Tag: Wildfires

  • As crews clean up from LA wildfires, some residents are furious over hazardous waste


    DUARTE, Calif. (AP) — Not far from where Ceci Carroll lives, a rock-mining company has polluted the air with dust across the San Gabriel Valley, she said.

    Now, as crews clean charred remains from the Los Angeles wildfires, she worries about a new potential source of contamination: a site to process hazardous debris from the Eaton Fire.

    “I’m concerned about the community and also the school districts here, where we have children,” said Carroll, a Duarte resident of 23 years and former local school board member.

    “We’re dealing with the site with the chemicals and hazardous materials,” she said. “Parents are absolutely concerned.”

    Carroll is among residents from Duarte, Azusa and nearby cities opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s use of Lario Park in Irwindale as a temporary site to separate, package and transport potentially hazardous materials from the Eaton Fire.

    In ordinary times, people picnic, bike or ride horses on equestrian trails in the federally owned land. They now worry about dangerous waste that could pollute the air or seep into groundwater.

    The blazes that began on Jan. 7 charred thousands of buildings, cars and electronics across the Los Angeles area. The EPA has begun the enormous task of removing potentially hundreds of tons of hazardous materials from the Eaton and Palisades fires. That includes paints, pesticides, solvents, compressed gas cylinders, ammunition and lithium-ion batteries from electric cars that could turn toxic when burned.

    “The removal of these materials should not come at the cost of creating a toxic environment for communities already disproportionately impacted by pollution,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a statement.

    The mostly Latino communities adjacent to the site are exposed to higher levels of ozone and particulate matter pollution than other areas, according to data from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

    Experts acknowledge residents’ concerns, but say hazardous waste is not necessarily harmful as long as safety measures are in place and the waste is not stored on site for years.

    Residents have questions about waste site

    At a town hall Wednesday, California Sen. Susan Rubio and local mayors opposing the site grilled state and federal officials: How was the site chosen? Why weren’t we consulted or notified? Why truck toxic waste 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the burn zone and risk contaminating our communities? What testing will be done after it’s closed?

    Hundreds of residents crammed into the performing arts center and spilled into the hall. They shouted “Shut it down!” and chanted “Leave it in Altadena!”

    Black smoke rises over Lake Avenue during the Eaton Fire, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

    Black smoke rises over Lake Avenue during the Eaton Fire, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

    Smoke lingers over a neighborhood devastated by the Eaton Fire, Jan. 9, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

    Smoke lingers over a neighborhood devastated by the Eaton Fire, Jan. 9, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

    EPA coordinator Tara Fitzgerald told the audience that sites closer to the Eaton burn zone were being used for emergency fire operations, including the Rose Bowl and the Santa Anita Park in Pasadena. They chose the Lario Park site because it suited their needs and was available.

    She emphasized the EPA has done this work for years across the state.

    “We did the exact same thing” for the Woolsey, Santa Rosa and Napa fires, Fitzgerald said, and “we did not have any impacts to the community during the entire process.”

    But the Eaton and Palisades fires are unprecedented. Together, they torched the largest urban area on record in California, according to an Associated Press analysis, and more than double the urban acreage consumed by the 2018 Woolsey Fire.

    EPA says protective measures being taken

    The EPA said it would regularly monitor air, sample soil, use water trucks to control dust and transport waste out of the area daily.

    The agency lines areas with plastic where materials are processed and uses wattles, earthen berms and other items to control spills. The waste will be transported on surface streets, not freeways, so trucks can travel at a slower and safer speed, the EPA’s Celeste McCoy told the county Board of Supervisors. She said the site would likely be used less than six months, and more areas are being considered.

    With these protective measures, the risks of groundwater contamination, which takes a long time, are low, said Sanjay Mohanty, a UCLA associate professor who has studied wildfire effects on water and soil.

    “There’s several feet of soil that the pollutant has to pass through, and that also requires lots of water to leech from the system,” Mohanty said. “And even if there is leeching, they would not migrate far into the soil in a short time. “

    The bigger risks are soil and air pollution from possible dust emissions, he added, but those too can be mitigated.

    Residents should stay vigilant

    Duarte resident Laura Jasso did not leave the meeting reassured and remained upset about the lack of transparency from state and federal officials.

    “It’s hard to have confidence when they’ve really done this behind our backs,” she said.

    While crews continue their work, residents should be vigilant to what is happening at the site and ask how materials are being handled, about emergency response plans and truck routes and schedules, said Rachael Jones, professor and director of the UCLA Center for Occupational and Environmental Health.

    “The community has the right to know that information from the EPA and the Army Corps,” Jones said.

    Jasso said her community is committed to holding the EPA accountable for ensuring safety.

    “Ultimately, we don’t want it here, and we’re going to continue to fight to not have it here,” she said of the site. “But the fact is, it’s here right now. And so we have to just acknowledge the safety of our students, the concerns of our families.”

    ___

    Associated Press writer Christopher Weber contributed to this report.

    ___

    The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment.





    As crews work tirelessly to clean up the devastation left behind by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, some residents are expressing their anger over the handling of hazardous waste.

    Many residents have raised concerns about the disposal of hazardous materials, such as asbestos and other toxic substances, that were released into the environment during the fires. They worry that these materials could pose a serious health risk to both the workers on the cleanup crews and the residents living in the affected areas.

    Some residents have accused the cleanup crews of not taking proper precautions to protect themselves and the environment from these hazardous materials. They feel that more should be done to ensure that the cleanup is done safely and responsibly.

    In response to these concerns, officials have stated that they are taking all necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of both the workers and the residents. They have assured the public that all hazardous materials will be disposed of properly and in accordance with regulations.

    Despite these assurances, many residents remain skeptical and are calling for more transparency and accountability in the cleanup process. They want to ensure that their health and safety are not being compromised in the rush to clean up the aftermath of the wildfires.

    As the cleanup efforts continue, it is clear that the concerns over hazardous waste will remain a major issue for residents in the affected areas. It is crucial that officials address these concerns and take the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of all those involved in the cleanup process.

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    2. Hazardous waste removal
    3. Wildfire aftermath
    4. Los Angeles environmental concerns
    5. Cleanup crews in LA
    6. Furious residents in LA
    7. Environmental impact of wildfires
    8. Hazardous waste disposal
    9. LA wildfire cleanup efforts
    10. Residents protest hazardous waste handling

    #crews #clean #wildfires #residents #furious #hazardous #waste

  • Milo Ventimiglia and Wife Jarah Mariano Welcome First Baby Weeks After Losing Home in L.A. Wildfires


    Milo Ventimiglia and his wife, Jarah Mariano, are officially parents!

    Mariano revealed on Instagram Friday that the couple welcomed their first baby, Ke’ala Coral Ventimiglia, on Jan. 23. She also shared a photo which featured the bottom half of their newborn and their dog’s paw.

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    In the heartfelt post, Mariano reflected on the last few weeks, from losing their home in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires to becoming first-time parents.

    “Houseless, never homeless. Welcome back Ke’ala Coral Ventimiglia 1.23.25,” she wrote in the caption. “Jan 7th my family & I evacuated from the Palisades Fire. We lost our home that we were living in & everything we own, as well as our home under construction that we were about to move into. I was 38 weeks pregnant & I had done an evacuation only a few weeks prior during the Franklin Fire as well. I take it as a gift that I was able to essentially do a practice run for what was inevitably to come. I’m also forever grateful that we were able to evacuate from the Palisades Fire in the daytime, when we could feel more prepared & not caught completely off guard in the middle of the night, for example.”

    Mariano continued, “My family & I are together, happy, healthy & safe, which is truly all that matters. We are deeply grateful to all of the heroes who help battle fires, as well as care for everyone affected by the aftermath for years to come. This will be an extended process of rebuilding and grieving for many, but we are feeling optimistic & inspired to welcome all of the exciting newness of our fresh start! A special thank you to all of those who have supported my family & I in this time; friends, family, my birthing team, hospital staff, companies gifting, LA community and beyond. Your love & generosity means everything to us.”

    “Gentle reminder to all, to please allow us this time & space to nest with our newborn in such a delicate phase. We already have everything we need in abundance & will be back around with updates in our own time. Sending you Aloha + Light always, Jarah Milo Ke’a Duke,” she concluded her post.

    Earlier this month, Ventimiglia told CBS News that their Malibu home burned down after the Palisades Fire swept through their neighborhood. At the time, the This Is Us and Gilmore Girls actor said they had the nursery all ready to go for their baby, making the devastation even harder to grasp.

    He added, “You start thinking about all the memories in different parts of the house and whatnot, and then you see your neighbors’ houses and everything kind of around, and your heart just breaks.”

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    Milo Ventimiglia and Wife Jarah Mariano Welcome First Baby Weeks After Losing Home in L.A. Wildfires

    Congratulations are in order for Milo Ventimiglia and his wife Jarah Mariano as they have welcomed their first child together amidst the challenges of losing their home in the devastating L.A. wildfires.

    The couple, who have been together for several years, announced the arrival of their baby with joy and gratitude, despite the difficult circumstances they have faced in recent weeks.

    Ventimiglia, known for his roles in hit TV shows like “This Is Us” and “Gilmore Girls,” has been open about the emotional toll of losing their home in the wildfires, but has also expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and loved ones.

    Now, as they welcome their new addition to the family, Ventimiglia and Mariano can look forward to a brighter future and a new chapter in their lives. Our thoughts are with them during this special time.

    Congratulations to the happy couple on their new arrival! #MiloVentimiglia #JarahMariano #NewBaby #LAWildfires #Congratulations

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    1. Milo Ventimiglia
    2. Jarah Mariano
    3. Baby news
    4. L.A. wildfires
    5. Celebrity news
    6. Parenthood
    7. Family update
    8. Heartwarming story
    9. New beginnings
    10. Home loss recovery

    #Milo #Ventimiglia #Wife #Jarah #Mariano #Baby #Weeks #Losing #Home #L.A #Wildfires

  • California Wildfires: Trump executive order could divide control of state water system, putting even distribution at risk


    From rivers to dams to hundreds of miles of aqueducts, moving water around California takes a massive system, engineered over the better part of a century.

    Now, with a new executive order, President Donald Trump is directing federal agencies to essentially assert control over critical sections of that system, claiming mismanagement as he tries to assign blame for the wildfires in Southern California.

    “Well, it’s a lot of things. It’s a very sweeping executive order that attempts to exempt the federal water delivery system from federal law and state law and also attempts to sort of eviscerate state control of state water resources,” said Jon Rosenfield, research biologist with the environmental group San Francisco Baykeeper.

    First, it helps to understand that California’s water system has a kind of split personality, starting with some major dams being run by federal agencies, others by the state, along with two massive canal systems, flowing side by side in stretches. The state water project delivers much of its water to Southern California, while the federal project is a major supplier to agricultural areas in the Central Valley. For more than half a century, they’ve worked in a delicate balance, with coordinated agreements.

    RELATED: Trump tours LA wildfires after threats to withhold aid over water policy, voter ID

    That is, possibly, until now.

    “And because these systems are so interrelated and because they have needed to coordinate so much, having one partner say we’re not going to play by the rules anymore puts a tremendous burden on the other partners and really puts the entire water distribution system at great risk,” Rosenfield said.

    However, in the executive order, Trump directed federal agencies to deliver more water in a section called “Overriding Disastrous California Policies.” And to “deliver more water and produce additional hydropower, including by increasing storage and conveyance, and jointly operating federal and state facilities, to high-need communities, notwithstanding any contrary State or local laws. The Bureau of Reclamation shall take all available measures to ensure that State agencies – including the California Department of Water Resources – do not interfere with the Bureau of Reclamation’s operation of the project to maximize water delivery…”

    MORE: President Donald Trump goes off the rails when asked about California wildfires

    “These may be inconvenient environmental regulations. These are regulations, by the way, that are benefiting not just Delta communities but Bay Area communities that really rely on the San Francisco Bay Delta system for drinking water and other purposes. So, these protections are in place and in place for everybody,” said John Buse, senior counsel with Center for Biological Diversity

    He argues that water management had nothing to do with the Southern California wildfires. He believes it will take time to see what elements of the order actually go into effect and expects lawsuits will follow to protect water quality and the Endangered Species Act.

    “This is one of many fairly far-reaching and, we think, overreaching executive orders. So, we’re going to have to keep an eye on things and try to hold tight. See what comes out,” Buse said.

    With control of vast amounts of California water, potentially in the balance, environmental groups say one major concern is maintaining enough flow through the Delta to push back salt water and keep drinking water supplies protected.

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    The devastating California wildfires have once again brought to light the urgent need for proper management of the state’s water resources. With the Trump administration’s latest executive order, there are concerns that control of the state water system could be divided, potentially putting the even distribution of water at risk.

    California is already facing water shortages and drought conditions, and the wildfires have only exacerbated the situation. Proper management of the state’s water resources is crucial in ensuring that all communities have access to clean water for drinking, agriculture, and firefighting efforts.

    The executive order could potentially divide control of the state water system between federal and state authorities, leading to confusion and inefficiencies in managing water distribution. This could further strain resources and hinder efforts to combat the wildfires and provide relief to affected communities.

    It is essential that all levels of government work together to ensure the equitable distribution of water in California. Dividing control of the state water system could only serve to create more challenges and hinder the state’s ability to effectively respond to the ongoing crisis.

    As the wildfires continue to ravage California, it is imperative that we prioritize the proper management of our water resources. The consequences of not doing so could be catastrophic for the state and its residents.

    Tags:

    California wildfires, Trump executive order, state water system, water distribution, natural disasters, environmental policy, government intervention, emergency preparedness, California drought, water management, climate change adaptation.

    #California #Wildfires #Trump #executive #order #divide #control #state #water #system #putting #distribution #risk

  • For Oscar nominees like Demi Moore and James Mangold, recognition amid the L.A. wildfires brings ‘deep humility’


    As Oscar contenders woke up to exciting news, with nominations for the 97th Academy Awards announced Thursday morning, many were still dealing with the devastating wildfires that have consumed many neighborhoods across Los Angeles County.

    “Life has been full of contrast with all that’s been going on, such incredible highs and devastating lows,” Demi Moore, who was nominated as Best Actress for her role in body-horror film The Substance, told Variety.

    “Last night a new fire broke out in Los Angeles, and I was on alert all night because it wasn’t that far from us,” she added. “I’m feeling some deep humility on many, many levels.”

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    Kris Bowers, who is nominated for Best Original Score for animated film The Wild Robot and who took home the Oscar last year for Best Documentary Short Film for The Last Repair Shop, said he was safe despite the fires that displaced him and his family.

    “I am just returning home with my daughter and wife (who’s expecting!) due to the wildfires, but my family and my little basement studio where I wrote The Wild Robot is safe, thank goodness,” the composer told Yahoo Entertainment in a statement. “This morning’s nomination and outpouring of love from the audience has been a source of great strength and reassurance during what has been a supremely challenging year here in LA.”

    James Mangold, who was nominated for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for A Complete Unknown, told Variety, “I was in my house with no power [because of the L.A. wildfires], with my wife looking at a cellphone on a single bar of data watching an infinitesimally small telecast.”

    Composer John Powell, who was evacuated from his home, told Yahoo Entertainment in a statement that he was completely surprised by the nominations in general, saying he didn’t realize they were happening today.

    “I actually thought it had been moved a week, so I was woken by my agent calling, then Jon Chu FaceTiming me (don’t worry, it was dark so he didn’t see me naked). All this while two large poodles were fighting for room on the pull-out couch I’m currently sleeping on after being evacuated,” Powell, who was nominated for Best Score for Wicked, said. “So definitely a weird time to get this news. But I’m just glad to have been part of a film that can bring great joy to people — it makes me feel somewhat useful.”

    The show must go on?

    Despite some calls from celebrities to either cancel the Oscars this year or reenvision the event as a fundraiser for wildfire victims, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has stated that the awards show will go on as scheduled on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with Conan O’Brien hosting the telecast on ABC.

    “After consultation with ABC, our board, and other key stakeholders in the Los Angeles and film communities, we have made the carefully considered decision to proceed with the 97th Oscars ceremony as planned on March 2,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer told the Los Angeles Times in a statement published Jan. 15.

    That’s not to say that the Academy is keeping to its usual script with the annual awards show. In addition to having postponed the nominations announcement twice, some changes will be made to the program itself.

    “During this year’s ceremony, we will honor the talented filmmakers nominated today, pay tribute to our brave first responders and celebrate the enduring spirit of Los Angeles and the film industry,” Kramer said alongside Academy President Janet Yang at the beginning of Thursday’s nominations announcement.

    No live performances of nominated songs

    The ceremony will also drop the live performances of the nominated songs, according to Variety.

    “We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life. All of this, and more, will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees,” Kramer and Yang wrote in a letter to Academy members, the outlet reported.



    The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have not only brought destruction and devastation, but also a sense of gratitude and humility for some Oscar nominees. Demi Moore and James Mangold, both nominated for their work in the film industry, have expressed their appreciation for the recognition they have received in the midst of such chaos.

    Moore, who is nominated for her role in the film “Songbird,” shared on social media that she is deeply humbled by the acknowledgment of her work, especially during a time when so many are suffering. She expressed her gratitude for the support of her fans and the film community, and emphasized the importance of coming together to support those in need.

    Mangold, nominated for his work as a director on the film “Ford v Ferrari,” echoed Moore’s sentiments, stating that he is grateful for the recognition but also aware of the larger issues at hand. He emphasized the need for unity and compassion in the face of tragedy, and urged his fellow nominees to use their platform to raise awareness and support for those affected by the wildfires.

    As the Oscars approach, Moore and Mangold are using their nominations as a platform to bring attention to the ongoing crisis in Los Angeles. They are calling on their peers in the industry to join them in supporting relief efforts and spreading a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Their words serve as a reminder that even in the midst of celebration, there is always room for humility and compassion.

    Tags:

    1. Oscar nominees
    2. Demi Moore
    3. James Mangold
    4. L.A. wildfires
    5. recognition
    6. humility
    7. Hollywood
    8. celebrity news
    9. awards season
    10. entertainment industry

    #Oscar #nominees #Demi #Moore #James #Mangold #recognition #L.A #wildfires #brings #deep #humility

  • California wildfires lose steam but rain brings different threats




    As the California wildfires finally begin to lose steam thanks to the tireless efforts of firefighters and favorable weather conditions, a new threat looms on the horizon – rain. While rain is typically seen as a welcome relief in fire-ravaged areas, it can bring its own set of challenges and dangers.

    The scorched earth left behind by the wildfires is now particularly vulnerable to mudslides and flash floods when heavy rains hit. The charred vegetation can no longer absorb water like it once could, leading to an increased risk of erosion and debris flows. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.

    Furthermore, the combination of rain and ash can create toxic runoff that can contaminate water sources and pose health risks to both humans and wildlife. Authorities are working diligently to monitor water quality and provide guidance on how to safely navigate these post-fire conditions.

    While the wildfires may be waning, the threat of rain-induced disasters underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities in California. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters. As we continue to support those affected by the wildfires, let us also remain vigilant and adaptable in the face of this new threat.

    Tags:

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    2. Wildfire containment
    3. Rain aftermath
    4. Fire recovery efforts
    5. California weather
    6. Climate change impacts
    7. Natural disaster response
    8. Environmental hazards
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    10. Emergency management.

    #California #wildfires #lose #steam #rain #brings #threats

  • Wildfires spared Olympic venues in L.A., but the city’s rebuild could impact runup to 2028 Olympic Games


    The devastation wrought by the deadly wildfires that ravaged sections of Los Angeles has left an indelible imprint on the region’s landscape and psyche.

    The runup to the city hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, in addition to World Cup matches in 2026 and a Super Bowl in ’27, will coincide with massive rebuilding of housing and infrastructure. That seems cruelly ironic after Los Angeles organizers sold the Games as a no-build event.

    None of the Olympic venues have been damaged by the still-burning fires that tore through Pacific Palisades on the city’s westside and Altadena, an unincorporated community above Pasadena in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

    The Palisades fire came close to Riviera Country Club, which will host Olympic golf and was inside the evacuation zone. UCLA, which will house athletes, was just outside the zone.

    “While our focus remains on healing and rebuilding, there is no reason to believe that the fires will adversely impact or delay preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are already well underway,” Paul Kerkorian, executive director of the city’s new Office of Major Events, said in a statement.

    The NFL, NBA and college basketball relocated or postponed games in the days after the fires began on Jan. 7.

    Neither of the two major fires has been contained and thousands remain evacuated.

    “We are in full solidarity with the citizens of Los Angeles and full of admiration for the tireless work of the firefighters and the security forces,” the International Olympic Committee said in a statement. “Currently the full focus must be on the fight against the fires and the protection of the people and property.”

    How Los Angeles was awarded the 2028 Olympic Games

    Los Angeles was awarded the 2028 Olympics for a third time in 2017, with the IOC praising organizers’ bid for using existing and temporary venues rather than constructing new stadiums and sports facilities specifically for the Games, as well as its commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility.

    Yet the Games were still expected to cost roughly $6.9 billion for investments like upgraded transportation, revamped facilities and improvements to the city’s infrastructure with a goal of benefitting residents long after the Olympic flame is extinguished. Three major projects involve renovating the city’s airport and expanding the Metro transportation system and downtown convention center.

    No one counted on a large-scale disaster occurring in the nation’s second-largest city when those projects were approved.

    California Wildfires
    The Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates destroyed by the Palisades Fire is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

    Damian Dovarganes / AP


    “What’s happened in a number of recent Olympics is something else comes along that entirely changes what the Games are all about,” said Dr. Matthew Brown, a University of Utah political science professor who has written extensively about the Olympics.

    Tokyo postponed the 2020 Summer Games until 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and then held them without fans in attendance. Beijing went ahead with the 2022 Winter Games under strict pandemic restrictions with limited spectators allowed.

    “Something like wildfires can really change the priorities of lots of cities in that region and potentially the state and federal government and what they fund and when they want to fund it,” Brown said.

    LA28 president and chairman Casey Wasserman met with President-elect Donald Trump in Florida on Wednesday night to shore up backing.

    “As a lifelong Angeleno, I shared our sentiments for President-elect Trump’s continued support in Los Angeles amid the devastation in our region,” Wasserman said in a statement.

    Trump, a major sports fan, was serving his first term when Los Angeles won the Games.

    “We also addressed the 2028 Games, and we are grateful for his unwavering commitment to LA28 and his leadership in bringing the Summer Games back to the United States for the first time in more than 30 years. We look forward to partnering with him and his administration to deliver a safe and successful Games our nation can be proud of,” Wasserman said.

    California Wildfires
    Travis County, Texas Fire Engine 102 is stationed at the Asiliomar Bluffs as the sun rises over homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

    Damian Dovarganes / AP


    The strain on resources in Los Angeles

    Los Angeles is not immune to disasters — real or imagined. Wildfires, earthquakes, mudslides, flooding, drought and rioting have left their marks on the nation’s most populous county of nearly 10 million people. And on the screen, Hollywood has dreamed up mass destruction.

    The ongoing wildfires have killed over 20 people, destroyed over 12,000 structures and fouled the sprawling region’s air quality, which affects public health.

    “The reality is what this is going to do is put a big strain on availability of resources from the city of LA, surrounding cities and the state of California,” Brown said.

    “What happens then is those resources have to come from somewhere and that means other things are not going to have resources.”

    Brown points out that while the Olympics are primarily funded through the local organizing committee, Games held in the U.S. depend heavily on state and local governments for police, fire, first responders and traffic control.

    “Those are all local resources,” he said. “They’re not going to be controlled by the local organizing committee.”

    It’s unclear how the recovery could impact LA’s notorious traffic congestion. Mayor Karen Bass has promised a “car free” Olympics, but no detailed transportation plans have been announced for the Games, which are expected to attract thousands of people daily.

    The region’s ability to recover will be tested as it prepares to host the World Cup, Super Bowl and the 17-day Olympics followed by the Paralympics in a span of three years.

    “We have seen a tremendous response to this devastating tragedy by our partners at every level of government, working in unity,” Kerkorian said. “With that continuing spirit of cooperation, we have no doubt that Los Angeles will be ready to welcome the world next year for the FIFA World Cup and in 2028 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

    Given its proximity to Hollywood, few would be surprised to see the city create a comeback story worthy of the big screen.

    “The advantage LA has is there’s always another place to do whatever it is you wanted to do,” Brown said. “That gives it something other cities couldn’t pull off.”



    The recent wildfires in Los Angeles spared the city’s Olympic venues, providing a sigh of relief for organizers and athletes. However, the aftermath of the fires and the city’s rebuild efforts could potentially impact the preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.

    While the venues themselves were not directly affected by the fires, the destruction caused by the wildfires has left a significant impact on the surrounding areas. The cleanup and rebuilding process will require resources and attention, potentially diverting focus and resources away from the preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games.

    Additionally, the impact of the wildfires on local communities and infrastructure could also have implications for transportation, accommodations, and overall logistics for the 2028 Olympics. The city will need to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to accommodate the influx of athletes, officials, and spectators for the games.

    Despite these challenges, Los Angeles remains committed to hosting a successful and memorable Olympic Games in 2028. The city has a track record of successfully hosting major events, and with proper planning and coordination, it is possible to overcome the obstacles posed by the recent wildfires.

    As the city works towards rebuilding and recovery, it is crucial for stakeholders to collaborate and prioritize the preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games. By working together and staying focused on the long-term goal, Los Angeles can ensure that the impact of the wildfires does not hinder the success of the upcoming Olympics.

    Tags:

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    2. Olympic venues spared
    3. 2028 Olympic Games
    4. L.A. wildfire impact
    5. City rebuild after wildfires
    6. Olympic venues in Los Angeles
    7. Wildfires and the 2028 Olympics
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    9. Olympic Games preparation
    10. L.A. wildfires aftermath

    #Wildfires #spared #Olympic #venues #L.A #citys #rebuild #impact #runup #Olympic #Games

  • Genesis Invitational finds new host course following LA wildfires


    The 3rd hole at Torrey Pines’ South Course.

    Getty Images

    After announcing Riviera Country Club would not host the 2025 Genesis Invitational, the PGA Tour has found a new home. And it’s a very familiar one. 

    Torrey Pines Golf Course, in San Diego (where the Tour is hosting a separate event this very week), will become the one-time host of the Genesis next month. The Tour announced the move — which had been reported earlier this week — during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open.

    The Genesis has been played in the greater Los Angeles area for nearly the last 100 years, but recent wildfires that have ravaged LA County forced the tournament to be relocated for its scheduled week, Feb. 10-16. 

    As much as it may feel repetitive to run the Tour back at the same golf course just two weeks later, there will be some obvious differences between this week and the Genesis week. Chief among them: Tiger Woods will be involved. The tournament host hasn’t played Torrey Pines since 2020, where he finished T9 in what amounts to his last tournament in contention on the Tour.

    Woods has a storied history at the course, including his iconic 2008 U.S. Open victory against Rocco Mediate. Woods also won the Farmers Insurance Open seven times, including four in a row in the mid-2000s. It remains to be seen if he will actually tee it up at the Torrey Pines Genesis event, but considering he tried playing the Genesis last year while battling the flu, it stands to reason he will give it a go. 

    Notably, the event will also be played exclusively at the South Course. This week’s Farmers Insurance Open is played on the North and South Courses at Torrey, tending to a much larger field (156) than the Genesis (80-ish). As you can see in the scoring averages, the South Course typically plays roughly three strokes harder than the North Course — in relation to par — so the Genesis will feature four days of that test rather than just three. 

    It will also feature a much stronger field. The Genesis Invitational is a Signature Event, which means it will feature a $20 million purse and a field including the top 50 players from 2024. That means we can expect Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa and many of the best players in the world to play at Torrey Pines, something that isn’t the case this week. Morikawa was among a lengthy list of pros who withdrew from the event this week.

    The Tour announcement promised there will be multiple “Los Angeles-related relief initiatives” that week to benefit those impacted by the wildfires. The Genesis plans to return to Riviera Country Club in 2026. 



    The Genesis Invitational, one of the PGA Tour’s premier events, has found a new host course following the devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area. The tournament, which is typically held at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, will now be played at a new location to be announced soon.

    The wildfires, which destroyed homes and forced evacuations in the region, also caused damage to Riviera Country Club, making it unsafe to host the tournament. In the wake of this destruction, the tournament organizers have been working tirelessly to find a new host course that can accommodate the event and provide a world-class experience for players and fans alike.

    Despite the challenges posed by the wildfires, the Genesis Invitational is committed to putting on a successful tournament and raising funds for charity. Stay tuned for updates on the new host course and how you can support the event.

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    #Genesis #Invitational #finds #host #wildfires

  • California Wildfires: Much-needed rain is expected to help firefighting efforts this weekend.


    Gov. Gavin Newsom came into office in 2018 confronting one of the deadliest and most destructive fires in the state’s history: the Camp fire. Even before he was sworn in, Mr. Newsom accompanied Donald Trump, then the president, and Jerry Brown, then the governor, in inspecting a blaze that killed 85 people and consumed over 153,000 acres around the Butte County town of Paradise.

    On Friday, more than six years later, Mr. Newsom will once again greet Mr. Trump as the president comes to Los Angeles to view the aftermath of the latest devastating wildfires that have swept California.

    These new fires — in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles and in Altadena — serve as a reminder that Mr. Newsom’s tenure as governor has been defined by catastrophe and crisis, whether natural or man-made: fires, mudslides, atmospheric rivers, the Covid pandemic, the at-times violent protests against police brutality after the murder of George Floyd.

    “It’s mind-boggling the number of natural disasters and otherwise he has to deal with,” said Anthony Rendon, who served as speaker of the California Assembly from 2016 to 2023. “It is something that has bracketed — and maybe even defined — his time in office as governor.”

    The fires that destroyed homes in Pacific Palisades and Altadena serve as a reminder that Mr. Newsom’s tenure as governor has been defined by catastrophe and crisis.Credit…Mark Abramson for The New York Times

    But the challenge of the Palisades and Eaton fires, both in extinguishing them and in overseeing the rebuilding of entire neighborhoods in the most populous county in the nation, may be his greatest test yet.

    And it has long-term implications for any political career Mr. Newsom might pursue when his term ends in 2026 (he is barred by law from seeking a third term). He has made no secret of his interest in potentially running for president in 2028, and Democrats say his successes and failures in the months ahead will be central to how he presents himself — and how opponents assail him — should he run.

    Already it has put him in the position of battling with Mr. Trump, who, as in the aftermath of the Camp fire, has levied inaccurate claims about California policies. (Mr. Newsom sought to push back on some of the false information, creating a page on his campaign website providing “California Fire Facts.”)

    In an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News on Wednesday, Mr. Trump assailed Mr. Newsom and California for water and forest management policies that he claimed were responsible for the fires, but which state officials and fire experts said had no relevance to the Los Angeles disaster. On Friday, Mr. Trump said one of the things he wanted to secure on his trip to California was “to see the water be released and come down to Los Angeles and throughout the state.” And he said there was another thing he wanted to secure: “Voter ID so that people have a chance to vote.”

    Democrats have long resisted such laws, arguing that voter ID requirements can suppress turn out among Black and Hispanic voters, as well as impoverished voters.

    Adam Mendelsohn, who was a senior adviser to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former governor who dealt with his own share of catastrophes, said the spotlight will be on Mr. Newsom’s handling of the wildfire recovery for years.

    “If I were working for him, I would see this as an opportunity of a lifetime,” Mr. Mendelsohn said. “These are the events that define leaders.”

    The fires have posed new questions for Los Angeles and its leaders as they prepare for what was already going to be a high-profile run of events here, including the World Cup in 2026 and the Super Bowl in 2027. The latest catastrophe has stirred particular concern over whether Los Angeles can manage the twin tasks of rebuilding while hosting the Olympics in 2028.

    The challenge of the Palisades and Eaton fires, both in extinguishing them and in overseeing the rebuilding, may be Mr. Newsom’s greatest test yet.Credit…Loren Elliott for The New York Times

    “The economics of this, the timing with the Olympics, the issues of the new president coming in,” has created a difficult dynamic for Mr. Newsom, said Robert Hertzberg, a former state senator and former Assembly speaker.

    Mr. Hertzberg ran down a list of recent governors of the state. “Arnold had a zillion fires,” he said of Mr. Schwarzenegger. “Pete Wilson had a bunch of fires. Gray Davis. But nothing like this.”

    The fires over these past two weeks illustrate the extent to which California, hotter and drier than ever, is at the leading edge of states that are grappling with climate change. As Mr. Hertzberg noted, when Edmund G. Brown, Jerry Brown’s father, was governor from 1959 to 1967, California was a whole different state, with a whole different tempo of emergencies. “The day he was inaugurated, he went off and played golf,” Mr. Hertzberg said of the elder Mr. Brown.

    Mr. Newsom has been a high-profile presence since the fires first broke out, making regular and often unannounced visits to the sites of both the Palisades fire, which was in the city of Los Angeles, and the Eaton fire, which was in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County. He has signed executive orders intended to help fight the fire and begin the rebuilding. And he has largely escaped the kind of widespread criticism that another official, Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, has faced over her handling of the fires. Ms. Bass has had to withstand widespread attacks and scrutiny for being overseas when the fires broke out.

    On Thursday afternoon, Mr. Newsom was in Pasadena, signing two bills to provide $2.5 billion in state money to support response and recovery efforts in Los Angeles.

    “I just got back from the Hughes fire,” Mr. Newsom said, referring to a new brush fire that broke out on Wednesday. He stepped to a lectern wearing jeans and a black parka, standing in front of elected officials who had assembled at a Pasadena school that opened on Thursday for the first time since the fires broke out.

    Mr. Newsom finds himself in a politically complicated situation as Mr. Trump comes to California: At once a leader among Democrats pushing back on the policies of the new president, while at the same time saying that he and Mr. Trump — who regularly denigrates Mr. Newsom by referring to him as Gavin Newscum — would work “cooperatively and collaboratively” to address the crisis here.

    He said that he thought the Republican-controlled Congress and Mr. Trump would reimburse California for the $2.5 billion that he had just authorized. But at the same time, he assailed Mr. Trump for his “assault on the 14th Amendment,” referring to Mr. Trump’s executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship, and defended efforts by California to finance legal actions against various Trump policies.

    Mr. Newsom has signed executive orders intended to help begin the rebuilding. Credit…Ariana Drehsler for The New York Times

    “None of this is personal in any way or shape or form,” Mr. Newsom told reporters. “Some people want to politicize things. That’s not our approach. I have all the expectations and beliefs that we will be reimbursed for those dollars.” He added, “I am here for the long haul to support the president where we can, to defend our values where we must.”

    Mr. Newsom said at the news conference that he did not know whether he would be invited to accompany Mr. Trump as he visited parts of the state, but he said that he was going to the airport to greet him upon his arrival. The governor said he had not spoken to Mr. Trump since he left the White House in 2020. He said he had called Mr. Trump after his victory, and again as the fires began, but had not heard back from the president.

    These past few decades have been filled with instances in which political leaders’ reputations have risen or fell based on how they responded to catastrophes.

    In New York, Rudolph W. Giuliani became known as America’s mayor for how he led his city after the attacks of Sept. 11. Andrew M. Cuomo won national praise, at least initially, as the governor of New York for his daily briefings on the Covid pandemic.

    By contrast, George W. Bush faced derision for his tentative response after Hurricane Katrina flooded large swaths of New Orleans in 2005. And Mr. Newsom himself was ridiculed in the midst of the Covid pandemic, after he advised residents to stay home and wear masks but was photographed mask-less attending a crowded birthday dinner for a political adviser at the French Laundry, one of the country’s most expensive restaurants.

    For Mr. Newsom and other elected officials in California, the months ahead promise to be fraught and filled with obstacles, at a time when Mr. Newsom is already under attack by Mr. Trump and congressional Republicans.

    Longtime opponents of Mr. Newsom who are critical of how the state prepared for and responded to the fire have already started yet another recall effort against him; there have been at least a half-dozen such efforts since he was elected, only one of which made the ballot. That recall attempt, in 2021 in the aftermath of the French Laundry episode, failed, and over 60 percent of Californians voted to keep him in office.

    Gray Davis, the former governor and lieutenant governor, said he thought Mr. Newsom had raised his standing in Los Angeles because of the way he responded to the fire. But he added that the ultimate verdict on how Mr. Newsom has fared in this crisis will come years from now, when the shape of the project ahead — rebuilding Los Angeles — becomes clear.

    Mr. Davis said in all his years in Los Angeles, he could not recall anything like these past two weeks.

    “We have flooding, we have fires, we have mudslides,” said Mr. Davis, who was governor from 1999 to 2003. “But I don’t think there’s anything worse than a wildfire shooting embers. I don’t think there’s anything more terrifying than the fires that have been experienced in the last weeks in Los Angeles.”

    Shawn Hubler and Zolan Kanno-Youngs contributed reporting.



    California Wildfires: Much-needed rain is expected to help firefighting efforts this weekend

    As wildfires continue to ravage parts of California, firefighters have been battling the blazes around the clock. However, relief may be on the way as much-needed rain is expected to hit the region this weekend.

    The rain is forecasted to bring some much-needed moisture to the dry and fire-prone areas, potentially helping to extinguish the flames and prevent further spread of the fires. This comes as welcome news for firefighters and residents alike, who have been enduring the devastating impacts of the wildfires.

    While the rain may provide some relief, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential changes in the weather conditions. It is important to stay informed and follow evacuation orders if necessary to ensure everyone’s safety.

    Our thoughts are with those affected by the wildfires, and we hope that the rain will help bring some much-needed relief to the affected areas. Stay safe, California.

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    #California #Wildfires #Muchneeded #rain #expected #firefighting #efforts #weekend

  • LA wildfires: Maps show Palisades and Eaton burn scar areas at biggest risk from landslides


    LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Southern California has been ravaged by wildfires across the region with the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire having killed more than two dozen people.

    With rain expected this weekend, areas impacted by the fires are bracing for the possibility of mudslides. The ABC7 Eyewitness News data team has put together a map showing areas of concern for the Palisades and Eaton fires. A detailed map can be viewed in the video above.

    In the Eaton Fire, the burn scar’s proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains could pose a danger. Without plant roots in the ground holding topsoil in place, soil from the San Gabriel Mountains area could fall from the hillsides and threaten more homes in Altadena, where more than 9,000 structures were lost.

    The Palisades Fire burn scar also creates landslide danger when rain starts to fall. Homes up in Topanga Canyon, which mostly survived the fire, are facing a new potential hazard from falling topsoil.

    It’s estimated that more than 6,000 buildings were destroyed by the Palisades Fire.

    Firefighters are gaining control over both the Palisades and the Eaton fires, which are nearing containment as the rain moves in. However, the new concern is what potential landslides could do to these already devastated communities.

    Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.



    The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left a devastating impact on the landscape, with the Palisades and Eaton burn scar areas now facing a new threat: landslides. Maps released by the local authorities show that these areas are at the biggest risk of landslides due to the loss of vegetation and destabilization of the soil.

    As the rainy season approaches, the risk of landslides in these burn scar areas is of major concern. The loss of vegetation and the intense heat from the wildfires have left the soil vulnerable to erosion, increasing the likelihood of landslides during heavy rainfall.

    Residents in these areas are urged to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their properties from potential landslides. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are working to implement measures to mitigate the risks.

    It is crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared for the possibility of landslides in the coming months. By working together and taking proactive measures, we can help minimize the impact of this secondary threat in the aftermath of the LA wildfires.

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    #wildfires #Maps #show #Palisades #Eaton #burn #scar #areas #biggest #risk #landslides

  • Conan O’Brien says his Pacific Palisades home was spared in first podcast since LA wildfires




    CNN
     — 

    Conan O’Brien is one of the lucky few whose Pacific Palisades home is still standing after the LA wildfires, but he says he knows many who’ve been affected by the devastation, including his podcast co-host Sona Movsesian.

    In the latest episode of “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” – his first episode since the fires broke out earlier this month – O’Brien opened up about evacuating, sharing that he first learned that there was a fire in his neighborhood while he was at his office meeting with writers to go over the Oscars, which he’s set to host in March.

    “And I got a phone call from my wife saying, ‘Well, there’s some smoke,’” he recounted.

    O’Brien said he didn’t think much of it at first. He and his family have been through this before, he said, adding that monitoring nearby wildfire smoke is “part of life” in the fire-prone region.

    His family was later put under mandatory evacuation and checked into a hotel. As of last Thursday, when the podcast episode was recorded, O’Brien said that he had not yet returned home.

    “I went to sleep that night thinking, because we live in the Palisades, I just remember thinking, ‘I’m pretty sure that our house will go,’” he said. His house was among those in the Palisades that did not burn down, but, he said, “just the number of people I’ve heard from, people I know who lost houses is stunning.”

    Movsesian, who is also O’Brien’s assistant and a mother of two, was among them. Movesian’s home burned down in the Eaton Fire, which ripped through the East Los Angeles neighborhood of Altadena.

    (From left) Sona Movsesian and Conan O'Brien in Los Angeles in 2022.

    “It’s our entire street, our whole neighborhood has just been destroyed,” Movsesian said. “It looks really almost apocalyptic. There’s just nothing there.”

    Several wildfires tore through Los Angeles earlier this month, with the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire being the two largest. Tens of thousands of acres and thousands of structures burned in both fires. As of Monday, 27 people have died, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner and fire officials.

    The Palisades Fire is the most destructive to ever occur in Los Angeles County, according to CalFire data. As of Monday, it is 59% contained and burned 23,713 acres, according to Cal Fire.



    Conan O’Brien, the beloved late-night talk show host, recently revealed in his first podcast since the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles that his Pacific Palisades home was miraculously spared from the destruction.

    In the podcast episode titled “Surviving the Flames: A Personal Account,” O’Brien shared his harrowing experience of being forced to evacuate his home with his family as the wildfires raged nearby. He described the fear and uncertainty they felt as they watched the fire approach, unsure if they would have a home to return to.

    Fortunately, firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it reached O’Brien’s neighborhood, saving his home and giving him a renewed sense of gratitude for the first responders who worked tirelessly to protect the community.

    O’Brien expressed his relief and gratitude in the podcast, thanking his fans for their support and well wishes during the difficult time. He also emphasized the importance of being prepared for emergencies and having a plan in place for evacuation.

    Despite the close call, O’Brien remains positive and hopeful for the future, using his platform to raise awareness about the ongoing threat of wildfires and the importance of supporting those affected by natural disasters.

    Listeners of the podcast were moved by O’Brien’s story and inspired by his resilience in the face of adversity. Many praised him for his honesty and vulnerability in sharing his experience, and expressed their relief that his home was spared in the fires.

    As O’Brien continues to rebuild and recover from the wildfires, fans can look forward to more updates and insights from the host on his podcast, as he navigates this challenging chapter in his life with humor and grace.

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