LAUSD strikes deal with teachers, First encounter of Joshua Tree, Pet psychic in LA — Sunday Edition

The LA Report10mApril 12, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

Los Angeles Unified School District has reached a tentative two-year labor deal with the United Teachers Los Angeles union, potentially averting a strike set for Tuesday. The agreement would raise starting teacher salaries to $77,000 and boost pay scales by nearly 12%, with union members encouraged to ratify the contract. Meanwhile, a British writer recounts her awe-inspiring first encounter with the Joshua Tree desert, describing the surreal beauty of the landscape and the shock of realizing that the iconic 'trees' are actually bizarre, spiky cacti. In another segment, a pet psychic in L.A. offers readings that reveal surprising insights about pets—like a poodle’s secret desire to be a show dog and a tortoise’s unusually active digestive system during a session. These stories highlight the unexpected moments of wonder and connection that define life in Southern California.

Key Takeaways
1

LA Unified reached a tentative deal with UTLA that raises starting teacher pay to $77,000 and boosts salaries by nearly 12%.

2

The first-time visitor to Joshua Tree described the desert as otherworldly, with 'alien'-like Joshua trees that look like misshapen cacti with spiky arms.

3

A pet psychic in L.A. claims to communicate with animals, revealing a poodle’s desire to be a show dog and a tortoise’s unusual bathroom habits during a reading.

4

L.A. County is stepping up efforts to combat typhus after 220 cases were reported last year, with 90% requiring hospitalization.

5

Route 66’s centennial reveals its complex legacy: a lifeline for migrants during the Great Depression, but also a dangerous path for Black travelers due to sundown towns.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Weekend Edition Launch & Upcoming Events

Josie Huang introduces the Weekend Edition of The LA Report, highlighting upcoming events like Cookbook Live with Chef Monte Carlo and a craft rave in Pasadena.

2:00
2 min

LAUSD and UTLA Reach Tentative Deal

The tentative two-year agreement with United Teachers Los Angeles would boost salary scales by nearly 12 percent and up the starting teacher's salary to $77,000 per year.

Highlight
4:00
2 min

California Politics: GOP Race and UCLA Football

The California Republican Convention is underway, with Steve Hilton gaining an edge after Trump’s endorsement. Meanwhile, UCLA’s legal fight over staying at the Rose Bowl continues, with a judge set to rule on a stay.

6:00
2 min

Typhus Outbreak and Public Health Response

L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell is pushing for coordinated efforts to combat flea-borne typhus, especially in Willowbrook, where 220 cases were recorded last year with 90% requiring hospitalization.

8:00
2 min

First Encounter with the Joshua Tree Desert

Wait, stop the car. There's an actual Joshua tree? First, who knew? And second, that is no tree. That, sir, is a weird misshapen cactus with multiple outstretched arms, each with its own spiky fur muff.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
Wait, stop the car. There's an actual Joshua tree? First, who knew? And second, that is no tree. That, sir, is a weird misshapen cactus with multiple outstretched arms, each with its own spiky fur muff.
Suzanne Levy7:15
Viral: 88.0
as far as the eye could see. I thought, I've never seen anything like this. In London, if you go on a day trip, you can go back in time, say to thatched roofs, but not go to a different planet.
Suzanne Levy8:12
Viral: 76.0
It's always nice to hear that I've shed some light on a pet's health and happiness.
Cynthia Okimoto10:42
Viral: 65.0
Speakers

Host

Josie Huang

Guests

Suzanne LevyCynthia OkimotoRobert Garrova
Topics Discussed
LAUSD teachers contract95%Joshua tree desert90%pet psychic readings85%typhus prevention80%Route 66 history75%UCLA Rose Bowl lawsuit70%California GOP race65%LA voter engagement60%
People & Brands

LAist

organization

8xNeutral

Cynthia Okimoto

person

6xPositive

Suzanne Levy

person

5xPositive

Los Angeles Unified School District

organization

4xNeutral

Joshua Tree National Park

place

4xPositive

Route 66

place

3xNeutral

United Teachers Los Angeles

organization

3xNeutral

California Republican Convention

organization

2xNeutral

Robert Garrova

person

2xNeutral

Steve Hilton

person

2xNeutral

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