Spyglass was set to publish our next edition on February 10. A fire was never meant to ravage through the homes and towns of Westridge community members. Nothing about these past three weeks has gone as planned.
Communities across the Los Angeles area have been devastated by the deadly and destructive wildfires, ranging from the blue coast of the Palisades to our beautiful Altadena foothills. As a resident of Pasadena, whose backyard lies on the Altadena border, I understand the heartbreak first hand.
At Spyglass and as student journalists, we often report on issues close to us. Whether it be a feature on pedagogy or a faculty departure, we are affected by the stories we write about. This fire is no different.
A staffer lost her home—and wrote about it. Evacuated staffers also wrote stories, reporting on the timeline of Westridge’s response, the many ways students can get involved in relief efforts, and the communication between administration, faculty, parents, and students.
As we considered how to responsibly and thoughtfully produce this edition, our newsroom turned to resources on trauma-informed journalism. In our reporting, we prioritized empathy over entertainment and patience over productivity.
As our community continues to grapple with this tragedy, Spyglass will continue to cover the stories that matter. The impact of this fire will endure for months and years to come; and by continuing our work, we hope to represent our communities in the efforts to rebuild and return to normalcy.
Sending all of my love,
Ella
