Rong-Gong Lin II, a dedicated reporter for the Los Angeles Times, operates from San Francisco, focusing his journalistic efforts on critical statewide issues such as earthquake safety, various natural disasters, public health concerns, and extreme weather phenomena. A native of the Bay Area and an alumnus of UC Berkeley, Lin joined The Times’ staff in 2004, bringing his expertise to these vital areas of public interest.
In a recent segment, attention was drawn to “Saved By A Story,” a unique writing workshop established by Kathy Katims, herself a survivor of the Palisades fire. These monthly gatherings serve as a communal space where individuals who have endured the Palisades and Eaton fires can come together to engage in writing, reflect on their experiences, and share their personal narratives within a supportive community setting.
Today’s discussion also revisited one of the defining moments of the 1960s: the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Despite the assailant being apprehended at the scene, subsequently confessing during trial, and even openly boasting about the shooting, the underlying motivations behind his actions have largely faded from public memory over time.
Delving into history, it’s noted that modern Los Angeles acquired its initial smog-related moniker, the “bay of smokes,” as far back as 450 years ago. At the renowned La Brea tar pits, a brief historical journey reveals insights from curator Regan Dunn, who elucidates the methods and reasons why the early inhabitants of Los Angeles would have ignited fires that subsequently filled the expansive basin of LA, thereby foreshadowing the persistent challenge of smog.
