like when we get wind warnings like that? What should we be doing in, you know, what can we learn from that? So I think it's also stuff like that, like the accountability angle. Um, I don't think one entity or one person is to blame for all of this. I think there's something here where we can all sort of come together. But I think this is where reporting is also very crucial. And I think local reporting plays such an important part in that accountability angle. Like how are we learning from this? How are we not making the same mistakes again? Um, how are we preparing for disasters in the future as well? Right. Um, wildfires are becoming more common in Southern California. How are we preparing for that? Um, so I think that, like, for me, I'm seeing our role as reporters really being that accountability angle, like really holding power to account. Thank","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1550.45,1636.11"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/22","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S3:\u003c/strong\u003e you. And then last question, is there anything else you would like to add or share? Um.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1636.11,1644.15"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/23","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e I","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1645.87,1645.95"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/24","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e can't think of anything. Yeah.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1645.95,1647.71"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/25","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S3:\u003c/strong\u003e Thank","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1649.11,1649.51"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/26","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S3:\u003c/strong\u003e you. ","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1649.51,1650.55"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/transcript/88186/annotation/27","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSPEAKER_S1:\u003c/strong\u003e you.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1650.55,1650.87"}]},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["Auto-generated Index (2025-12-15 18:01:55) [Index]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/28","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Introduction and Immediate Impact of the Wildfires","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=0.0,90.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/29","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker introduces themselves as a reporter at LAist in Pasadena and describes the initial chaos as wildfires break out in January. They recount the severe wind warnings from the National Weather Service, the rapid spread of the Palisades wildfire, and the immediate effect on their colleagues, some of whom lost their homes. The speaker details the newsroom's urgent response to the unfolding disaster and the challenge of gathering accurate information amid busy emergency lines.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=0.0,90.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/30","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Reporting During the Crisis and Personal Experience","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=90.0,190.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/31","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker explains the newsroom's focus on providing practical information to residents, such as evacuation orders and safety tips for driving in high winds. They describe their own experience commuting home through hazardous conditions, witnessing the smoke and feeling the physical effects of the wind. Despite personal fear, the speaker continues to work remotely, updating stories to help the community navigate the crisis.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=90.0,190.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/32","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Overnight Coverage, Colleague Impact, and Family Concerns","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=190.0,321.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/33","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker discusses the newsroom's decision to staff overnight due to the severity of the situation, requiring them to start work at 4 a.m. They reflect on the emotional toll of hearing from colleagues who are evacuating or losing their homes, and the sense of isolation reminiscent of the pandemic. The speaker also shares how their young daughter was confused by the disaster and the influx of evacuees, prompting questions about how to talk to children about traumatic events.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=190.0,321.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/34","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Community Stories and Reporting Ethics","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=321.0,527.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/35","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Prompted by her daughter's questions, the speaker creates resources for families and shifts focus to community-driven stories. They cover the destruction of a local mosque, a vital space for Black Muslims, and navigate ethical dilemmas when asked to check on affected individuals. The speaker grapples with the balance between human empathy and journalistic ethics, especially when reporting on deeply personal losses within their own community.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=321.0,527.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/36","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Visiting the Disaster Area and Reflections on Reporting","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=527.0,721.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/37","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker describes the emotional experience of visiting the burned areas with a photographer, observing the randomness of destruction and the remnants of community spaces like the mosque. They reflect on the discomfort of witnessing the private devastation of others, feeling like intruders while documenting the aftermath. The speaker notes the surreal contrast between destroyed and untouched areas and the ethical complexities of disaster reporting.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=527.0,721.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/38","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The Challenge of Non-Extractive Storytelling and Community Focus","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=721.0,1036.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/39","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker expresses their passion for local reporting but acknowledges the difficulty of covering disasters that affect their own community. They discuss the challenge of telling stories that are not exploitative, emphasizing the importance of focusing on resilience and the true needs of the community rather than sensationalism. The newsroom engages in critical conversations about the purpose and value of their reporting, aiming to add meaningful context and support to those affected.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=721.0,1036.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/40","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Comparing Past Disaster Coverage and the Isolation of This Event","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1036.0,1299.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/41","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker compares the recent wildfire to previous disasters, noting that this event felt uniquely isolating due to the direct impact on their newsroom and the need to work from home. They describe the emotional strain of hearing about colleagues' losses while being physically separated from the team. The speaker highlights the loneliness of journalism, especially when covering sensitive stories that cannot be immediately shared with friends or family, and the ongoing nature of the tragedy for those affected.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1036.0,1299.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/42","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The Importance of Long-Term Coverage and Lessons Learned","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1299.0,1532.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/43","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker stresses the importance of sustained coverage beyond the immediate aftermath, urging people to stay engaged during the rebuilding phase. They share examples of community resilience, such as a friend becoming a block captain and the ongoing support for those affected. The speaker also discusses the challenges of well-intentioned but unhelpful donations and the need to learn from these experiences to better support disaster recovery in the future.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1299.0,1532.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/44","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Hopes for Rebuilding and the Role of Local Journalism","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1532.0,1635.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/45","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker expresses hope for sustainable and thoughtful rebuilding in the affected communities, emphasizing the need to learn from the tragedy and improve emergency preparedness. They highlight the role of local journalism in holding authorities accountable and ensuring that lessons are implemented to prevent similar disasters. The speaker sees their reporting as crucial for fostering community resilience and advocating for better disaster response.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1532.0,1635.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/46","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Closing Remarks","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1635.0,1654.61333"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684/index/90443/annotation/47","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The interview concludes with the speaker being asked if they have any final thoughts. They indicate that they have nothing further to add, and the conversation ends with mutual thanks.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3578/collection_resources/164575/file/299684#t=1635.0,1654.61333"}]}]}]}