Category: Education

  • “The Last Repair Shop” Wins Best Documentary Short Oscar

    “The Last Repair Shop” Wins Best Documentary Short Oscar

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    Anyone who has put on some headphones and clicked play to an emotional love ballad, a powerful rock song, or a sad R&B tune can attest to the potential music has to open emotional doorways that allow for human connection on a global scale. Now, imagine that potential at the fingertips of today’s youth—opening possibilities for them to find safety and comfort in self-expression, perhaps even moments of joy. That is what an intimate group of individuals who work for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the nation’s second-largest school district, do every year for LAUSD students. Recognizing the significance of this small group of people are directors Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, who just happened to win the Oscar for Best Documentary Short this past weekend.

    The Last Repair Shop is the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication by Proudfoot, Bowers, and the rest of the documentary’s team. The short film highlights the story of four individuals who repair and maintain musical instruments used by LAUSD students. This school district is one of the only in the country that supplies musical equipment to its students free of charge, a potentially life-changing opportunity for over 500,000 students. 

    Hailing their Oscar win as a victory in support of musical education, Proudfoot earned his second Academy Award within three years this past award weekend, while Bowers was honored with his first. During the award ceremony, co-director Bowers stated in his acceptance speech, “The Last Repair Shop is about the heroes in our schools who often go unsung, unthanked, and unseen. Tonight, you are sung, you are thanked, and you are seen.” Bowers understands intimately the power of this unassuming workshop’s potential and how broken instruments can make music long after students leave.

    As a former L.A. public school student, Bowers remarked, “I played saxophone for a short while. Those instruments were incredibly important, and whenever they were broken or needed repair, I assumed they were being sent to the manufacturer.” Unaware of the musical magicians behind the scenes, “It never dawned on me that the people who go behind the scenes ensure that this young kid who needs to play this piano every day has that piano. And so, for me, the moment that Ben told me about it was the moment that I felt like this was a story that needed to be told,” remarked Bowers, who opened up about how proud he felt to take on this challenge of sharing this music program’s story.

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    Wanting to further honor and highlight these unsung heroes, Proudfoot announced to reporters backstage at the Dolby Theatre, “We’re thrilled to announce a $15 million capital campaign to help shore up the repair shop. You can go to thelastrepairshop.com right now. Everybody watching… everything helps, and I think it goes to show the power of the short documentary.”

    With a fund-raising effort in place to help lift up the LAUSD musical program, Proudfoot opened up about the importance of supporting musical education, remarking that musical education is about more than finding the next prodigy, “There’s also an incredible social benefit for music education of everybody who doesn’t become a professional musician.” The dedicated musical technicians of LAUSD certainly know the impact musical access for everyone can have, and hopefully, with The Last Repair Shop, you, too, can be inspired to help today’s youth have the opportunity to play their songs. 

  • Fire Erupts at LA’s Natural History Museum

    Fire Erupts at LA’s Natural History Museum

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Bright and early on March 1st, with not a cloud in sight, the Los Angeles Natural History Museum found itself in an unexpected predicament—a fire had sparked, calling for an all-hands-on-deck response from the city’s bravest. Firefighting teams zipped to the scene, squashing the flames with efficiency and speed.

    The scoop from the Los Angeles Fire Department has it that the blaze kicked off just past high noon at the museum, right in the heart of Exposition Park Boulevard. About 40 firefighters leaped into action, taming the firestorm in a brisk twenty-something minutes. This hiccup led to a bit of a scare, leaving behind a smoky trace inside the museum. Nonetheless, a swift evacuation maneuver ensured everyone got out unscathed, without a single visitor or employee hurt. Now, the word is that the cause might be tied to some roofing work—a puzzle piece authorities are piecing together.

    Nestled within Exposition Park’s embrace, the Los Angeles Natural History Museum isn’t just another stop on the map. It’s part of Los Angeles County’s trio of natural history jewels, along with the La Brea Tar Pits and the William S. Hart Museum. The park itself is a bustling nexus of learning and cultural vibrancy, playing host to the California Science Center, the California African American Museum, and the legendary Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, famed battleground of UCLA’s football warriors. Amidst this cluster of intellectual and historical heavyweights, the Rose Gardens stand out, offering a serene slice of nature’s art amidst the concrete jungle.

    The inception of Exposition Park dates back to 1910, spurred by William Miller Bowen’s initiative to create a space that countered the city’s inclinations toward drinking and gambling. His vision paved the way for the park’s transformation into a vibrant cultural center, a role it proudly continues to fulfill. Opening its doors in 1913, the original Natural History Museum building still serves as a core part of the museum today. It once showcased prehistoric finds from the La Brea Tar Pits, drawing significant attention. Over time, these precious skeletons were relocated to the George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries in Hancock Park. Similarly, the museum’s initial art gallery eventually laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1963.

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    The Natural History Museum recently underwent extensive renovations designed to preserve the original architecture that took over two years to complete and reopened in 2009. Seismic retrofit was added to the building, and the colorful stained glass skylight that hangs above the Rotunda was expertly restored and strengthened. There has not been any major construction reported on the building since, but the roofing operation that caused last week’s fire seems to indicate that more work is being done on the building.

    Although the root of the fire is still unknown, it does not appear to be unsafe to visit the museum. Among the main attractions are Dinosaur Hall featuring more than 300 fossils and 20 mounted skeletons, 3.5 acres of nature gardens, and an ongoing exhibition about the life of P-22, the recently deceased mountain lion that resided in Griffith Park. Special exhibitions, like L.A. Underwater, which explores what the city was like when it was covered by water in prehistoric times, and Scanning Electron Microscope Lab, which shows visitors gems and minerals under high-tech microscopes, are always exciting to experience. 

  • The Academy Museum: A Year-Round Celebration of Film and the Oscars

    The Academy Museum: A Year-Round Celebration of Film and the Oscars

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    Nestled in the bustling heart of Los Angeles, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures stands out as a beacon for movie lovers of all stripes. It’s more than just your average museum; it’s a journey into the very essence of film, shining a light on the creativity, historical progression, and societal influence of the cinematic world. Boasting the title of North America’s biggest film museum, it serves as a year-long tribute to the Oscars, inviting guests to delve into the rich tapestry of cinema far beyond the glitz of award season.

    Amy Homma, the museum’s Chief Audience Officer, describes the Academy as “an incredibly vibrant and engaging spot for families and visitors of every generation to discover the narratives that have shaped cinema.” Homma highlights the museum’s dedication to education, entertainment, and the discovery of filmic tales as key factors in its charm. Thanks to this focus, the museum has quickly risen to prominence as a cultural icon, attracting movie buffs from around the world since its doors first opened.

    The museum’s vast collection, comprising over 13 million objects, offers a tangible connection to the movies that have shaped the global film landscape. From iconic costumes and props to the personal filmmaking equipment of legendary directors, the exhibits span the entire spectrum of the film industry’s history. This extensive archive not only celebrates the achievements of past and present filmmakers but also educates visitors about the intricate processes behind the making of their favorite movies.

    Beyond its static displays, the Academy Museum distinguishes itself through a dynamic array of programming that caters to a wide range of interests. Workshops provide hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to learn about the practical aspects of filmmaking, from screenwriting and directing to the nuances of sound and editing. Film screenings, often accompanied by discussions or Q&A sessions with creators and scholars, offer insights into cinematic themes, techniques, and the societal impacts of film.

    The museum’s commitment to film-centric activities extends to special exhibitions and retrospectives that not only honor the recipients of the Academy Awards but also explore the diverse narratives and cultural dialogues within cinema. These events serve as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of film is preserved for future generations while also embracing new perspectives and voices in the industry.

    What sets the Academy Museum apart is its year-round celebration of the Oscars. The museum provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Academy Awards, showcasing everything from the evolution of the Oscar statuette to memorable moments in the ceremony’s history. This permanent homage to the Oscars allows visitors to experience the prestige and excitement of the awards regardless of the season, making every visit to the museum an occasion to celebrate cinematic excellence.

    For those looking to embark on a cinematic journey, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures offers an unparalleled experience. Its blend of historical treasures, interactive programming, and dedication to the art of film makes it a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for movies. The museum beautifully commemorates the past while also inspiring a new generation of filmmakers and movie lovers, ensuring that the magic of cinema continues to enchant audiences for years to come.

    For more information please visit: https://www.academymuseum.org/en.

  • Los Angeles Public Library Acquires Renowned Angel City Press

    Los Angeles Public Library Acquires Renowned Angel City Press

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    Sadly, 2023 was a rather somber year for independent media. Announcements proclaiming another independent press had been shut down, another newspaper was bought out, or another media company was laying off journalists seemed to surface daily. So when the cofounders of Angel City Press, Paddy Calistro and Scott McAuley, said they were retiring from the publishing house they had operated for over three decades, it just felt like another glum casualty of the 2023 literary world.

    However, the Los Angeles-based institution had a pleasant surprise in store. A truly unprecedented turn of events revealed that Angel City Press—the publisher well-known for its celebration of L.A.’s iconic cultural history—has, indeed, been acquired by the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL).

    LAPL, which is the nation’s fifth-largest public library system, announced the acquisition of the press on December 16th. Moving forward, the acquisition, which happened via donation by Calistro and McAuley, will be known as Angel City Press at the Los Angeles Public Library.

    With eight books already in the pipeline for 2024, Angel City Press is on pace as it usually puts out five to eight works annually. To help guarantee some continuity under the new acquisition, Terri Accomazzo, the editorial director who started with the press as an intern in 2007 and has held the position full-time since 2018, will continue in her role. Calistro spoke on the development, saying, “I really can’t believe that it’s happening because it’s so right.”

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    The LAPL currently manages 73 branches housing over 8 million books and has recently become even more aggressive by expanding its special collections. However, acquiring an entire press raises the system to a never-before-seen level. John F. Szabo, who has served as the city librarian of L.A. since 2012, called the achievement a unique step for any public library system. He said, “I am not all aware of an independent publisher becoming part of a public library anywhere in the country.” Szabo has been a librarian for over 30 years and has served under three different mayors.

    Nevertheless, the LAPL is not the first library system with its own press. In 2016, the New York Public Library sprung its own press that publishes five books annually, and the Library of Congress Publishing Office also puts out its own titles via the Library of Congress Books program. Speaking on the acquisition, Calistro said, “The reason that this has made sense from the beginning is that the missions of the two entities are the same.” He continued, “We have always wanted to preserve the history of Los Angeles and get people to read about it, and that’s what the library does.”

    Angel City Press has made enormous contributions to L.A.’s cultural history since it was first founded in 1992 in Santa Monica. Throughout the years, the press has published such influential books as Hollywood du Jour: Lost Recipes of Legendary Hollywood Haunts by Betty Goodwin and Becoming Los Angeles: Myth, Memory, and a Sense of Place by D.J. Waldie.

    Although the acquisition is current news and has been in the works for approximately two years, the relationship between Angel City Press and the LAPL goes back much further. The two entities initially partnered in 2013 to publish Josh Kun’s Songs in the Key of Los Angeles. This propelled Kun to create a trilogy, which concluded in 2019.

    Additionally, Angel City has even published a book by Arnold Schwartzman and Stephen Gee titled Los Angeles Central Library: A History of Its Art and Architecture, a book about the LAPL itself. According to Szabo, “We’re committed to preserving L.A. history, and we get excited about telling untold stories of Los Angeles and Angelenos. That’s very much what Angel City Press has done through their publishing of very high-quality, well-researched books with wonderful authors.”

  • Free Career Coaching Coming to Ojai and Piru Libraries

    Free Career Coaching Coming to Ojai and Piru Libraries

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    Ojai and Piru Libraries of Ventura County have announced a series of free career coaching sessions taking place throughout the first five months of 2024. In total, twenty sessions will take place across both libraries, with ten at each location. These events will occur on either Thursday or Tuesday in the afternoon. Each session includes seven career-focused workshops designed to serve the interests of the community.

    In a statement, Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram said, “We are proud to serve as a catalyst for empowering our community’s workforce. This program aligns with our strategic plan and commitment to being a hub for knowledge and support, fostering growth and success for all.”

    The sessions are open to all and easy to access. “Coaching is free, registration is not required, and drop-ins are welcome,” reads the Ventura County Library website. Auxiliary aids and services will be available to people with disabilities. Any participants with hearing or speaking limitations may reach the California Retail Service by dialing 711.

    The seven workshops include:

    • “Brand Called You,” a workshop about defining your experiences, skills, and values to promote a personal, professional brand.
    • “Digital Literacy,” a workshop about finding and evaluating information through the internet and digital media platforms.
    • “Edge Up,” a workshop about the free online Career Edge platform for continued career development at all stages.
    • “Emotional Intelligence,” a workshop about managing one’s own emotions and better understanding the emotions of those around you.
    • “Power of Networking,” a workshop about connecting with coworkers, collaborating with colleagues, and building professional relationships.
    • “Why Way?” is a workshop about finding your strengths and values and deciding on a career path that aligns those with your goals.
    • “Winning the Interview,” a workshop about the best ways to ‘win’ in conversations with potential employers.

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    The sessions that take place at Ojai Library are scheduled to occur biweekly on Thursdays between 1/11 and 5/30. They will begin at 2 p.m. and last until 4 p.m. They are scheduled for 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/14, 3/28, 4/11, 4/25, 6/16, and 6/30. Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA.

    The sessions that take place at Piru Library are scheduled to occur biweekly on Tuesdays between 1/9 and 5/28. They will begin at 2 p.m. and last until 4 p.m. They are scheduled for 1/9, 1/23, 2/6, 2/20, 3/12, 3/26, 4/9, 4/23, 5/14, and 5/28. Piru Library is located at 3811 Center Street in Piru, CA.

    Workshops are made possible by federal funding in the amount of $4,950,787. This allows each topic to be generously taught to the community without any expectation of payment or donation from participants. 

    Questions about the sessions can be directed to the Ventura County Library’s Education, Literacy, and Outreach Manager, Antonio Apodaca, at [email protected] or (805) 677-7159. The libraries are excited to offer this service to the community and are committed to making them as accessible as possible to the people of Ventura County.

  • California Teachers: Honoring Excellence in Education and the Arts

    California Teachers: Honoring Excellence in Education and the Arts

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    On October 16, three Los Angeles County teachers, Casey Cuny, Andrew Lewis, and Hannah Rodriguez, were recognized as one of the five California Teachers of the Year by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

    A news release from the California Department of Education praised each recipient for their impact on their students and pointed to their work as evidence of the excellence of California’s school system.

    “Congratulations to these five remarkable educators, who all display deep commitment and innovation in their work—all while supporting their students through a difficult time,” said Thurmond. “They make profound differences in their students’ lives and provide both inspiration and the practical tools students need to succeed. They are all prime examples of the exceptional work in California schools.”

     Andrew Lewis, who teaches at Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), has been teaching for 17 years and half years and currently teaches vocal music.

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    Lewis stated that the award “meant a lot to him” insofar as it drew attention to and recognized students of the arts. Doing so, he noted, was the most rewarding part of his job.

    “I think it is important to recognize that a holistic education includes the arts. It is not STEM, but STEAM, which includes the arts as a part of an education for students,” Lewis said. “To me, that’s meaningful.”

    LAUSD Board President Jackie Goldberg also recognized the importance of recognizing instruction in the arts, adding that since music education “enriches students’ lives and fosters creativity, discipline, and expression,” she found it to be a “particular joy” to see Lewis recognized.

    Lewis’s principal, Jantré Christian, praised him for demonstrating “an ongoing and consistent commitment to his students and families in our community – both inside the classroom and out” and noted the long hours that he often works to “provide students with opportunities to rehearse and participate” in public performances.

    Casey Cuny teaches honors English and senior myth and folklore at William S. Hart High School and Valencia High School in the William S. Hart Unified School District.

    He has been teaching for 18 years and, in the last year, has been named Valencia High School Teacher of the Year by his peers, District Teacher of the Year by the Hart Governing Board, and honored as one of 16 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year.

    Thurmond was also nominated by Cuny as the California representative for the 2024 National Teacher of the Year competition, the winner to be announced next spring.

    Superintendent Mike Kuhlman described Cuny as “a role model for his students, helping them develop deep, creative, and critical thinking skills,” noting that this was the second California National Teacher of the Year from the Hart District in the last four years.

    Recognizing how much he learned from his fellow teachers, Cuny pointed to his district’s excellence, stating, “The teachers of our district are the best in the country.”