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drought

Forged by Fire: Extreme Weather Events Threaten Malibu

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An edited photo of the Santa Monica Mountains. Photo by Lucian Himes. Photo illustration by Ali Levens Interactives by Zack Born Drought. Heat waves. Wildfires. People who don't experience extreme weather events might view them as abstract and otherworldly. But the lines between abstract threat and immediate danger have repeatedly blurred for Pepperdine University and the … [Read more...] about Forged by Fire: Extreme Weather Events Threaten Malibu

Woolsey Scars Show Ecological Recovery, Even as Fire Frequency Rises

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While fire may be a natural cycle of the Santa Monica Mountains, short-term plant life recovery is not. “If you’re interested in Mediterranean ecosystems, you’re interested in fire,” said Marti Witter, a fire ecologist with the National Park Service. The Santa Monica Mountains are part of California’s natural chaparral environment. Shrubs with large leaves dominate the … [Read more...] about Woolsey Scars Show Ecological Recovery, Even as Fire Frequency Rises

Uncovering the Biology Behind the Woolsey Fire

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Photo by Jenna Gaertner    In the afternoon of Nov. 8, the Woolsey fire began its rampage on the Santa Monica Mountains. A combination of high winds, low humidity and drought conditions led to the burning of over 800 structures and almost 100,000 acres, which included 83 percent of Santa Monica Mountain federal parkland, according to CAL FIRE and the LA … [Read more...] about Uncovering the Biology Behind the Woolsey Fire

When it Rains Los Angeles is Floored

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Graphic by Nate Barton I have friends from across the United States who enjoy the rain. They make a cup of their favorite coffee or tea, put on a cozy sweater and blanket and then sit on a covered porch and enjoy the atmosphere. They’ve created a wonderful memory of the rain that will last them a lifetime. Being from Los Angeles, this is not my experience at all. It's … [Read more...] about When it Rains Los Angeles is Floored

Plaza Fountain Turns On After University Decision

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Photo by Terra Atwood The fountain in Joslyn Plaza is back on, as of Feb. 14, after being shut off for the past three years. Pepperdine shut down all 12 recirculating water features and fountains in 2014 to conserve water in an effort against the drought. Since then, the fountains at Heroes Garden, and now Joslyn Plaza, have been turned back on. Junior Andrew Lozano … [Read more...] about Plaza Fountain Turns On After University Decision