FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Governor Gavin Newsom agreed to add the Southern California wildfires to a special session of the legislature.
This comes after Republicans in Sacramento called for that special session to deal solely with the wildfires and not focus on the incoming Trump administration.
Governor Newsom reached a deal that adds $25 million to a special session aimed at “Trump-proofing” California. One local assemblyman said that’s not what Californians are asking for.
“Republicans are standing together calling for action, immediate action, on recovery to ensure that these communities recover from this disaster,” Assemblyman Republican leader James Gallagher said.
California Republicans are calling for Governor Newsom to hold a special session to tackle wildfires.
“We should not be distracted by a special session to pay more government lawyers to sue Donald Trump,” Gallagher said.
Republicans say this special session would increase funding for wildfire prevention, enhance criminal penalties for arsonists and stabilize the insurance market to name a few. Central Valley representative David Tangipa was at the press conference in Sacramento.
“There are more areas that are under risk of more wildfires If it’s going to happen in January and it’s happening in L.A., it will happen in the high Sierras,” Assemblyman for District 8 David Tangipa said.
Tangipa called out Governor Newsom for approving an additional $25 million bill to be included in the special session: one for battling the Trump administration and one for immigration resources.
“This $50 million should be designated to what Californians are really thinking about today. And I don’t think that they’re thinking about some person in D.C. right now,” Tangipa said.
However, worries about president-elect Trump threatening to withhold federal aid to battle fires are real.
“He did it to California back before I was even governor in 2018 until he found out folks in Orange County voted for him and then he decided to give the money. So he’s been at this for years and years and years,” Newsom said.
State Senate Budget Committee Chair Scott Wiener announced the additional $25 million, saying California faces two massive challenges, one being “an incoming federal administration that has vowed to make it harder for Los Angeles to recover, by withholding disaster relief and deporting immigrant Angelenos who have been impacted by the fires and who are actively helping their neighbors.”
We asked Tangipa about Trump threatening to withhold funds from California.
“If we feel like we’re going to lose out on federal funds, then that probably means that California is doing something that, one, the federal government that is elected doesn’t coincide or at least agree with. And so when we’re looking at it that way, it’s not California’s way or not,” Tangipa said.
Tangipa said these fires are a non-partisan issue and that he hopes California lawmakers can come together to help Los Angeles.
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California Republicans are urging Governor Gavin Newsom to convene a special session of the state legislature to address the ongoing wildfire crisis. As wildfires continue to ravage the state, Republican lawmakers are pushing for immediate action to prevent further destruction and loss of life.
In a letter to Governor Newsom, Republican leaders emphasized the need for a comprehensive wildfire prevention and response plan that includes increased funding for firefighting resources, improved forest management practices, and measures to reduce the risk of wildfires in high-risk areas.
“We simply cannot afford to wait any longer to take decisive action to combat these devastating wildfires,” said Assembly Minority Leader Marie Waldron. “A special session of the legislature is needed to address this urgent crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of all Californians.”
Democrats have also expressed support for a special session to address the wildfire crisis, signaling a potential bipartisan effort to tackle this pressing issue. With wildfires continuing to burn across the state, the need for immediate action is clear.
As California grapples with the impacts of climate change and ongoing drought conditions, Republicans are calling for swift and decisive measures to protect communities and prevent further devastation. A special session of the legislature could provide the necessary platform for lawmakers to come together and develop a comprehensive strategy to combat wildfires and safeguard the state’s residents and natural resources.
More than two dozen people had been reported dead in the fires raging around in Los Angeles as of Monday.
Most of them lived in the hillside community of Altadena, near the eastern edge of the city, where the Eaton fire destroyed thousands of structures. Several lived within just a few blocks of one another, near the edge of the Angeles National Forest.
Two of the dead, a man and his son, who had cerebral palsy, had called for help evacuating, but none came. One of the victims was found near a garden hose he had been using to spray his house as the fire bore down.
In the Palisades fire, near the coast, the dead included a hang-glider, a surfer and a former child star from Australia.
Here is what we know about some of the victims:
Deaths in the Eaton Fire
Evelyn McClendon
Evelyn McClendonCredit…Zaire Calvin
Evelyn McClendon, 59, lived surrounded by three generations of her family in the Altadena neighborhood: her mother lived in a separate house on the same property; her brother, Zaire Calvin, lived next door. Mr. Calvin recalled racing to help his wife, his 1-year-old daughter, and his 84-year-old mother evacuate, while yelling to his sister to get in her car.
“I’m still trying to understand why she didn’t leave,” he said.
Ms. McClendon held several corporate jobs before withdrawing to lead a quieter life, Mr. Calvin, 47, said. She was a passionate participant in her online church, and worked as a bus driver for the Pasadena public schools, he said. She once told him that in her years of corporate work, striving for advancement, she wished she had “taken the time to enjoy life. And that stuck with me, always,” he said.
Oswald Altmetz
Oswald Altmetz, 75, was known as “Ozzie,” and on Pine Street in Altadena, he was a familiar part of the landscape, like the mountains and old oak trees, his niece Bianka Altmetz said. He loved baseball, old cars and jazz music, which he played nonstop. And he loved his dog, Harley, who died with Mr. Altmetz when fire consumed the home he had lived in since he came to Altadena as a young immigrant from Germany.
His neighbor Elizabeth Richey said she had urged him to leave. “He kept saying, ‘I’ve seen this before; nothing is going to happen,’” she said.
In her childhood, Bianka Altmetz said, Mr. Altmetz took his young relatives hiking to waterfalls and swimming in mountain pools. He was “the fun uncle, the one who always had the treats and cookies you weren’t supposed to have,” she said.
Dalyce Curry
Dalyce CurryCredit…Dalyce Kelley
Dalyce Curry, 95, died inside her home in Altadena. Ms. Curry had been an actress and an extra in several films, including “The Ten Commandments,” “Lady Sings the Blues,” and “The Blues Brothers.” Into her 90s, she dressed up and kept fit, her granddaughter, Dalyce Kelley, said.
But Ms. Curry had spent the day in the hospital for a cardiac issue, and her granddaughter dropped her off that evening, thinking she was safe. Ms. Kelley said she now felt guilty about leaving her. “No one saw this coming,” Ms. Kelley said. “I’ve never seen this type of devastation in my lifetime living in this city, and she loved Altadena so much.”
“It was her safe place,” Ms. Kelley said, adding “it’s unfortunate that her safe place became a nightmare.”
Anthony and Justin Mitchell
Anthony Mitchell with his great-grandchildren.Credit…Anthony Mitchell Jr.
Anthony Mitchell, 68, died with his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy and was in his 30s. His other children heard from Mr. Mitchell, who used a wheelchair, as the fire was bearing down on Altadena. He said he expected someone to come help the two evacuate. By 8 that night, he and Justin had both been found dead.
“I felt the system let them down,” his son Anthony Mitchell Jr. said.
Justin Mitchell was known for his sunny personality and love of reading. Mr. Mitchell was known for his barbecuing skills and his care for his family and for his neighbors. “My dad was just one of those people,” Anthony Mitchell Jr. said. “You would meet him and he would make friends with you real quick.”
Victor Shaw
Victor Shaw, 66, died trying to save his tile-roof house on Monterosa Drive, a cul-de-sac near the edge of the forest. “The house had a whole lot of significance for him,” a neighbor, Willie Jackson, 81, said. “His parents had always had it.”
Mr. Shaw drove a bloodmobile and made deliveries. “He was hard-working,” Mr. Jackson said.
After the fire passed, neighbors and family members came to search for him. They found him lying in his front yard clutching a garden hose. “He was out here trying to fight the fire by himself,” Mr. Jackson’s son, William, said.
Rodney Nickerson
Rodney Nickerson, 82, died in his home just a short walk from Mr. Shaw’s. Mr. Nickerson was a retired aerospace engineer for Lockheed Martin and an active deacon at his church, according to his son Eric Nickerson.
Mr. Nickerson loved to fish, play the horses and watch the San Francisco 49ers, his daughter-in-law, Elsa Nickerson, said in an interview. And he was deeply attached to his house, where he had raised his two children, and the neighborhood, where he had seen the cycle of generations. His family urged him to evacuate, but he told them he believed the fire would not reach him.
Erliene Kelley
Erliene Kelley was a retired Rite Aid pharmacy technician and a longtime resident of the same section of Altadena, according to Rita and Terry Pyburn, a couple who lived on her block.
“She was so, so, so sweet,” Terry Pyburn said.
“It was panic. Everyone took off and no one thought to check on anybody,” Mr. Pyburn said, adding, “I think the notice came too late.”
Kim Winiecki
Kim WinieckiCredit…Jeannette McMahon
Kim Winiecki, 77, moved to her house in Altadena about 35 years ago. “Her home was her security, her everything,” Jeannette McMahon, a close friend, said in a phone interview.
Ms. Winiecki was a deeply private person and never let anyone on or near her property. “We respected that,” Ms. McMahon said, “even though I was her closest friend.”
When the Eaton fire broke out near Ms. Winiecki’s house on Tuesday, Ms. McMahon said she offered her a ride out, but Ms. Winiecki said she would stay put and wait out the fire.
Deaths in the Palisades Fire
Mark Shterenberg
Mark Shterenberg, with his grandchildren Ryan and Tatiana Bedi in 2016.Credit…Tatiana Bedi
Mark Shterenberg, 80, was likely one of the first to die in the Palisades fire, based on Los Angeles County fire dispatch transmissions. His granddaughter, Tatiana Bedi, said he was deeply devoted to his family.
“My heart just feels like he was protecting everything that he worked so hard for his whole life to build for his family,” Ms. Bedi said.
Mr. Shterenberg was born in the Soviet Union and emigrated to the United States in 1980. He earned a master’s degree from Pepperdine University and was the top of his class, his granddaughter said. Ever an inspiration to his grandchildren, Mr. Shterenberg ran three miles every morning, including on the day he died. His motto, Ms. Bedi said, was: “Study math, keep money in the bank, and do three good things, every day.”
Charles Mortimer
Charles MortimerCredit…Robin Kessler
Charles Mortimer, 84, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, was a Chicago Cubs fan with a quick wit and an infectious smile, his family said in a statement shared by his niece, Meredith Mortimer.
“Charlie Mortimer truly lived life to its fullest,” the statement said. “He was a world traveler, a sun worshiper, and an avid sports fan.”
Mr. Mortimer died in the hospital on Jan. 8, having suffered a heart attack, smoke inhalation and burns, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Arthur Simoneau
Arthur SimoneauCredit…Steve Murillo
Arthur Simoneau, a beloved figure in the hang gliding community, died in the Palisades fire while trying to save his home in Topanga, his family said.
Mr. Simoneau was a member of the Sylmar Hang Gliding Association, where he served as a mentor to many, according to Steve Murillo, the association’s president. A GoFundMe page set up by his son, Andre Simoneau, described Mr. Simoneau as a man who showed others how to live with a rare “childlike eagerness.”
“It was always in the back of our heads that he would die in spectacular Arthur fashion,” the post read. He died protecting his home, the post said, “something only he was brave enough (or crazy enough) to do.”
Randall Miod
Randall MiodCredit…Carol A. Smith
Randall Miod, 55, was a “legend in Malibu” who lived and died in the place he loved most, his mother, Carol A. Smith, wrote in a statement. Surfing had been his passion from youth. Since his 20s, he had lived in the same house on the Pacific Coast Highway, which became a gathering place for friends. Kristin Miod Ennabe, his cousin, likened him to Peter Pan and said he had a “gentle spirit” like his father, Lawrence Miod.
Ms. Smith said the last time she spoke with her son was the day the Palisades fire began. He called her, nearly in tears, and she urged him to take himself and his cat to a shelter. Instead, Mr. Miod stayed. His final words to her were: “Pray for the Palisades and pray for Malibu. I love you,” she wrote.
Rory Sykes
Rory Sykes with his mother, Shelley Sykes.Credit…Beautiful Unlimited Australia Productions LTD
Rory Sykes, 32, a former child star from Australia who was born with cerebral palsy, died in the Palisades fire, according to his mother, Shelley Sykes. Mr. Sykes appeared in the 1990s British television show “Kiddy Kapers.” On his website, he described himself as a gamer, investor and philanthropist.
“He was just a beautiful soul,” Ms. Sykes said.
The two moved to the United State in 2010 and had lived on a 17-acre estate in the Malibu area for the last decade. Mr. Sykes had his own cottage, which burned after he told Ms. Sykes he wasn’t leaving and locked himself inside, she said.
Troy Closson, Anemona Hartocollis, Shaila Dewan and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs contributed reporting. Susan C. Beachy, Alain Delaquérière, Sheelagh McNeill and Kitty Bennett contributed research.
California Wildfires: Winds are subsiding. The next worry: Rain on burned ground.
As the devastating wildfires in California finally begin to be brought under control, a new concern is arising – the potential for rain on the scorched earth. While the decreased winds are allowing firefighters to make progress in containing the flames, the upcoming rainfall could pose a new set of challenges.
The charred landscape left in the wake of the fires is particularly susceptible to flooding and mudslides when rain falls on the burned ground. The loss of vegetation and the destruction of natural barriers can lead to increased runoff and erosion, putting nearby communities at risk.
Authorities are already working to mitigate the potential risks by reinforcing containment lines and implementing erosion control measures. But the unpredictable nature of wildfires and weather patterns makes it difficult to fully predict the impact of the impending rainfall.
As we continue to monitor the situation and support those affected by the wildfires, let us also keep a watchful eye on the potential hazards posed by rain on the burned ground. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and stay informed.
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SAN DIEGO — Multiple wildfires broke out in San Diego County on Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders, school closures and power shutoffs, while officials in Los Angeles remained on high alert amid strong winds and relentlessly dry conditions.
Crews responded to three small brush fires overnight in northern San Diego County. The Lilac Fire, the largest of the blazes, grew to 85 acres and triggered evacuations in Bonsall, a small community about 45 minutes north of San Diego. The fire has displaced 86 residents and damaged two structures, officials said.
The Lilac Fire was 50% contained by 6 p.m. PST, according to local authorities and Cal Fire. Earlier Tuesday, the North County Fire Protection District said more than 200 firefighters were assigned to the incident.
The Pala Fire, north of the community of Pala Mesa, burned 17 acres of land and initially triggered evacuation orders that have since been lifted, officials said. Firefighters managed to stop the forward progress of the blaze, which was fully contained in the afternoon.
Another blaze, dubbed the Riverview Fire, burned only one acre of land before firefighters contained it. A fourth blaze — called the Friars Fire — erupted at around noon Tuesday near homes and businesses in the neighborhood of Mission Valley, about five miles north of downtown San Diego.
San Diego Fire-Rescue said in an update that the fire had burned between 15 to 20 acres and was “confined,” adding that fire crews will continue to “mop up of hot spots” into the night. Evacuation orders and warnings in the area were also lifted.
The origins of the blazes remain unknown.
The fires erupted as hurricane-force winds blew across Southern California through the night and early morning, according to preliminary reports from the National Weather Service. A 102-mph wind gust was recorded in the San Diego mountains around 10 p.m. Monday.
As of Tuesday, afternoon, more than 64,000 homes and businesses were without power across the Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside counties, according to PowerOutage.us.
Firefighters make gains on Lilac Fire in San Diego County
Authorities in San Diego County have gained a foothold in the battle against the Lilac Fire that triggered a flurry of evacuations, power outages, and school closures on Tuesday.
“Fire crew will continue to build containment lines and extinguish hotspots within the fire’s perimeter,” Cal Fire said in an update Tuesday afternoon. Officials said by around 10 a.m. its forward rate of spread had been stopped.
In an update Tuesday night, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office that all evacuations had been lifted but some roadways remained closed as crews continued “to work in the area to mitigate the hazards and strengthen control lines.”
“Dust and noise will be present throughout the day and night,” the sheriff’s office added. “Smoke may be seen from areas where the fire is still burning, but there is no threat to the public.”
San Diego County school closures amid wildfires
Multiple school districts closed on Tuesday citing “high winds, fire danger, and power outages.” Below is a list of the school districts that have shuttered, according to the San Diego County Office of Education.
Bonsall Unified School District
Julian Union Elementary School District
Julian Union High School District
Mountain Empire Unified School District
Spencer Valley School District
Warner Unified School District
The county office of education later noted that Warner Unified School District and Mountain Empire Unified School District will remain closed on Wednesday due to power outages.
Mt. Woodson Elementary in Ramona Unified School District, Lakeside Farms Elementary, and DREAM Academy in Lakeside Union School District were also closed on Tuesday, the county office of education said. Those schools are located east of San Diego.
Due to the Friars Fire, the county office of education’s main campus and the Linda Vista Innovation Center closed on Tuesday but will reopen for “regular business” on Wednesday.
Red flag warnings active across Southern California as blazes rage
Red flag warnings stretched down the coast of Southern California on Tuesday as weather officials warned of strong wind gusts that could rapidly spread fires and knock out power to homes and businesses. The dangerous fire weather is expected to linger until at least midweek because of the winds and low humidity, the weather service said.
Forecasters said Santa Ana winds would continue blowing across Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Tuesday afternoon. The warnings urged residents to stay vigilant amid the strong winds and as humidity levels plummet to single digits.
In San Diego County, forecasters warned of winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. In the mountains, winds could reach 80 to 90 mph, the weather service added.
“If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior,” a red flag warning from the weather service in San Diego said.
Later Tuesday, the weather service extended its red flag warning for Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego counties through Thursday. The weather service in Los Angeles warned that an increase in winds is expected Thursday morning.
Brush fire ignites in riverbed in Riverside County
Firefighters are battling a brush fire that erupted in a riverbed near homes in Jurupa Valley. The Clay Fire started at around 5 p.m. Tuesday, according to Cal Fire.
By 8:30 p.m., the blaze grew to nearly 40 acres and evacuation warnings were issued for nearby neighborhoods, Cal Fire said. Crews were on the ground working on containment lines while a night-flying helicopter was dropping water on hot spots, according to Cal Fire.
“Firefighters are on-scene of vegetation burning in the river bottom,” Cal Fire said in its latest incident report. “The fuel is heavy and dense, and the fire is burning at a slow rate of spread.”
Latest on the Palisades and Eaton fires
The Palisades Fire was at 23,713 acres with 65% containment Tuesday evening, according to Cal Fire. The Eaton Fire had burned 14,021 acres and was at 89% containment.
“Firefighters are making steady progress, and officials are reassessing evacuation orders to ensure safe returns,” read a Tuesday report on the Palisades Fire. “Crews are working with utility providers to repair infrastructure and address hazards like fallen trees and downed power lines. The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current fire conditions.”
Cal Fire said firefighters were focusing on hot spots within the perimeter of the Eaton Fire as officials lifted evacuation orders in phases.
Additionally, resources were staged in the city of La Cañada, west of the blaze, “to respond to any new fire starts or fire activity within the current footprint,” according to an operational update from Cal Fire.
At least 28 people have been killed in the greater Los Angeles area fires, Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said in an update Tuesday afternoon. At least 17 people died in the Eaton Fire while another 11 died in the Palisades Fire.
On Monday, Los Angeles fire crews quickly extinguished a small brush fire near Griffith Observatory. The Los Angeles Police Department said it took into custody a man suspected of causing the fire.
Altadena residents impacted by Eaton Fire allowed to go back home
All residents in Altadena are now being allowed to return to their homes while firefighters make progress with the Eaton Fire. Cal Fire said firefighters continue to extinguish hot spots within the perimeter of the blaze.
While residents can return to their homes, some areas in the unincorporated community north of Pasadena are opened only to people with proof of residence such as a driver’s license or a utility bill with their address, Los Angeles County said in a post on X.
Curfews remain in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Cal Fire said.
How powerful are the winds in Southern California?
Here are the highest wind gusts recorded across Southern California through Tuesday afternoon, according to preliminary reports from the National Weather Service.
Sill Hill, San Diego County – 102 mph
Hauser Mountain, San Diego County — 88 mph
Banning, Riverside County – 83 mph
Keen Ridge, Riverside County – 81 mph
Chino Hills, Orange County – 71 mph
California State University, San Bernardino – 60 mph
(This story has been updated to add information.)
Contributing: Dave Mason, Ventura County Star
Wildfires Break Out Near San Diego, Triggering Evacuation Orders
Residents near San Diego are being urged to evacuate as wildfires break out in the area. The fires have spread rapidly, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, prompting officials to issue evacuation orders for several communities.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the flames, but the unpredictable nature of wildfires makes it a challenging task. Emergency responders are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of wildfires in California, especially during the hot and dry summer months. It is crucial for residents to stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and have a plan in place in case of emergencies.
Our thoughts are with the residents and firefighters affected by the wildfires near San Diego. Stay safe and stay informed.
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LOS ANGELES — Actress Halle Berry has taken a heartfelt step to support those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
Berry announced on Instagram on Jan. 9 that she was donating her entire wardrobe to those in need.
The Oscar-winner is collaborating with fellow actress Sharon Stone and +COOP, a home goods store in Beverly Hills, to promote donation efforts, collecting gently used clothing for men, women and children displaced by the fires.
+COOP was founded by real estate agent Jenna Cooper and turned its shop into up a temporary fire relief donation collection center amid the deadly wildfires.
“I’m packing up my entire closet and heading over to the COOP! If you live in the Southern California area, I urge you to do the same,” Berry wrote in the caption of her Instagram post on Thursday. “This is something we can do right now today to help all of the displaced families that are in need of the basics today!”
She added, “Thank you @sharonstone for your leadership. Love you Lady .”
The post included a video clip originally shared on Stone’s Instagram account a day earlier, in which Stone is heard promoting the donation effort.
“We’re at the COOP at 7282 Beverly Blvd., collecting gently used clothing for kids, men, women, children, people that have been displaced and affected by the fire,” she says, before taking viewers inside the shop to show the relief effort in action.
She added, “We have beautiful cashmere sweaters, jeans, new socks, shoes, clothes, blankets … you can come and shop, you can also come and donate.”
In a separate post on Jan. 9, Stone revealed that donations were already “pouring in,” adding, “We had to make a makeshift sign because we had cars lined up around the block donating.”
The LA wildfires have caused significant destruction, resulting in thousands of families being displaced.
At least 24 people have died and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for. Firefighters continue to battle the flames, which remain only partially contained and have been fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds.
In addition to Berry and Stone, other celebrities, organizations and major corporations have also stepped up to support wildfire relief efforts.
Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD foundation has donated $2.5 million for LA wildfire relief. SAG-AFTRA said over the weekend that it had donated $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation “to assist members experiencing hardship caused by the Los Angeles fires.”
Halle Berry, the award-winning actress and philanthropist, is making a generous donation to help those affected by the devastating wildfires in California. The actress took to social media to announce that she will be donating her “entire closet” to support the victims of the wildfires in Los Angeles.
In her post, Berry expressed her sadness over the destructive wildfires and urged her followers to join her in supporting those in need. She shared a photo of herself standing in front of her closet, which was filled with designer clothes, shoes, and accessories that she will be donating to those who have lost everything in the fires.
Berry’s donation is just one of the many ways that celebrities and individuals are coming together to support those affected by the wildfires. The fires have caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands of people and destroying homes and businesses.
It’s heartwarming to see celebrities like Halle Berry using their platform and resources to make a difference in times of crisis. Let’s continue to support those affected by the wildfires and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
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California was rocked by an earthquake early Friday, marking the fourth to hit the state in over 24 hours.
A magnitude 2.8 was detected 180 miles north of Los Angeles, where fires are blazing, at 3:32am PT, which hit three hours after another 2.8 in San Jose.
The latest earthquake registered a 2.8 magnitude and occurred approximately 15 miles southeast of Avenal at 3:32 a.m.
The US Geological Survey also reported a third 2.8 magnitude San Bernardino County on Thursday and a 3.0 magnitude hit Salton City Wednesday.
The four quakes occurred along the San Andreas fault – the volatile boundary between two tectonic plates: the Pacific plate and the North American plate. It runs 800 miles along the coast of California.
Scientists have said that the West Coast is overdue for a massive quake along the San Andreas fault, which would measure magnitude 8 or higher.
California was rocked by an earthquake early Friday, marking the fourth to hit the state in over 24 hours
Killing at least 25 people, the series of 30 wildfires has been reduced substantially to four fires as of Thursday. Two of the largest remain active.
Both the southern and northern sections of the San Andreas fault have a roughly equal likelihood of generating a high-magnitude earthquake in the next few decades.
The ‘Big One’ would measure an 8.0 magnitude or above, causing roughly 1,800 deaths, 50,000 injuries and $200 billion in damage, according to the Great California Shakeout.
Experts are ‘fairly confident that there could be a pretty large earthquake at some point in the next 30 years,’ Angie Lux, project scientist for Earthquake Early Warning at the Berkeley Seismology Lab, told DailyMail.co
Friday’s quake reached an intensity level of IV on the Community Internet Intensity Map, a level that indicates light shaking.
As of Friday morning, nearly 100 people submitted reports to the USGS, nothing that they had felt the earthquake.
Around the same number of people felt the other three earthquakes in the last few days.
While no injuries or damage was reported, the seismic activity followed a deadly stretch of wildfires in Southern California that began on January 7
Devastation was left behind by the Eaton Fire in a neighborhood on Friday in Altadena, CA, a city that felt Thursday’s earthquake
But earthquake that hit Thursday was just 65 miles away from Los Angeles.
Firefighters are still battling the Palisades Fire , which is the most destructive blaze in the city’s history, as well as the Eaton and Hurst fires. The three other blazes are now fully contained.
The National Weather Service added that the respite for fire-ravaged Los Angeles will be short, with high chances for renewed Red Flag warnings – when ideal fire conditions of high winds and low humidity dominate – starting again on Sunday.
The fires have damaged or destroyed more than 12,000 homes and other structures, and forced as many as 200,000 people from their homes.
Some 82,400 people were under evacuation orders and another 90,400 faced evacuation warnings as of Wednesday, County Sheriff Robert Luna said.
Entire neighborhoods have been leveled, leaving smoldering ash and rubble. Many homes only have a chimney stack left standing.
Some 8,500 firefighters from the western United States, Canada and Mexico have kept the growth of the fires in check for three days.
The Palisades Fire on the west edge of the city held steady at 23,713 acres burned, and containment nudged up to 19 per cent – a measurement of how much of the perimeter was under control. The Eaton Fire in the foothills east of the city stood at 14,117 acres with containment at 45 per cen
California residents were shaken once again as a fourth earthquake struck the state in just over 24 hours. The latest tremor comes as the state is still recovering from devastating wildfires that have left many communities in ruins.
The earthquake, which struck near the town of Ridgecrest, had a magnitude of 3.8 and was felt throughout the region. Residents reported feeling a strong jolt followed by shaking that lasted for several seconds.
This latest earthquake adds to the anxiety and uncertainty that many Californians are already feeling as they try to rebuild their lives in the wake of the wildfires. The state has been hit by a series of earthquakes in recent months, including a 6.4 magnitude quake in July that caused widespread damage and injuries.
As residents continue to pick up the pieces from the wildfires, the threat of further earthquakes is a reminder of the fragility of life in California. The state’s residents are resilient, but they are also facing unprecedented challenges that will require strength, perseverance, and community support to overcome.
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Bruce Willis, the iconic action star known for his roles in movies like Die Hard and Armageddon, made a rare public appearance in the wake of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The actor was spotted at a charity event to raise funds for those affected by the wildfires, showing his support for the community during this difficult time. Willis, who is known for his tough-guy persona on screen, displayed a softer side as he interacted with attendees and shared words of encouragement for those impacted by the fires.
It’s not often that Willis makes public appearances outside of his movie premieres or red carpet events, making his presence at the charity event all the more significant. Fans were thrilled to see the actor stepping up to help his fellow Angelenos during this crisis.
Despite his busy schedule, Willis took the time to show his support for the community and lend a helping hand in any way he could. His presence at the event served as a reminder of the importance of coming together in times of need and supporting one another through difficult times.
As the wildfires continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles, Willis’ public appearance is a reminder that even the toughest action heroes have a soft spot for those in need. His gesture of support will surely inspire others to do their part in helping those affected by the fires and rebuilding their communities.
The resentencing hearing for the Menendez brothers has been postponed nearly two months due to the wildfires impacting Los Angeles County, the county’s lead prosecutor said Friday.
Erik and Lyle Menendez had been scheduled to appear in court in the resentencing case from Jan. 30-31 amid their bid for freedom after being sentenced to life in prison for the murders of their parents.
The hearing will now take place from March 20-21 “due to the impact of recent wildfires on the parties’ extensive preparations for the hearings,” LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s office said in a statement.
Prosecutors and defense counsel met Friday with LA Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic to set a new date for the resentencing hearing, the office said.
In these booking photos taken Oct. 10, 2024, Erik and Lyle Menendez are shown.
CRDC
The postponement comes as Los Angeles County is battling two devastating wildfires, the Palisades and Eaton fires, that have destroyed thousands of structures. At least 27 people are believed to have died in the fires, which both ignited on Jan. 7.
The fires temporarily impacted the operation of multiple courthouses in Los Angeles County, though all 36 courthouses in the county remain open, according to the LA Superior Court.
Hochman said earlier this month that he has with the Menendez brothers’ relatives but is still reviewing the facts in the case and hasn’t yet decided if he’s in support of the brothers’ bid for freedom.
Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted in 1996 of the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, who they gunned down in the family’s Beverly Hills home.
The defense claimed the brothers acted in self-defense after enduring years of sexual abuse by their father, but prosecutors alleged they killed for money.
Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were 21 and 18 at the time of the crime, respectively, were sentenced to two consecutive life prison terms without the possibility of parole.
ABC News’ Emily Shapiro contributed to this report.
The Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearing, which was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, has been postponed due to the impact of the wildfires in Southern California. The brothers, Lyle and Erik Menendez, were convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents and have been serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. The hearing was set to reconsider their sentences in light of recent changes to California’s laws regarding juvenile offenders.
However, with the wildfires raging across the region and causing chaos and destruction, the court has decided to delay the hearing to a later date. The wildfires have forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes and have disrupted normal court proceedings.
The new date for the Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearing has not yet been announced, but it is expected to take place once the situation with the wildfires has been brought under control. In the meantime, the brothers will remain in custody as they await their day in court. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
The highly anticipated resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik Menendez has been rescheduled due to the Los Angeles County wildfires.
Originally set for Jan. 30 and 31, the county’s top prosecutor announced Friday that a judge continued the hearing to March 20-21.
“The continuance is due to the impact of recent wildfires on the parties’ extensive preparations for the hearings,” according to a statement from District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s office.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Gascón recommended resentencing in October for the brothers, serving life sentences for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents at the family’s Beverly Hills mansion. Hochman, who defeated Gascón in the November election, met earlier this year with family members who support resentencing.
Prosecutors in California are reviewing the convictions of the Menendez brothers, who were found guilty in the 1989 killing of their parents, officials said on Thursday.
The deadly Eaton and Palisades fires started Jan. 7 and became two of the most destructive on record in California.
The Menendez brothers hearing, originally scheduled for next week, has been rescheduled due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The brothers, who were convicted of killing their parents in a high-profile case in the early 1990s, were set to appear in court for a hearing related to their ongoing legal proceedings.
The wildfires in the Los Angeles area have forced the closure of the courthouse where the hearing was set to take place, leading to the rescheduling of the event. The Menendez brothers, who have been in prison for over two decades, were hoping for a chance at a new trial or reduced sentence.
The rescheduled hearing date has not yet been announced, but it is clear that the wildfires have had a significant impact on the justice system in Los Angeles. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
During an appearance on “The Jim Rome Show,” UFC CEO Dana White was asked if there’s any chance UFC 311 will be moved. White has confirmed that plans remain unchanged.
“No, there’s no chance we move it,” White said. “We’ll be there on Saturday, 100 percent.”
White was then asked if he believes UFC 311 can be an uplifting event for the people of California.
“Yeah, that’s kind of the vibe that I’ve been getting from people that are going,” White said. “They’re excited to go to the fight and not think about what’s been going [on]. What’s crazy is I was there the night the fire started. I was actually out there for meetings and that was the first night, and it felt really crazy. For people that aren’t in LA, and you used to see it, all these fires in Southern California or whatever. This was a whole different vibe and feeling and it’s only gotten worse. So, yeah, I think this is definitely gonna be a boost for the people who live there.”
Ariel Helwani previously reported that while UFC officials were hopeful that the promotion’s first pay-per-view event of 2025 would stay in California, the company was prepared to change location if need be. Helwani reported that the frontrunner was Las Vegas, which White later confirmed when speaking to Adin Ross.
The Intuit Dome remains the site of UFC 311 and it’ll be the organization’s debut inside the new venue.
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Amid the devastating wildfires currently raging through Los Angeles, UFC President Dana White has confirmed the status of UFC 311.
In a statement released earlier today, White assured fans that the event will go on as scheduled, with the safety and well-being of fighters, staff, and fans being the top priority. He also expressed gratitude to the first responders and firefighters working tirelessly to contain the wildfires and protect the community.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and are in constant communication with local authorities to ensure the safety of everyone involved in UFC 311,” White said. “Our thoughts are with those affected by the wildfires, and we are committed to supporting relief efforts however we can.”
UFC 311 is set to take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on December 15th, featuring a highly anticipated lineup of fights. Fans can expect an exciting night of action, as the fighters showcase their skills in the octagon.
Stay tuned for further updates and information on UFC 311 as the event approaches. Our thoughts are with those affected by the wildfires, and we hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing crisis.
UFC 311 will take place in Los Angeles this evening despite the ongoing wildfire crisis spreading across the city.
The first major event of the 2025 UFC calendar was thought to potentially have to move location due to the devastating scenes.
2
LA has been devastated by wildfire over the last few daysCredit: Getty
A gigantic wildfire has spread through LA and in just a few days, more than 10,000 structures had been impacted, with at least 25 people losing their lives.
Sport then took a backseat, with the risk being too high to play any fixtures in the affected areas as the fire continued to spread.
In the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers called off their games while in the NFL, the LA Rams moved stadium to play.
That left many question marks over the venue for UFC 311 which has been planned to go ahead at the Intuit Dome…
Is UFC 311 still taking place in LA?
UFC 311 is still going ahead in Los Angeles.
That is according to president Dana White who gave a new update on the situation on Wednesday afternoon.
“No, there’s no chance we move,” White told The Jim Rome Show on after being asked about a location switch.
“We’ll be there on Saturday. 100%
“I think this event is definitely going to be a boost for the people who live there [in Los Angeles].”
Those comments came after he remained wary of the event moving if the fires in LA got worse.
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White has given a new update on the situationCredit: AFP
Speaking on a stream with social media star Adin Ross on Sunday, White said: “Well, if the fire gets bad, we are coming to Vegas.
“Yeah, we’ll move it to Vegas. If it gets too bad. But as of now? It’s all go. The NBA is gonna go this week. We are gonna go.”
The LA Clippers beat the Miami Heat 109-98 in an NBA match at the Intuit Dome on Tuesday.
The LA Lakers also played at the Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, losing 126-102 to the San Antonio Spurs.
As well as the comments from the UFC boss, the California State Athletic Commission has also spoken about the situation.
They said: “We are watching the ongoing wildfires and the subsequent emergency and disaster response in the Los Angeles area.
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“Our hearts are with the residents of the region, and we appreciate the efforts of first responders in keeping the community safe.
“At this time, no decisions have been made about moving UFC 311, but we will continue to work with state and local officials and the UFC to determine the best course of action.”
Since then, nothing has changed, so UFC 311 is taking place in Los Angeles.
The BBC have reported that the winds that have fanned the wildfires are ‘expected to kick up’ this week.
Forecasters have again cautioned ‘extreme fire danger’ in the north-west of the city centre with the Intuit Dome located around 20 miles south of the Palisades fire which is still burning.
Should it go ahead as planned, UFC 311 will get started at 11pm UK time before the preliminary fights start at 1am on Sunday morning.
The main card, which included two title fights, ae expected to get going at around 3am on Sunday UK time.
As wildfires continue to ravage parts of California, many fans are wondering if UFC 311 will still be taking place in Los Angeles this weekend. The good news is that there is “no chance” of a location change, according to UFC President Dana White.
Despite the wildfires causing devastation in the region, White has assured fans that the event will go ahead as planned. The safety of fighters, staff, and fans is always a top priority for the UFC, and White has stated that they are monitoring the situation closely.
So for all you fight fans out there, rest assured that UFC 311 will still be taking place in LA this weekend. Get ready for some epic battles in the octagon!
