By Rachel Becker, CalMatters
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.
Just weeks after a mountain lion wandered into San Francisco, state officials voted to
The National Park Service is studying whether parts of the Los Angeles coastline—potentially including Santa Monica—should join the national park system. A virtual public meeting on February 11 will gather community input on the proposal.
Twenty years after officials recommended phasing out methyl bromide, the toxic pesticide remains widespread in California. New UCLA research shows some communities face exposure nearly double state safety recommendations, with port areas like Long Beach at highest risk.
Several Santa Monica businesses earned recognition for their environmental leadership at the Green Business Certification Awards held January 16th at the Santa Monica Family YMCA, celebrating their commitment to sustainable practices and rigorous environmental standards.
One year after the Palisades and Eaton fires, Heal the Bay is working to establish the first-ever ocean safety protocol for wildfire impacts on Santa Monica beaches, as the organization warns contaminants may still be present in local waters.
More than 5,500 hazardous sites across the US will face coastal flooding by 2100, with California ranking fifth among seven states most at risk. Poor and marginalized communities face disproportionate danger as facilities handling sewage, toxic waste, and industrial pollutants become flood-prone.
One year after the Palisades Fire, the community gathered at the American Legion hall to honor 12 lives lost and recognize recovery efforts. The hall, which became a crucial support center after the disaster, continues to serve as a symbol of resilience.
A new UCLA study of the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires found that cancer-causing chemicals lingered inside homes long after outdoor air cleared, with some toxic compounds peaking weeks after flames were extinguished rather than during active burning.
One year after the Palisades and Eaton fires devastated Los Angeles County, killing 31 people and destroying over 16,000 structures, recovery remains slow. Only 10 homes have been rebuilt as the region continues receiving aid from state programs and charitable organizations.
One year after wildfires swept through Pacific Palisades and Altadena, recovery challenges have shifted from physical rebuilding to insurance claims and regulatory decisions. The disaster exposed critical gaps in California's homeowner insurance system and claims handling processes.
One year after the Palisades and Eaton fires killed 31 people and destroyed 17,000 structures across Los Angeles County, communities are marking the anniversary with memorials and protests as rebuilding continues amid lingering questions about the disaster response.
A year after devastating Los Angeles wildfires, homeowners in Altadena and Pacific Palisades face dangerous levels of lead, asbestos and other toxins in their surviving homes. Many are forced to live in contaminated environments as insurance companies resist covering proper remediation.
