Sandra McDonald is an intern with the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. She grew up in north central Florida, just an hour south of the University of Florida where she studied journalism and worked with the local NPR station, WUFT, and Fresh Take Florida, a news service focused on statewide and political coverage.
Latest From This Author
A newborn boy was found dead in a Skid Row alleyway after police said he may have been dropped from a fourth floor bathroom window.
Nov. 14, 2024
Researchers use community-submitted king tide photos to validate climate change models. This year’s King Tides Project is scheduled for Nov. 15-17 and Dec. 13-15.
Nov. 13, 2024
“Orbital,” by Samantha Harvey, won the 2024 Booker Prize on Tuesday. The book follows a day in the life of six astronauts.
Nov. 13, 2024
The Mountain fire could have been a second coming of the 2018 Woolsey fire or even the 2017 Thomas fire — if not for a few conditions that changed on the ground last week.
Nov. 12, 2024
Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed to pay a $13,000 fine Friday for failing to report on time over a dozen charitable payments made at his request by notable foundations and businesses between 2018 and 2024.
Nov. 8, 2024
In just a few terrifying hours, the Mountain Fire became the most destructive blaze in Southern California in years. The conditions were ripe for disaster, and neighborhoods had few defenses. Here is what happened.
Nov. 9, 2024
Air quality officials in Southern California announced the first no-burn day of the 2024-25 season Friday as the Mountain fire burns.
Nov. 7, 2024
Un incendio de rápida propagación en el condado de Ventura ha quemado más de 10,000 acres y carbonizado numerosas casas en comunidades de las colinas alrededor de Camarillo.
Nov. 7, 2024
As the Mountain fire swept into Ventura County communites, residents had little time to flee before flames moved in.
Nov. 6, 2024
The destructive Mountain fire in Ventura County has grown to more than 20,400 acres and burned numerous homes.
Nov. 7, 2024