Grace Toohey
@grace2e.bsky.social
Los Angeles Times breaking news reporter, focused on climate issues, wildfires and disasters.
[email protected]
DM for Signal
[email protected]
DM for Signal
As if the damaging landslides in this area of Palos Verdes weren't enough, residents have now -- begrudgingly-- become one of California's largest off-grid communities.
Cut off from key utilities for over a year: It's "what we have to do to stay in our homes."
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Cut off from key utilities for over a year: It's "what we have to do to stay in our homes."
www.latimes.com/california/s...
A scenic L.A. suburb with ocean views went off grid. How are residents surviving?
When public utilities indefinitely cut power to the Portuguese Bend community in Rancho Palos Verdes last year following months of devastating landslide movement, most residents saw it as the neighbor...
www.latimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:07 PM
As if the damaging landslides in this area of Palos Verdes weren't enough, residents have now -- begrudgingly-- become one of California's largest off-grid communities.
Cut off from key utilities for over a year: It's "what we have to do to stay in our homes."
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Cut off from key utilities for over a year: It's "what we have to do to stay in our homes."
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Remember that reservoir that sat empty near the Palisades fire, as hydrants ran dry?
A new state report found that even if the reservoir had been full, the water system still would have been quickly overwhelmed and lost pressure.
From @ianjames.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
A new state report found that even if the reservoir had been full, the water system still would have been quickly overwhelmed and lost pressure.
From @ianjames.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Even a full reservoir wouldn't have ensured water in Palisades fire, California officials say
During the Palisades fire, a nearby reservoir was empty for repairs. State officials say even if it had been full, the water system would have been quickly overwhelmed.
www.latimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Remember that reservoir that sat empty near the Palisades fire, as hydrants ran dry?
A new state report found that even if the reservoir had been full, the water system still would have been quickly overwhelmed and lost pressure.
From @ianjames.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
A new state report found that even if the reservoir had been full, the water system still would have been quickly overwhelmed and lost pressure.
From @ianjames.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Stacey Darden died in an area of west Altadena that got the latest evac alerts.
A new suit claims the 5:43am alert came too late. East Altadena was evacuated ~11 hours prior. Attorneys call it "digital redlining."
@jennyja.bsky.social @castleman.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
A new suit claims the 5:43am alert came too late. East Altadena was evacuated ~11 hours prior. Attorneys call it "digital redlining."
@jennyja.bsky.social @castleman.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
She died in the Eaton fire. Her family says emergency alert software was to blame
The complaint blames a company's predesigned evacuation zones for keeping residents east of Lake Avenue from getting timely evacuation orders.
www.latimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Stacey Darden died in an area of west Altadena that got the latest evac alerts.
A new suit claims the 5:43am alert came too late. East Altadena was evacuated ~11 hours prior. Attorneys call it "digital redlining."
@jennyja.bsky.social @castleman.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
A new suit claims the 5:43am alert came too late. East Altadena was evacuated ~11 hours prior. Attorneys call it "digital redlining."
@jennyja.bsky.social @castleman.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
Reposted by Grace Toohey
Gov. Newsom vetoed a bill that would have tracked data centers’ growing water footprint. He says California is “well positioned” to support the AI-driven data center boom, and he is reluctant to impose “rigid reporting requirements.” www.latimes.com/environment/...
California cracks down on water theft but spares data centers from disclosing how much they use
Gov. Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required data centers to report their projected water use when applying for a business license.
www.latimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Gov. Newsom vetoed a bill that would have tracked data centers’ growing water footprint. He says California is “well positioned” to support the AI-driven data center boom, and he is reluctant to impose “rigid reporting requirements.” www.latimes.com/environment/...
My latest on the offshore oil battle in Santa Barbara:
The company trying to resurrect 3 rigs wants to pivot from contentious pipelines, but it keeps hitting more legal + regulatory hurdles in CA.
Experts say the situation casts doubt on the project’s future:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
The company trying to resurrect 3 rigs wants to pivot from contentious pipelines, but it keeps hitting more legal + regulatory hurdles in CA.
Experts say the situation casts doubt on the project’s future:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
How grand plans to restart oil drilling off Santa Barbara’s coast hit California’s green wall
A Texas company wants to drill for oil off Santa Barbara County's coast. Experts say its path to oil sales is looking more and more challenging.
www.latimes.com
October 13, 2025 at 9:21 PM
My latest on the offshore oil battle in Santa Barbara:
The company trying to resurrect 3 rigs wants to pivot from contentious pipelines, but it keeps hitting more legal + regulatory hurdles in CA.
Experts say the situation casts doubt on the project’s future:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
The company trying to resurrect 3 rigs wants to pivot from contentious pipelines, but it keeps hitting more legal + regulatory hurdles in CA.
Experts say the situation casts doubt on the project’s future:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Read this story, you won't regret it.
WILD findings about the largest sex abuse settlement in U.S. history, and it's not what you think
www.latimes.com/california/s...
WILD findings about the largest sex abuse settlement in U.S. history, and it's not what you think
www.latimes.com/california/s...
In the biggest sex abuse settlement in U.S. history, some claim they were paid to sue
Seven people told The Times they were paid to sue L.A. County over sex abuse, raising questions about whether some claims that led to a record $4-billion settlement may have been colored by the promis...
www.latimes.com
October 2, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Read this story, you won't regret it.
WILD findings about the largest sex abuse settlement in U.S. history, and it's not what you think
www.latimes.com/california/s...
WILD findings about the largest sex abuse settlement in U.S. history, and it's not what you think
www.latimes.com/california/s...
The latest in a controversial plan to bring offshore oil back near Santa Barbara: the Texas-based firm pushing the project is considering a move that could avoid further California regulation -- after it's amassed lengthy legal and regulatory hurdles
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Texas firm proposes major change in California offshore oil project amid mounting troubles
Sable Offshore Corp. is looking to pivot away from a fraught network of pipelines that have faced increasing legal and regulatory scrutiny in California.
www.latimes.com
September 30, 2025 at 7:08 PM
The latest in a controversial plan to bring offshore oil back near Santa Barbara: the Texas-based firm pushing the project is considering a move that could avoid further California regulation -- after it's amassed lengthy legal and regulatory hurdles
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Grace Toohey
Aftermath of late summer storm includes destroyed homes, a closed highway and a child death
Aftermath of late summer storm includes destroyed homes, a closed highway and a child death
Last week's storm dumped inches of rain on the San Bernardino County mountains and foothills and unleashed a torrent of mud, rocks and trees, particularly in burn scars near Oak Glen and Forest Falls.
www.latimes.com
September 23, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Aftermath of late summer storm includes destroyed homes, a closed highway and a child death
'The original slow food people': Why this California tribe spent $500,000 on a global food gathering
via @sleavenworth.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
via @sleavenworth.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
'The original slow food people': Why this California tribe spent $500,000 on a global food gathering
Sacramento this week will host Terra Madre Americas, an international food event affiliated with the "slow food" movement, which originated in Italy.
www.latimes.com
September 23, 2025 at 6:13 PM
'The original slow food people': Why this California tribe spent $500,000 on a global food gathering
via @sleavenworth.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
via @sleavenworth.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Grace Toohey
A Texas company is trying to restart an oil operation off the California coast. It now faces criminal charges alleging it knowingly violated environmental laws. @grace2e.bsky.social @latimes.com www.latimes.com/environment/...
Company faces criminal charges as it seeks to restart California offshore oil operation
A Texas company is trying to restart a controversial oil operation off Santa Barbara County’s coast. It now faces criminal charges alleging it violated environmental laws.
www.latimes.com
September 19, 2025 at 8:00 PM
A Texas company is trying to restart an oil operation off the California coast. It now faces criminal charges alleging it knowingly violated environmental laws. @grace2e.bsky.social @latimes.com www.latimes.com/environment/...
No one wants their town overrun with media after political violence.
And while the people of Orem, Utah, were heartbroken and shocked (and many angry), most were still gracious and warm.
Here’s my dispatch from this conservative, faithful city:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
And while the people of Orem, Utah, were heartbroken and shocked (and many angry), most were still gracious and warm.
Here’s my dispatch from this conservative, faithful city:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Charlie Kirk was killed in their town. Residents refuse to be consumed by hate
In Orem, Utah, where conservative star Charlie Kirk was assassinated, family, faith and patriotism run deep. How can this city move forward?
www.latimes.com
September 13, 2025 at 4:04 PM
No one wants their town overrun with media after political violence.
And while the people of Orem, Utah, were heartbroken and shocked (and many angry), most were still gracious and warm.
Here’s my dispatch from this conservative, faithful city:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
And while the people of Orem, Utah, were heartbroken and shocked (and many angry), most were still gracious and warm.
Here’s my dispatch from this conservative, faithful city:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Grace Toohey
‘I lost me’: How frontotemporal dementia changed a mind and a marriage
By @corinnepurtill.bsky.social @latimes.com www.latimes.com/science/stor...
By @corinnepurtill.bsky.social @latimes.com www.latimes.com/science/stor...
'I lost me': How frontotemporal dementia changed a mind and a marriage
A Westlake Village man living with frontotemporal dementia has something few people with the condition do: the ability to describe his disease.
www.latimes.com
September 8, 2025 at 6:05 PM
‘I lost me’: How frontotemporal dementia changed a mind and a marriage
By @corinnepurtill.bsky.social @latimes.com www.latimes.com/science/stor...
By @corinnepurtill.bsky.social @latimes.com www.latimes.com/science/stor...
SoCal's worst heat wave this year kicked off HOT, but tonight may feel worse.
“The entire L.A. Basin...[is] not getting below the low 70s,” @weatherwest.bsky.social said. High overnight temps are "hugely consequential from a human health & ...wildfire perspective.”
www.latimes.com/california/s...
“The entire L.A. Basin...[is] not getting below the low 70s,” @weatherwest.bsky.social said. High overnight temps are "hugely consequential from a human health & ...wildfire perspective.”
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Here's how SoCal's intensifying heat wave could set temperature records, even overnight
The system’s length and strength will be compounded by some offshore winds, which will help keep any marine influence at bay and keep temperatures high, even overnight.
www.latimes.com
August 21, 2025 at 9:55 PM
SoCal's worst heat wave this year kicked off HOT, but tonight may feel worse.
“The entire L.A. Basin...[is] not getting below the low 70s,” @weatherwest.bsky.social said. High overnight temps are "hugely consequential from a human health & ...wildfire perspective.”
www.latimes.com/california/s...
“The entire L.A. Basin...[is] not getting below the low 70s,” @weatherwest.bsky.social said. High overnight temps are "hugely consequential from a human health & ...wildfire perspective.”
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Grace Toohey
Last week, Border Patrol agents massed outside of a @governor.ca.gov news conference. They wound up arresting Angel Rodrigo Minguela Palacios, a strawberry delivery driver with no criminal record and just there to drop off fruit to a tea room.
This is his story
www.latimes.com/california/s...
This is his story
www.latimes.com/california/s...
He was delivering strawberries in L.A. when Border Patrol stopped him. 'The wrong place at the wrong time'
Angel Rodrigo Minguela Palacios was delivering strawberries to a tearoom in Little Tokyo when Border Patrol agents massed nearby where Gov. Gavin Newsom was holding a news conference. Minguela ended u...
www.latimes.com
August 20, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Last week, Border Patrol agents massed outside of a @governor.ca.gov news conference. They wound up arresting Angel Rodrigo Minguela Palacios, a strawberry delivery driver with no criminal record and just there to drop off fruit to a tea room.
This is his story
www.latimes.com/california/s...
This is his story
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Another masterful story from @brittnymejia.bsky.social on the recent immigration raids.
So many heartbreaking details, but can't get over how this fruit delivery driver was detained for days w/ no change of clothes, yet friends weren't allowed to bring him socks
www.latimes.com/california/s...
So many heartbreaking details, but can't get over how this fruit delivery driver was detained for days w/ no change of clothes, yet friends weren't allowed to bring him socks
www.latimes.com/california/s...
He was delivering strawberries in L.A. when Border Patrol stopped him. 'The wrong place at the wrong time'
Angel Rodrigo Minguela Palacios was delivering strawberries to a tearoom in Little Tokyo when Border Patrol agents massed nearby where Gov. Gavin Newsom was holding a news conference. Minguela ended u...
www.latimes.com
August 20, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Another masterful story from @brittnymejia.bsky.social on the recent immigration raids.
So many heartbreaking details, but can't get over how this fruit delivery driver was detained for days w/ no change of clothes, yet friends weren't allowed to bring him socks
www.latimes.com/california/s...
So many heartbreaking details, but can't get over how this fruit delivery driver was detained for days w/ no change of clothes, yet friends weren't allowed to bring him socks
www.latimes.com/california/s...
For the first time in centuries, the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, an LA County-based tribe, has a piece of their ancestral territory.
Beautiful story on the land transfer from @nohaggerty.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Beautiful story on the land transfer from @nohaggerty.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
'A land that our ancestors walked': L.A. County tribe wins land back for the first time
For the first time in centuries, a piece of ancestral territory belongs to the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. While small, the half-acre lot serves as a space for the tribe to hold ceremonies an...
www.latimes.com
August 20, 2025 at 3:20 PM
For the first time in centuries, the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, an LA County-based tribe, has a piece of their ancestral territory.
Beautiful story on the land transfer from @nohaggerty.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Beautiful story on the land transfer from @nohaggerty.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Grace Toohey
Southern California faces 'trio of impactful hazards' this week: Extreme heat, fire risk and thunderstorms
Southern California faces 'trio of impactful hazards' this week: Extreme heat, fire risk and thunderstorms
Extreme heat across the U.S. Southwest will build on Wednesday and is expected to last for several days. In Southern California, there are major fire and health concerns.
www.latimes.com
August 20, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Southern California faces 'trio of impactful hazards' this week: Extreme heat, fire risk and thunderstorms
Reposted by Grace Toohey
In parts of the San Joaquin Valley, the land has been rapidly sinking as groundwater is drained to supply farms. New research shows that sinking communities are now also seeing lower home values. @grace2e.bsky.social www.latimes.com/environment/... @latimes.com
Central Valley homeowners are watching property values sink with the land
Chronic groundwater depletion has caused the land to sink in parts of California's Central Valley. New research shows home values are also declining in areas where it's a known problem.
www.latimes.com
August 14, 2025 at 1:00 AM
In parts of the San Joaquin Valley, the land has been rapidly sinking as groundwater is drained to supply farms. New research shows that sinking communities are now also seeing lower home values. @grace2e.bsky.social www.latimes.com/environment/... @latimes.com
Reposted by Grace Toohey
Palestinians in Gaza held a funeral procession on Monday for journalists for the Al Jazeera network who were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Sunday. Here's what we know about them. nyti.ms/4mJMa2J
August 11, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Palestinians in Gaza held a funeral procession on Monday for journalists for the Al Jazeera network who were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Sunday. Here's what we know about them. nyti.ms/4mJMa2J
Some good news: the fire that exploded last night to 5K acres in Ventura & north LA County is now 25% contained.
But officials say conditions remain hot and dry, with potential for extreme fire growth.
W/ Clara Harter
www.latimes.com/california/s...
But officials say conditions remain hot and dry, with potential for extreme fire growth.
W/ Clara Harter
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Canyon fire explodes to nearly 5,000 acres; thousands evacuated in L.A., Ventura counties
Firefighters have reached 25% containment against the fast-moving Canyon fire, which exploded to nearly 5,000 acres late Thursday, forcing thousands to evacuate.
www.latimes.com
August 8, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Some good news: the fire that exploded last night to 5K acres in Ventura & north LA County is now 25% contained.
But officials say conditions remain hot and dry, with potential for extreme fire growth.
W/ Clara Harter
www.latimes.com/california/s...
But officials say conditions remain hot and dry, with potential for extreme fire growth.
W/ Clara Harter
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Within minutes, a brush fire in eastern Ventura County (near Piru) exploded to 400 acres. Evacuations underway.
Officials had warned the current heat wave could elevate fire risk
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Officials had warned the current heat wave could elevate fire risk
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Fast-growing brush fire forces evacuations in Ventura County amid scorching heat wave
The fire was initially reported around 30 acres, but within minutes that estimate jumped to 409 acres.
www.latimes.com
August 7, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Within minutes, a brush fire in eastern Ventura County (near Piru) exploded to 400 acres. Evacuations underway.
Officials had warned the current heat wave could elevate fire risk
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Officials had warned the current heat wave could elevate fire risk
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Grace Toohey
More than halfway through the year, California is on pace to have more fires and significantly more acreage burned than last year, @grace2e.bsky.social reports: www.latimes.com/california/s...
California is on pace for its worst wildfire year in recent memory, and SoCal is mostly to blame
The Gifford fire straddling a rural stretch of the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo county line continued to grow Monday, reaching 65,000 acres and 3% containment. Officials warn an upcoming heat wav...
www.latimes.com
August 6, 2025 at 5:26 PM
More than halfway through the year, California is on pace to have more fires and significantly more acreage burned than last year, @grace2e.bsky.social reports: www.latimes.com/california/s...
Yesterday, I reported that 2025 has seen CA's worst start to wildfires in years.
And that data doesn't yet include the Gifford fire (in rural SLO/SB counties), which just became CA's largest of the year at 82K acres.
Now, a heat wave could make things worse.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
And that data doesn't yet include the Gifford fire (in rural SLO/SB counties), which just became CA's largest of the year at 82K acres.
Now, a heat wave could make things worse.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
California fires are burning, incoming heat wave could make things worse
A widespread and prolonged heat wave is expected to intensify fire concerns across California over the next few days, as temperatures rise and landscapes further dry out. Already, several fires are bu...
www.latimes.com
August 5, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Yesterday, I reported that 2025 has seen CA's worst start to wildfires in years.
And that data doesn't yet include the Gifford fire (in rural SLO/SB counties), which just became CA's largest of the year at 82K acres.
Now, a heat wave could make things worse.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
And that data doesn't yet include the Gifford fire (in rural SLO/SB counties), which just became CA's largest of the year at 82K acres.
Now, a heat wave could make things worse.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
"West Altadena was burning, and no one was there to save it."
Rebecca Ellis' deeply-reported story confirms what countless residents have told us since Jan: there were no firetrucks in west Altadena as the fire shifted there (or helping residents evacuate...)
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Rebecca Ellis' deeply-reported story confirms what countless residents have told us since Jan: there were no firetrucks in west Altadena as the fire shifted there (or helping residents evacuate...)
www.latimes.com/california/s...
A Times investigation: As west Altadena burned, L.A. County fire trucks stayed elsewhere
Vehicle locator data obtained by The Times show that most L.A. County fire trucks didn’t shift into west Altadena until long after fire ravaged the area. How much of the town could have been saved, re...
www.latimes.com
July 24, 2025 at 10:55 PM
"West Altadena was burning, and no one was there to save it."
Rebecca Ellis' deeply-reported story confirms what countless residents have told us since Jan: there were no firetrucks in west Altadena as the fire shifted there (or helping residents evacuate...)
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Rebecca Ellis' deeply-reported story confirms what countless residents have told us since Jan: there were no firetrucks in west Altadena as the fire shifted there (or helping residents evacuate...)
www.latimes.com/california/s...
There are 132 empty lots in this picturesque corner of the Palos Verdes peninsula -- where there's also been unprecedented landslide movement the past 2 years.
Rancho Palos Verdes officials want to ensure no new homes will be built on those lots.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Rancho Palos Verdes officials want to ensure no new homes will be built on those lots.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Is it finally time to ban new homes in the Rancho Palos Verdes' landslide zone?
After almost two years of unprecedented landslide damage in the Portuguese Bend area, city officials want to permanently ban new development in the area.
www.latimes.com
July 18, 2025 at 8:47 PM
There are 132 empty lots in this picturesque corner of the Palos Verdes peninsula -- where there's also been unprecedented landslide movement the past 2 years.
Rancho Palos Verdes officials want to ensure no new homes will be built on those lots.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Rancho Palos Verdes officials want to ensure no new homes will be built on those lots.
www.latimes.com/california/s...