The Bridge
8 Ways Students Can Build a Cultural Identity
Days spent in the classroom are often centered around language, reading, math, science and other traditional curriculum, but there’s another key subject students may learn about without even realizing it: themselves.
Last Updated on June 28, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Cultural Identity
(Family Features) Days spent in the classroom are often centered around language, reading, math, science and other traditional curriculum, but there’s another key subject students may learn about without even realizing it: themselves. While coming to understand one’s family background and culture may seem like a daunting task for school-aged children, it can actually be a simple (and fun) opportunity for discovery.
LaRayne Woster is the Native American Studies Lead and Cultural Specialist at St. Joseph’s Indian School, a small nonprofit Native American school making a difference in preserving the culture and heritage of its students. As a cultural specialist, Woster developed a unique project with her students, helping them discover who they are and where they came from.
By developing fun and informative activities like learning their creation story; learning traditional arts, crafts and dances; making a traditional meal; and understanding religious traditions, she challenged her students to connect with their ancestry.
While this activity focused on Native American children, Woster recommends parents and teachers use this exercise and share ideas to help any child connect with his or her own heritage, from Hispanic and African cultures to French, Irish and beyond. Schools like St. Joseph’s provide an environment ideal for students to make those connections as the school is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families with a mission to educate mind, body, heart and spirit.
Consider these ways you can promote cultural connections.
- Bond with Someone Who Knows the Culture. One of the easiest ways students can introduce themselves to their own history is by talking with relatives, friends or neighbors who can share wisdom and knowledge. These mentors can provide direction and educational opportunities while taking part in games, dances, storytelling and other cultural traditions.
- Learn a Traditional Game and Share It. Throughout history, people of all cultures played games and took part in activities to spark creative freedom and break free from everyday stressors. Learning and participating in one of these games offers children a fun, hands-on way to connect with their heritage.
- Cook Traditional Foods. While family reunions and holidays are often filled with your loved ones’ favorite meals, the foods of your ancestors may differ dramatically from today’s classics. Connecting with the past can be as easy as researching recipes, heading to the store for a few ingredients and spending cherished moments together in the kitchen.
- Do a Traditional Dance. Folk dances from around the world have been passed down from generation to generation. Native American grass dances, Lakota dances and rain dances are popular examples that offer lively, entertaining ways to connect with the past.
- Study Oral Traditions and Learn to Tell the Stories. Whether your culture dates back hundreds of years or thousands, there are tales to be told. Learn some of your ancestors’ most influential stories from creation and ancient history to modern folktales and retell them to friends and family.
- Read the Works of Early Authors. Studying your culture’s most well-known authors, fiction or non-fiction, can give you a glimpse into the past. Even fictional works provide a gateway to the thinking, traditions, beliefs and more of those who came before you.
- Learn the Traditional Language. For students whose ancestors spoke a different language or communicated in a different manner than people today, studying that language provides a direct connection to the culture. In fact, learning the language can be an exciting experience to communicate with an elder in your community who speaks fluently.
- Come to Know and Respect Your Family. While history and its traditions may seem long, long ago, your closest possible connections to that past are the loved ones you see every day.Bonding over your newfound knowledge of your shared heritage is a profound opportunity to grow closer, connect with your background and celebrate those who came before you.
Visit stjo.org to find more fun, student-friendly ways to discover and preserve the past.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (family cooking)
Photo courtesy of St. Joseph’s Indian School (woman dressing child in traditional feathers)
SOURCE:
St. Joseph’s Indian School
Author
Urbanism
LA Metro’s D Line Extension Phase 1 Officially Opens, Bringing Subway Service to Mid-Wilshire and Beverly Hills
LA Metro’s D Line Extension: LA Metro officially opens Phase 1 of the D Line Subway Extension, connecting Downtown Los Angeles, Mid-Wilshire, and Beverly Hills with three new underground stations.
The future of transportation in Los Angeles has officially arrived.
LA Metro’s D Line Extension Phase 1 Officially Opens
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) officially opened Section 1 of the long-awaited D Line Subway Extension on May 8, 2026, expanding underground rail service westward through the historic Mid-Wilshire corridor and into Beverly Hills.
The 3.92-mile extension is one of Metro’s most ambitious transit infrastructure projects and marks a major milestone in Los Angeles public transportation. The new section extends subway service beyond the current Wilshire/Western station in Koreatown and introduces three new underground stations:
- Wilshire/La Brea
- Wilshire/Fairfax
- Wilshire/La Cienega
The expansion is part of Metro’s larger “Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiative designed to improve mobility across the region ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills in About 20 Minutes
With the extension now open, riders can travel from Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills in approximately 20 minutes with no transfers required.
The D Line extension is expected to significantly improve travel along the heavily congested Wilshire Boulevard corridor, offering commuters, visitors and residents a faster and more reliable alternative to driving.
“Traveling through Mid-Wilshire to experience the culture, cuisine and commerce across diverse neighborhoods will be easier, faster and more accessible,” said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and City of Whittier Council Member.
Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins also highlighted the importance of the project in connecting Angelenos to some of the city’s most iconic destinations.
“Angelenos and visitors alike will love the extended service from Downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills, delivering greater access to the iconic and culturally diverse communities, institutions and destinations that define the deep history along Wilshire Boulevard,” Wiggins said.
New Stations Connect Riders to Cultural Landmarks
Wilshire/La Brea Station
Located near Hancock Park and the western edge of Koreatown, the station provides access to cultural and entertainment destinations including:
- Korean Cultural Center
- Marciano Art Foundation
- Ebell Theater
- Popular restaurants including Republique and Sycamore Kitchen
Wilshire/Fairfax Station
Known as the heart of Museum Row, this station serves some of Los Angeles’ most recognizable cultural institutions and attractions, including:
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- La Brea Tar Pits
- The Grove
- Original Farmers Market
The station also connects neighborhoods including Little Ethiopia, Park La Brea and the historic Fairfax District.
Wilshire/La Cienega Station
Serving as the eastern gateway to Beverly Hills, the station provides convenient access to Restaurant Row and destinations including the Beverly Center.
A Major Milestone for Los Angeles Transit
The D Line extension has been decades in the making and is widely considered one of the most important transit projects in Los Angeles history.
The project was funded primarily through Measure R, the voter-approved transportation sales tax passed in 2008, along with substantial federal funding support that included:
- $1.25 billion Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA)
- $66.4 million supplemental New Starts funding
- $749.3 million TIFIA loan
All three stations feature modern amenities including public artwork, enhanced lighting, cell phone service, bicycle hubs and improved pedestrian access.
Metro officials hope the extension will encourage more residents and visitors to use public transportation while helping reduce roadway congestion ahead of major international events scheduled for Los Angeles later this decade.
What’s Next for the D Line?
Construction is already underway on future phases of the D Line extension.
Phase 2 will continue west into Beverly Hills and Century City, while Phase 3 will eventually extend subway service to UCLA and the West Los Angeles VA campus.
Once completed, the D Line will provide a direct subway connection between Downtown Los Angeles and the Westside, dramatically reshaping mobility across one of Southern California’s busiest corridors.
Learn More
For official project details and station information, visit:
Metro D Line Opening Information
Stay connected with STM Daily News for the latest updates on Los Angeles transportation, Metro expansion projects, infrastructure developments, local news, technology, culture, and more. Visit STM Daily News for breaking stories, in-depth coverage, and exclusive content from across Southern California and beyond.
Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In the United States, the holiday has become a celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage, often involving parades, parties, and traditional foods such as tacos and margaritas.
How will you celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo
Author
The Knowledge
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026 Across Southern California
Metrolink offers fare-free rides for Earth Day 2026 across Southern California, encouraging sustainable travel and reduced emissions.
Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026
LOS ANGELES — April 22, 2026 — In a continued push toward sustainable transportation, Metrolink will once again offer systemwide free rides on Earth Day, inviting commuters and travelers to leave their cars behind and explore a cleaner way to move across the region.
A One-Day Opportunity to Ride Free
On Wednesday, April 22, passengers can board any Metrolink train — including the Arrow service — without purchasing a ticket. The initiative is part of the broader celebration of Earth Day, encouraging environmentally conscious travel choices.
The fare-free program is designed to appeal to both regular riders and first-time users, particularly those navigating Southern California’s persistent traffic congestion and rising fuel costs.
Encouraging Sustainable Travel Habits
“Earth Day is a reminder that small changes, like choosing public transit over driving one day a week, can have a meaningful impact on our environment,” said Doug Chaffee, chair of the Metrolink Board.
With gas prices continuing to strain household budgets, the agency hopes the initiative will inspire more residents to consider rail as part of their regular commute.
Regional Connections Expand Access
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion aligns with similar efforts by other Southern California transit providers. Riders can seamlessly connect to services operated by: LA Metro and the Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Ventura County Transportation Commission.
These partnerships extend the reach of fare-free travel across a six-county region, making it easier for riders to explore destinations without relying on personal vehicles.
Service Adjustments and Rider Tips
Passengers should note that trains will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, implemented earlier this spring. Despite the adjustment, all Metrolink lines and station cities remain in service.
For those planning a trip:
- No ticket is required — simply board the train
- Bikes are welcome, with capacity ranging from three bikes per standard car to nine in designated bike cars
- A curated destination guide highlights attractions within walking or biking distance of stations
Environmental and Economic Impact
Metrolink is also promoting its Personal Impact Calculator, a digital tool that allows riders to estimate how switching from driving to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower fuel expenses.
A Broader Trend in Public Transit
Fare-free transit days have gained traction nationwide as agencies look to boost ridership and promote sustainability. Southern California’s expansive commuter rail network makes it particularly well-suited for such initiatives, offering a viable alternative to one of the country’s most car-dependent regions.
Bottom Line
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion is more than a one-day free ride — it’s a strategic effort to shift commuter behavior, reduce environmental impact, and showcase the convenience of regional rail. For Southern Californians, April 22 presents a low-risk opportunity to rethink how they travel.
Source: Metrolink
https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-goes-fare-free-for-earth-day-on-april-22
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
