BOSTON (AP) — A judge has pledged to waive mounting fines against striking teachers in three Massachusetts communities for Friday if they agree to return to the classroom by Monday.
Classrooms remained shuttered in Beverly, Gloucester and Marblehead — three communities north of Boston — again on Friday, marking the end of the second full week that teachers have taken to the picket lines.
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Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The strikes have kept thousands of students across the three communities at home and will force schools to hold classes during vacations and weekends to meet the required 180 days of classroom learning required by state law — a situation that any snow days could make worse.
An Essex County Superior Court judge also said that if there is no deal by 6 p.m. Sunday a third party will take over the talks between striking teachers and local officials.
Teacher strikes are illegal in Massachusetts.
Teachers in Beverly said Thursday that they have reduced their wage proposals, but accused town officials of dragging out the negotiations. Union representatives said they were willing to keep talks going around the clock if necessary.
“The inaction of the school committee is why schools are closed. We are really trying to bargain here. We all want to go back to school," Andrea Sherman. co-president Beverly Teachers Association said Thursday evening.
Rachael Abell, president of the Beverly School Committee, pointed to the unions for the extended negotiations, saying they rejected an offer to add nearly $2 million for teacher and paraprofessional salaries.
“The union spent very little time reviewing and then essentially insisted on their initial demands, which are way beyond what is affordable to the city,” she said after Thursday's negotiations.
The Beverly Teachers Association has said it is pushing for smaller class sizes in the 4,500-student district, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and a “living wage” for paraprofessionals or teachers assistants whose starting salary is $20,000.
In Gloucester, the union in the 2,800-student district has asked for at least eight weeks of fully paid parental leave. It also wants significant pay increases for paraprofessionals, safer conditions for students and more prep time for elementary school teachers.
On Nov. 12, judges imposed a fine of $50,000 on the unions in Beverly and Gloucester that they said would increase by $10,000 for every day the teachers remained on strike. The unions voted Nov. 7 to authorize a strike and schools have remained closed.
On Tuesday, teachers took their protests to the steps of the Massachusetts Statehouse.
Gov. Maura Healey has said her focus is getting students back into the classroom.
"I’m urging both parties to reach an agreement as soon as possible for the good of our kids, families, educators and staff,” Healey said Tuesday.
Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Striking teachers and supporters stand on the picket line, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Beverly, Mass., to call attention to pay, paid parental leave, and other contract issues. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — At least seven people were killed and thousands of structures were burned as fierce wildfires raged in the Los Angeles area, officials said. Fast-moving flames blazed through homes and businesses as residents fled smoke-filled canyons and picturesque neighborhoods that are home to many celebrities.
Many of the towering fires that began Tuesday were fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, which gusted to more than 70 mph (112 kph) in some spots. The winds dropped Thursday, but the National Weather Service warned that even the reduced gusts could still spread fire rapidly and the wind is expected to strengthen again Thursday evening. Another round of strong winds may form Tuesday.
The exact death toll remained unclear, but it was expected to rise as crews begin to search the rubble.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said California has deployed more than 1,400 firefighting personnel to battle the blazes. Oregon, Washington, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona dispatched teams to assist.
AccuWeather, a private company that provides data on weather and its impact, increased its estimate of the damage and economic loss to $135 billion to $150 billion. Government officials have not yet released any damage estimates.
Here's what to know about the fires:
More than 5,300 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the hilly coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history. Dozens of blocks were flattened to smoldering rubble, with only the outlines of homes and their chimneys left.
The wreckage surpassed that of the Sayre Fire of November 2008, which destroyed 604 structures in Sylmar, the northernmost suburb of the city, according to statistics kept by the Wildfire Alliance, a partnership between the city’s fire department and MySafe:LA.
Over 30 square miles (77 square kilometers) burned in Pacific Palisades, which is dotted with celebrity homes and was memorialized by the Beach Boys in their 1960s hit “Surfin’ USA.” The flames torched iconic landmarks including part of Palisades Charter High School, which has been featured in many Hollywood productions, including the 1976 horror movie “Carrie” and the TV series “Teen Wolf.” Actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice lost their home of 45 years.
Farther inland, the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena burned more than 5,000 structures, which includes homes, apartment or commercial buildings and vehicles. It also substantially damaged five school campuses in Altadena and scorched more than 21 square miles (54 square kilometers).
Employees at a senior center pushed dozens of residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds to a parking lot to escape.
The Los Angeles Fire Department issued evacuation orders Thursday afternoon for a new blaze, named the Kenneth Fire, which broke out near West Hills, a neighborhood densely packed with homes in the San Fernando Valley about 11 miles (18 kilometers) northwest of Pacific Palisades. It ballooned in size, charring more than 1 square mile (2.6 kilometers) within hours of igniting, and forced evacuations.
The Hurst Fire, which started Tuesday night, prompted evacuations in Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley.
And in the Hollywood Hills, the Sunset Fire broke out Wednesday evening and burned near the Hollywood Bowl and other iconic landmarks. Firefighters were able to manage the flames, and evacuation orders were lifted Thursday morning.
Altogether the fires have consumed about 55 square miles (142 square kilometers) — larger than the size of San Francisco.
President Joe Biden said during a White House briefing with staff Thursday that he was making federal resources available and approved additional funding to help California battle the fires, saying they were the “worst fires to ever hit Los Angeles. Ever.”
The new funding will cover 100% of the cost for 180 days for hazardous materials removal, temporary shelters, first responder salaries and measures to protect life, he said.
Biden said he was not in a position to answer whether California would continue to receive federal funding to help combat the fires after President-elect Donald Trump takes office Jan. 20. “I pray to God they will,” Biden said.
Nearly 180,000 people were under evacuation orders Thursday.
The flames threatened highly populated and affluent neighborhoods, including Calabasas and Santa Monica, home to California’s rich and famous. Hollywood stars including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore and James Woods were among those forced to flee, and Moore later said she lost her home in Altadena.
A thick cloud of smoke and ash filled the skies, prompting air and dust advisories for 17 million people across a vast stretch of Southern California, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The worst conditions were in the vicinity of the fires. In East Los Angeles, the air quality index hit an unhealthy 173. Good air quality is considered to be 50 or less.
Dr. Puneet Gupta, the assistant medical director for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said wildfire smoke can cause heart attacks and worsen asthma, while burning homes can release cyanide and carbon dioxide.
The Critics Choice Awards rescheduled Sunday ceremonies in Santa Monica for Jan. 26.
The organization that puts on the Oscars extended the voting window for Academy Award nominations and delayed next week’s planned nominations announcement.
Film studios canceled two movie premieres.
The Universal Studios Hollywood theme park closed for the day, but Disneyland, which is farther from the fires in Anaheim, remained open.
Universal Studios also canceled shooting for numerous series, including “Hacks,” “Ted Lasso” and “Suits LA.”
All schools were closed Thursday and were to remain closed Friday in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The NFL has moved the Los Angeles Rams’ wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings to Arizona because of the fires. The game will be played Monday night at the home of the Arizona Cardinals in suburban Glendale, Arizona.
The NBA postponed the Lakers' game against the Hornets, and the NFL said it is monitoring conditions to determine if Monday's playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings will be affected.
More than 285,000 customers were without electricity in Southern California, nearly half of them in Los Angeles County, according to PowerOutage.us, which tracks outages nationwide.
Sewer, water and power infrastructure across the region has been significantly damaged, officials said.
Looters who take advantage of the wildfire crisis by targeting vulnerable communities will be prosecuted, officials promised. There have been at least 20 arrests.
“This is simply unacceptable,” Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said. “I promise you, you will be held accountable.”
Officials planned to implement a curfew around the two main fires as early as Thursday evening, and National Guard members were expected to be stationed near burn areas.
Lisa Renn looks at remains of car in Altadena, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Beach front properties are left destroyed by the Palisades Fire, in this aerial view, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
A man searches though his destroyed home after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)
The sun rises as the Palisades Fire ravagee a neighborhood amid high winds in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Residents are evacuated from a senior living facility as the Eaton Fire approaches Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
A plume of smoke from a wildfire forms over the city's basin Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Firefighters look over a home after the Eaton Fire burns in Altadena, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)
Robert Lara, left, looks for belongings along with his stepfather after the Eaton Fire burns in Altadena, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)
Josh Lederer wears a mask to protect him from fumes as he retrieves his children's clothes from his fire-ravaged property in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
A firefighter protects a beachfront property while fighting the Palisades Fire on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The devastation from the Palisades Fire is seen from the air in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Thick heavy smoke from wildfires passes over the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
The Eaton Fire engulfs a property Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Firefighters protect a structure as the Eaton Fire advances Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Residents embrace in front of burning structures as the Eaton Fire advances Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)
Fire explodes out of a window of the Altadena Community Church, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in the downtown Altadena section of Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Firefighters work inside a burned structure while battling the Eaton Fire, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)
Trees sway in high winds as the Eaton Fire burns structures Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
People watch as the Eaton Fire destroys a neigborhood Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
The Palisades Fire ravages a neighborhood amid high winds in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Firefighters work a hydrant in front of the burning Bunny Museum, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in the Altadena section of Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
The Palisades Fire ravages a neighborhood amid high winds in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
A wildfire-ravaged property is shown after the Palisades Fire swept through in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
A man walks his bike among the ruins left behind by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
The Eaton Fire burns vehicles and structures Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)
A resident of a senior center is evacuated as the Eaton Fire approaches Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
A resident of a senior center is evacuated as the Eaton Fire approaches Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
The Palisades Fire burns a residence in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire as it burns a structure in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
