Clips | Ameera Butt

International and National Coverage:
McClatchy DC:

Gadhafi’s long rule may be a mystery, but ending isn’t

McClatchy DC. February 25, 2011
An analytical piece on Col. Moammar Gadhafi and when his long rule of Libya would end in the face of attacks from revolutionary forces.

Frantic resident describes attack on town near Tripoli

McClatchy DC. February 23, 2011
A breaking news story of the assault and attacks by pro-Gadhafi forces in the northern town of Tajura, Libya during the uprising in 2011.

Commentary: Stunning to find Bin Laden in Abbottabad

McClatchy DC. May 4, 2011
Commentary piece on the death of terrorist Osama bin Laden and how shocking it was to find him in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad.

Merced girl helps in dramatic rescue of drowning boy

McClatchy DC and Merced Sun-Star. August 11, 2011
Dramatic rescue by a Merced girl of a boy in Washington State that made nationwide news.

Renters ensnared in foreclosure crises as well

McClatchy DC and Merced Sun-Star. March 9, 2011
Foreclosures among tenants was a big problem that was still facing the city of Merced.

Regional Coverage:

Reimagine Magazine:

When cancer meets Instagram

What if you had thousands of online strangers rooting for you through chemotherapy, hospital visits, surgery and hair loss? This happened to Suleika Jaouad, the writer of The New York Times column “Life, Interrupted,” which chronicles her life after being diagnosed with leukemia at age 22. February 2015.

Envisioning Istanbul

The city of Istanbul isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s teeming with people and chaotic traffic. The historic monuments jut out next to skyscrapers and colorful houses and apartments that are bustling with activity. October 2014.

Susan Gubar: The NY Times cancer columnist shares her journey

Susan Gubar has written her way through her cancer diagnosis. In her role as the “Living with Cancer” columnist for the New York Times, Gubar chronicles insomnia, hair loss, a hospice facility tour, disorienting hospital scenarios, and more. All this she shares with her signature, graceful intelligence. August 2014.

Dr. Paul Zak’s love affair with oxytocin

When Dr. Paul Zak’s mother was dying of leukemia last year, the professor of economics management and psychology at Claremont Graduate University had the chance to spend a lot of time with her. He got to do all the things she once did for him– listen, talk, give her medicine, and feed her. July 2014.

The Insider: Meet Devon Walker, an NFL football player with heart

In the second game during the Tulane University football season against Tulsa in Oklahoma, when his helmet first made contact with a fellow Tulane teammate, Devon Walker felt his body go numb from the neck down. June 2014.

Reiki, an Eastern technique, is used in hospitals as healing therapy

Rarely during a visit to the hospital is one given treatment that does not involve machines, medical procedures and prescribed medications. But now the healing therapy reiki, which uses breathing and touch to promote healing, is slowly gaining popularity in medical circles in the U.S. to treat nausea, stress and anxiety. May 2014.

The Insider: Rounds with a hospital chaplain

About a year and a half ago, on a particularly unforgiving night, Lori Koutouratsas, an advanced spiritual care resident at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, California, was singlehandedly providing care to five patients, who died within hours of each other. May 2014.

Take Part:

‘Respect the Pen, Not the Gun’: A Young Woman From Malala’s Hometown Calls for Education Over Violence

In December 2011, seventeen-year-old Neelam Ibrar Chattan witnessed three 10-year-old boys fighting near a private school in Saidu Sharif, a city in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. Sept. 30, 2015.

Bill Gates Says Poor Countries Will Soon Be History

The suffering that marks the lives of billions of poor people around the world today will be significantly reduced by the year 2035, because that’s when Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates says there will be “almost no poor countries left in the world. Jan. 21, 2014.

Declaration of Independents: 42 Percent of Voters Don’t Identify as Red or Blue

Fed up of with mudslinging between Democrats and Republicans and the current government’s inability to solve just about anything, more Americans are turning to a third choice: none of the above. Jan. 14, 2014.

America’s Top Federal Attorney Is Fighting This Conservative State’s Ban on Gay Marriage

After standing in line for eight hours, Amy Fowler and her beloved, Pidge Winburn, were legally married in Utah last month, during the brief window of marriage equality that opened when U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby ruled the state’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Jan. 13, 2014.

The Evolution Revolution: Religious or Not, Most Americans Agree It Happened

Whether Americans came from Adam and Eve or primordial goo, a new study suggests this country has come down on the side of science, not faith. Jan. 10, 2014.

Utah’s Gay Marriage Ban Is Back, Leaving LGBT Couples in Legal Limbo

Trestin Meacham, a devout Mormon in Utah, posted a picture of himself to social media on Monday, eating what looks like a spoonful of yogurt to celebrate the end of a weeks-long anti-gay hunger strike. Jan. 6, 2014.

These 13 awesome women totally inspired us in 2013

Swimming more than a hundred miles in shark- and jellyfish-infested waters at 64 years old to achieve a lifelong dream. Dec. 27, 2013.

Tech Companies to NSA: stop your rampant spying on Americans

It’s time for the spying to stop. Dec. 11, 2013.

Unpaving Paradise: this city is using wildflowers to fight urban blight

Across Los Angeles County this spring, open, underused plots of land in churches, front yards, schools—even outside a post office—will be teeming with native wildflowers like California coastal poppies, bluebells, and purple needle grass. Dec. 9, 2013.

The Ingenious way one San Francisco bicyclist is making it easier to commute

Despite his deep familiarity with cycling routes in San Francisco, resident Mat Kladney found himself struggling to get from the Bayview neighborhood to the Inner Sunset by bike a few months ago. Dec. 6, 2013.

Women’s rights in peril in upcoming Afghan elections

After everything Afghan women have been through in recent decades because of the Taliban, it’s hard to stomach the idea of their rights deteriorating once more, but that is what’s at risk now. Dec. 5, 2013.

USC Annenberg:

Pakistani photojournalist shows humanity, emotion through photographs

Pakistani photojournalist Mobeen Ansari recalled photographing the former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and remembered that everyone who photographed him prior would talk about politics. March 28, 2016.

USC Annenberg hosts NPR Next Generation Radio and teaches students about radio reporting

Sitting in the USC Annenberg Digital Lounge during spring break, Noorhan Maamoon (B.A. Print and Digital Journalism ‘17) asked her mentor Sonia Narang questions about the script for her upcoming radio story. March 25, 2016.

Merced Sun-Star:

Homeless Vacate Merced Camps

Police, officials on hand as ordinance is enforced. October 14, 2010.

Merced’s Measure C: What happened to all that money?

City of Merced leaders say it’s a matter of the economy tanking, people spending less. April 9, 2011.

64 Merced city employees get layoff notices

Because of a 2011 general deficit, the city of Merced had to lay off 64 Merced city employees. April 14, 2011.

Beachwood neighborhood anxious about health, properties

A nearby plant in a Merced neighborhood contaminated the drinking water, causing health concerns for residents. July 23, 2011.

Thurston claims Merced mayoral race

Coverage of the 2011 Merced city mayoral race. Nov. 8, 2011.

Hybrid route for fast rail backed by panel

The California High Speed Rail Authority approved the Merced to Fresno high speed rail route amid contention. December 14, 2011.

Livingston teacher, accused of keeping explosives in classroom, sentenced to 4 years probation

Livingston, Calif. students in chloroform incident express regret to court and their former instructor who was accused of storing explosive and dangerous chemicals in her classroom. December 16, 2011.

Los Feliz and Larchmont Ledgers:

Front Page: Bungalow: Restaurant Cap Unconstitutional

Attorneys for a trendy and popular eatery said they plan to ask the Los Angeles County Superior Court to strike down a city of Los Angeles ordinance as being unconstitutionally vague, both written and as applied. April 2014.

Front Page: Coiffure at the Car Wash

Businesses offering time saving services to busy customers is on the upswing these days like having a pedicure and foot massage at the airport terminal waiting for a flight to board. April 2014.

Community Rises to Count Area Homeless

Lloyd Colquitt, 61, used to be chronically homeless after living on the streets of Long Beach for years. March 2014.

Violent Crime Up 88% in Los Feliz

Assaults with deadly weapons in Los Feliz increased 88% in 2014 compared to 2013, according to Los Angeles Police Dept. statistics released in January. Echo Park, similarly, saw a dramatic increase of 80%. February 2014.

Front Page: The Day Everything Changed, Again

In the wake of the January terrorist attacks on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and a Jewish market in France, the Chabad of Los Feliz has not increased security at its Hillhurst Avenue location and according to Rabbi Leibel Korf, the Los Angeles Police Dept. has not increased its patrols near the location either. January 2014.

LAUSD Stresses Local Ebola Risk Low

Locally, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) officials have stressed the risk for Ebola infection locally is low, according to an October memo to the district’s school board from the LAUSD’s executive director of student health and human services. December 2014.

Some Local Schools Just Addressing Increased Safety Two Years After Sandy Hook

The school entrance for Glenfeliz Elementary School will be revamped for safer security, according to Los Angeles Unified School District officials. The change is needed, officials say, in response to shootings at other schools across the nation. December 2014.

Front Page: Some Local Areas Exceed State Liquor Sales Ratios

A plethora of choices on where to drink craft beer, cocktails and liquor bombard revelers in Echo Park and Silver Lake—two of the hottest neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area—where bars and restaurants are seemingly tucked into every corner. November 2014.

Locals saving water one drop at a time

Resident Netty Carr has always planted drought tolerant plants in her front and back yards since she moved to the neighborhood 17 years ago. October 2014.

New City Rule Delays Annual Car Show

The Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) has sent a letter to the Dept. of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) citing an “undue burden” placed on the neighborhood council system stemming from a new policy change by DONE, the overseeing body of Los Angeles’s over 90 neighborhood councils. October 2014.

Teen Cuts Her Teeth At Atwater Council Meetings

When Alicia Lambarri grows up she wants to be an actress. Or maybe a lawyer., September 2014.

Atwater Elementary Welcomes New Principal

Brenda Garcia first knew she wanted to be involved in education when she studied at Pomona College in Claremont. She became interested in education, realizing it can lead to success. September 2014.

New Garden Variety Learning For Glenfeliz Elementary

There’s going to be a new farm in the neighborhood. September 2014.

AVNC Board Earmarks Half Its Budget For “Outreach”

The Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) has allotted nearly 50% of its 2014-2015 budget for outreach. July 2014.

Restaurant Owner Compromises & Called “Good Neighbor”

Compromises have been offered by a restaurant owner regarding having a full bar at Señor Fish Cocinca Mexicana restaurant, after some locals complained the area is seeing too many restaurants serving alcohol and that the restaurant is in close proximity to some area schools., July 2014.

Atwater Principal Exits Amid Poor Reviews from Parents and Staff

Atwater Avenue Elementary’s principal has left the Silver Lake Boulevard school amid complaints from parents, staff and parents. July 2014.

Atwater Barricade Suspect in Custody, Police Say

An unidentified man who assaulted his sister with a knife and then barricaded himself in a home on the 3100 block of La Clede Avenue is now in custody, according to the Los Angeles Police (LAPD). July 2014.

Marshall Hit-And-Run Victim Plans Homecoming in August

He speaks softly as he can’t raise his voice, so much so you have to lean in to hear what he’s saying. July 2014.

“DodgerGate” Continues and The City’s Caught Looking

The reopening of a gate near Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium continues to cause friction between locals, a multi-million dollar Major League Baseball team and some Los Angeles city officials. And it appears the Dodgers are not budging. June 2014.

$100K Used to Fix Local Buckling Sidewalks

It’s a perennial complaint heard everywhere in Los Angeles.The city of Angels has some of the worst sidewalks of which people can trip, fall or take a tumble. June 2014.

AVNC Gets Down to Work Appointing Committee Chairs

In its May meeting, the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) got down to business by filling vacancies on its board. June 2014.
VIDEO:

Great Los Angeles River Clean Up, Sunnynook Footbridge, Atwater Village

A video accompaniment of the Great Los Angeles River Clean Up story below., June 2014.

1,200 Volunteers Pick Up Trash in the Los Angeles River

A shopping cart lay abandoned near the Los Angeles River and Sunnynook Bridge on a Saturday morning last month. June 2014.

Mexican Mafia Graffiti on the Rise

Instances of certain gang-related graffiti have increased in the last few months in the area, according to the Los Angeles Police Dept.s’ Northeast Division. May 2014.

10K Gallons of Crude Oil Spew In Atwater After Pipe Malfunction

As more information is emerging, the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) issued a statement on this morning’s oil 10,000 gallon oil spill, due to a pipe malfunction. May 2014.

[Q and A] Did You Know Atwater Was Once Called “Tropico?”

The Los Angeles Office of Historic Resources will survey Atwater Village next year to identify its historic resources. April 2014.

Humans of Atwater Village

A photo essay a la “Humans of Atwater Village” on folks who live in the neighborhood. April 2014.

AVNC Requests City Clarification More Outreach On L.A. River Projects

Two ordinances that establish landscape and urban design standards and set guidelines for new projects along the 32-mile stretch of the Los Angeles River need clarification from the city of Los Angeles, according to the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) earlier this month. April 2014.

Los Feliz and Silver Lake Chime in on Hyperion Bridge

For some Los Feliz residents—like Don Ward—who have lived in the neighborhood for 15 years, it can be dangerous to get to the Los Angeles River bike path on two wheels. March 27, 2014.

[Hyperion Bridge Remake] Bikers Satisfied But What’s More Important: Car Lanes or Sidewalks?

What’s more important? Four lanes for traffic across the Glendale Boulevard-Hyperion Avenue Bridge between Silver Lake and Atwater? Or more sidewalks for pedestrians? Feb. 27, 2014.

Popularity Means Higher Retail Rents

Rent is going up for a handful of local businesses. That’s the word on the street—or Glendale Boulevard that is. Feb. 27, 2014.

At Glenhurst Park It’s Kids Versus Dogs

Glenhurst Park is tiny. Sandwiched in a residential neighborhood on Glenhurst Avenue near Garden Avenue, the park boasts blue colored bird-shaped swings, a slide, patches of grass and a windy pathway. You wouldn’t know it but the park is a source of disagreement and concern. Feb. 27, 2014.

Atwater Neighborhood Council To Post Attendance of Councilmembers

In an effort to maintain transparency and accountability, the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) approved to post the attendance of its councilmembers meetings on its website. Jan. 30, 2014.

Glendale Boulevard “Plaza” Under Consideration

Plaza or no plaza? That was the question more than 30 people pondered earlier this month at an Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) town hall meeting. Jan. 30, 2014.

Santa Monica Daily Press:

Backyard chickens allow for sustainable living

There’s a growing trend in Southern California on urban farming, which is sustainable and cheaper to do during tough economic time. Aug. 30, 2013.

Solar powers up in Santa Monica

In a recent report from the Environment California Research & Policy Center, a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization, California ranked sixth in cumulative solar electricity capacity per capita, providing 75 watts per person. Aug. 11, 2013.

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