Students see effects of budget cuts

As they return to class, L.A. Youth writers share how the state budget deficit is affecting their schools.

My favorite English teacher was laid off. I learned a lot from her. I’ve always had a problem with using the same words in my writing and she taught me how to expand my writing and be more descriptive. It doesn’t matter that she had been teaching for only a few years, she was the best!

Painting a tent

Painting three famous works of art on a camping tent challenged 16-year-old Lily in ways she never imagined. WITH A PHOTO GALLERY.

Restaurant blog

Sam, 16, has been searching for good eats this summer. So far he’s hit up pizza in Venice, a couple of ice cream spots and a Korean BBQ taco truck.

Playlist blog

Check out Janie’s musical cure for insomnia and how Destiny deals with summer love on our playlist blog.

Left in the wrong hands

After years of being abused by the woman who raised her, a girl finally got away.

Music to soothe my soul

Because it’s full of emotion, Ernesto, 17, prefers classical music over everything else.