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Southern California Heat Wave Turns Muggy as Tropical Storm Mario Remnants Bring Rain Threat

A stretch of Southern California heat wave conditions is unfolding this week, and forecasters say the weather will feel not only hot but also unusually muggy.
Humidity is expected to spike as remnants of Tropical Storm Mario push moisture north from Mexico, bringing with it chances of showers, thunderstorms, and potential flooding.

“This is not a typical dry heat pattern,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said in a Tuesday evening briefing. “It will be warm and muggy through Friday as remnants of Tropical Storm Mario move into the area. Temperatures will cool through the period but humidities will be much higher than normal.”

Story Highlights

Southern California heat wave to persist with high humidity through early next week
Rain and thunderstorms forecast between Wednesday night and early Friday
Dry lightning and strong winds possible Wednesday night into Thursday
Flooding and debris flows a risk Thursday near recent burn scars
Los Angeles opens cooling centers in recreation facilities and libraries

Moisture Surge Brings Rain and Thunderstorm Potential

Forecasters now have “growing confidence” that most areas across Southern California will get at least some rain between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. The rainfall is expected to be highly variable. Some places may see only a tenth of an inch; others could receive up to two inches.

The NWS Los Angeles office warned:

“With the upcoming shower and thunderstorm chances, the most hazardous impacts Wednesday into early Thursday will be dry lightning and localized strong winds. As more moisture arrives Thursday, the threat shifts to flooding and potential for debris flows in and around recent burn scars.”

The best chance for lightning appears to be as the moisture first arrives Wednesday night into early Thursday. After that, forecasters believe the environment may be “too moist with too much cloud cover to support thunder development.”

Temperature Trends and Overnight Warmth

While daytime highs are expected to ease about five degrees from Tuesday’s scorcher—which saw mid-to-upper 90s in valley areas—overnight lows will stay much warmer than usual. The added moisture aloft traps daytime heat, leading to nighttime temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s across inland areas through early next week.

“This kind of overnight warmth combined with high humidity can make conditions feel uncomfortable, especially for vulnerable populations,” NWS meteorologists noted.

Citywide Readiness and Cooling Centers

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office said the city is closely monitoring the forecast and coordinating a multi-departmental response. The Emergency Management Department, along with the fire, police, recreation and parks, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is prepared to act as needed.

City officials emphasized the availability of public spaces for relief from the Southern California heat wave. Hundreds of cooling centers are open, including recreation and parks facilities and local library branches. Residents can find locations and hours of operation at laparks.org/reccenter or lapl.org/branches, or by calling 311.

Looking Ahead

Forecasters say the muggy pattern could extend into early next week, with a slight chance of additional showers as more moisture arrives from the south. Even as daytime temperatures slowly decline, humidity will remain elevated, creating conditions that could fuel localized flooding if heavier rains develop.

“Angelenos should stay informed of the latest forecasts, be prepared for changing weather conditions, and take advantage of cooling centers if needed,” city officials urged.

With the Southern California heat wave showing no immediate sign of fully letting up, both residents and emergency services are bracing for a combination of high humidity, warm nights, and unstable skies.

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California Oil Refineries Closing Sparks Gasoline Price Jitters Amid Electric Car Boom

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California, long celebrated for leading the United States in electric cars and reduced gasoline use, is now confronting a new and less welcome milestone. Major oil companies are preparing to shut down refineries across the state, creating the risk of much higher gasoline prices in a region already known for the nation’s steepest fuel costs.

Story Highlights

Two major California oil refineries (Los Angeles and Benicia) scheduled for closure within 18 months
Loss of about 18% of refining capacity could drive gasoline prices sharply higher
Regular gasoline averages $4.65 a gallon versus $3.18 nationally (AAA)
Governor Gavin Newsom moderates stance toward oil companies as fuel costs rise
Local economic impacts include a projected 13% revenue loss for Benicia

California Oil Refineries Face Rapid Closures

In the Los Angeles area, a Phillips 66 complex is preparing to stop turning crude oil into gasoline by the end of the year. North of San Francisco, Valero has announced plans to close its Benicia refinery next spring. Together, these shutdowns would remove roughly 18 percent of California’s refining capacity.

Forecasts for how much pump prices could rise vary widely — from just a few cents to several dollars per gallon. Regular gasoline in California averaged $4.65 a gallon on Monday, according to AAA, far above the national average of $3.18.

Demand Declines, But Supply Drops Faster

California consumed about 16 percent less gasoline in 2024 than it did 20 years ago. Diesel use has changed little, but a majority of the state’s diesel is now produced from renewable sources such as canola oil, used cooking grease, and other waste products rather than from crude oil.

At first, oil companies responded by converting some California oil refineries to produce renewable fuels. Yet even as demand fell, traditional refineries still posted healthy returns, partly because each closure reduced competition.

High Profits Draw Political Attention

“California refineries recently earned around double the profit margin on a gallon of gasoline compared with Gulf Coast plants,” said Tom Kloza, chief market analyst at Turner, Mason & Co., an energy consulting firm.

High fuel prices after the Covid-19 pandemic sparked a political backlash. In 2023, California lawmakers authorized officials to cap fuel makers’ profit margins. Since then, several companies have announced plans to reduce operations or exit the state entirely.

Phillips 66 revealed almost a year ago that it would close its last remaining traditional refinery in California. Valero followed this spring, saying it would shutter its Benicia refinery by April 2026. The companies cited California’s long-term move away from fossil fuels, along with the high costs of maintenance and compliance with state regulations.

“The continued outlook in California in the face of declining diesel and gasoline demand was a pretty tough one,” said Mark Lashier, chief executive of Houston-based Phillips 66.

Newsom Softens Tone Toward Oil Companies

The refinery closures present a political liability for Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been working to build a national profile ahead of the 2028 presidential election. A year ago, he was calling oil companies liars and “the polluted heart of this climate crisis.”

Recently, though, his rhetoric has shifted.

“We’re trying to find some balance,” Mr. Newsom said at a July news conference, referring to California’s long-term environmental goals and the need to keep energy costs low in the short term.

Policy Delays and Negotiations

Last month, the California Energy Commission voted to delay the profit-margin cap until at least 2030. Officials have also begun negotiations with Valero over the Benicia plant’s future.

“It’s not going to be a smooth market solution,” said Siva Gunda, vice chair of the commission. “The government will need to work together to ensure those transitions are not lumpy.”

Local Communities Feel the Impact

Beyond the potential effects on prices at the pump, refinery closures have local economic consequences. Benicia is bracing for a roughly 13 percent hit to its general fund if the Valero refinery closes, said Mario Giuliani, the city manager.

“We’re in this quandary of: We want to continue to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, yet we’re not there yet,” Mr. Giuliani said. “California policy has essentially gotten too ahead of the market.”

A Transition With Real-World Costs

California oil refineries are closing because demand is shrinking, but when a refinery shuts down, supply disappears at once. The state’s experience illustrates the complex challenges of shifting from one energy source to another. Even as electric cars and renewable fuels gain ground, traditional infrastructure remains essential to meeting current demand.

For now, California’s leaders are trying to manage that tension — balancing ambitious climate goals with the economic and political pressures created by high fuel prices.

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Wisk Aero Joins Forces with City of Fullerton to Launch Autonomous Air Taxis Across Southern California

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The skies over Southern California may one day be busier — and quieter — thanks to a new agreement between Wisk Aero and the City of Fullerton. The autonomous aviation company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the city to explore infrastructure, policy and operational pathways for launching autonomous, all-electric air taxi services at Fullerton Municipal Airport.

The collaboration positions Fullerton as a potential hub for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in the Los Angeles–Orange County metropolitan area. It also marks the latest in a series of strategic moves by Wisk Aero to build a sustainable regional network for autonomous air taxis.

Story Highlights

Wisk Aero teams with City of Fullerton to plan autonomous, all-electric air taxi operations.
Focus on vertiport infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and community guidelines.
Builds on Wisk’s Long Beach partnership and 2023 public flight demonstration.
Aims to establish a Southern California Advanced Air Mobility network.

Laying the Groundwork for Air Taxi Operations

Under the MOU, Wisk Aero will advise Fullerton on vertiport requirements, Instrument Flight Rules routes and other technical needs for autonomous operations. Fullerton Municipal Airport will incorporate AAM and UAM considerations into its strategic planning for the airport, the electrical grid and surrounding airspace.

City officials will also develop policy pathways, including permitting and community noise level guidelines, to prepare for the potential introduction of autonomous air taxis.

A Joint Approach to Operations and Policy

The agreement goes beyond technical planning. Both Wisk Aero and the City of Fullerton will jointly evaluate operational and commercial aspects, such as the feasibility of training and maintenance facilities at the airport and the definition of commercial terms for Wisk’s future services.

They will also review existing municipal policies and land-use codes to recommend amendments necessary for autonomous AAM operations. This proactive approach is intended to help set standards for how urban centers integrate next-generation transportation technology.

Building a Regional Network Across Southern California

The MOU also encourages regional collaboration. Wisk and Fullerton will explore other potential vertiport sites across Southern California to facilitate route planning and support applications for federal, state and local grants to fund infrastructure development.

Community and Industry Reactions

Jeff Ball, President and CEO of the Orange County Business Council, called the partnership a “powerful example” of forward-thinking collaboration.

“The Orange County Business Council continues to advocate for innovative technologies that drive our region’s economic competitiveness,” Ball said. “The partnership between Wisk and the City of Fullerton is a powerful example of the forward-thinking collaborations that will keep Orange County at the forefront of technology and transportation. This milestone marks the beginning of a sustainable air mobility ecosystem — one that will create high-quality jobs, strengthen connections between communities, and further position Orange County as a leader in the future of mobility.”

Emilien Marchand, Regional Lead of Ecosystem Partnerships at Wisk, emphasized that the agreement represents a practical step toward bringing autonomous flight to life.

“This partnership with the City of Fullerton is representative of the practical steps needed to bring autonomous flight to life,” Marchand said. “Our work together will not only assess the feasibility of AAM at FUL, but also help define the standards and processes for the entire industry. We’re building a blueprint for how cities can successfully integrate AAM into their transportation networks for the long term, and we’re excited about the potential across the Southern California region.”

Continuing Momentum After Long Beach

This agreement builds on Wisk’s long-standing collaboration with the City of Long Beach and its historic public flight demonstration in October 2023. For Wisk Aero, the partnership with Fullerton represents another step toward fulfilling its commitment to the Los Angeles–Orange County metropolitan area.

By aligning with multiple cities, the company aims to unlock partnerships with other vertiport sites and create a regional network that could eventually serve passengers throughout this densely populated region.

About Wisk Aero

Wisk Aero is an autonomous aviation company dedicated to creating a future for air travel that elevates people, communities and aviation itself. The company develops all-electric, autonomous air taxi technology designed to transform urban and regional air transportation. More information can be found at wisk.aero.

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Asthma Alert: Pennsylvania Cities Rank Among Worst in the U.S.

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Three Pennsylvania cities have made headlines for the wrong reasons. Allentown, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg are ranked among the nation’s toughest places to live for people with asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2025 U.S. Asthma Capitals report.

Story Highlights:

Allentown ranks No. 3, Philadelphia No. 4, and Harrisburg No. 15 in the 2025 Asthma Capitals report.
High asthma rates linked to poor air quality, mold, poverty, and lack of affordable medication.
Inhalers and long-term medications remain costly and often inaccessible for uninsured residents.
Seasonal allergens and aging infrastructure worsen conditions, especially for children.
Experts call for policy reforms, affordable treatment access, and environmental improvements.

The report, released earlier this month, identifies cities where asthma prevalence, emergency room visits, and asthma-related deaths are alarmingly high. Pennsylvania cities, in particular, continue to face challenges in reducing environmental triggers and ensuring access to life-saving treatments.

“There’s a number of things that are not going well in the asthma ecosystem,” said Ana Santos Rutschman, health law professor at Villanova University. “It is one of the major public health problems we face nationally and more pronounced in regions including Philadelphia.”

Experts point to a combination of factors behind the high asthma rates in these Pennsylvania cities. Poor indoor and outdoor air quality, aging buildings, mold exposure, and seasonal allergens contribute to worsening conditions. Coupled with poverty and insurance gaps, many residents struggle to manage asthma effectively.

“Towns and cities named as ‘asthma capitals’ often have higher rates of poorer air quality, more people living in poverty, and many residents who are uninsured or underinsured,” Rutschman said. “All of these are risk factors that make it difficult for people to manage asthma.”

Medication Access Remains a Critical Challenge

Long-term medications can help keep asthma under control, reducing attacks and emergency visits. But access is uneven. Many treatments require specialist prescriptions, which are not always available depending on one’s location or health insurance status.

Rescue inhalers, vital for immediate relief during attacks, also come with high costs. “Even that ends up with a price tag that many parents just cannot afford,” Rutschman noted. Brand-name inhalers can cost several hundred dollars without insurance, while generics may still exceed $200.

“It has been puzzling because these are older medications with expired patents. There’s nothing about them that should cost so much,” Rutschman added.

Even when medications are available, environmental triggers can make asthma management extremely difficult. Exposure to polluted outdoor air, cigarette or vape smoke, and indoor mold remains common. Children, especially, are vulnerable in older school buildings where mold and air quality issues are more prevalent. Seasonal allergens, particularly in September, further increase asthma attacks and emergency room visits in the tri-state area.

Experts Advocate for Affordable Medications and Environmental Reforms

Increasing access to asthma medications and inhalers is crucial, experts say. Making treatments more affordable could significantly reduce emergency room visits and long-term healthcare costs. Some pharmaceutical companies recently capped inhaler costs at $35 per month, but only for fully insured patients under private health plans, leaving those on public programs like Medicaid or Medicare still at risk.

“Price caps can be helpful, but without federal or state laws mandating them, companies can change policies at any time,” Rutschman explained.

Websites like GoodRx can help patients find discounted prices at local pharmacies, providing some relief in the absence of universal price caps.

At the same time, experts emphasize reducing environmental triggers. Avoiding smoke, improving outdoor air quality, and encouraging mold remediation in older buildings can all help reduce asthma attacks. “States and cities could create incentive programs for mold removal and improving indoor air conditions, which would especially help children,” Rutschman said.

The findings of the 2025 Asthma Capitals report highlight the urgent need for comprehensive action in Pennsylvania asthma cities. Addressing both the medical and environmental aspects of asthma can improve quality of life and reduce preventable emergency visits, offering hope for residents who have long struggled with this chronic condition.

Addressing the asthma crisis in Pennsylvania cities requires urgent action. Reducing environmental triggers, improving access to affordable medications, and supporting public health initiatives can help residents breathe easier. Without comprehensive solutions, Allentown, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg will continue to face high asthma rates, emergency visits, and preventable health risks.

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Philadelphia Man Dies in Solo I-81 Crash in Antrim Township

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A tragic accident on Interstate 81 in Antrim Township claimed the life of a Philadelphia man Monday evening, Pennsylvania State Police reported. The crash occurred on the northbound Exit 5 off-ramp, leaving authorities and the local community shaken.

Story Highlights:

Victim: Jason A. Pugh Jr., 37, Philadelphia
Vehicle: 2022 Kia Sorento
Location: I-81, Exit 5 off-ramp, Antrim Township, PA
Time: Around 7:38 p.m., Monday
Crash Type: Single-vehicle accident, no other cars involved
Outcome: Pugh pronounced dead at the scene
Investigation: Ongoing by Pennsylvania State Police

The victim has been identified as Jason A. Pugh Jr., 37, of Philadelphia. According to state police, Pugh was driving a 2022 Kia Sorento northbound when the vehicle unexpectedly left the road.

“Mr. Pugh’s vehicle went down an embankment and struck a tree,” a Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson said. “The vehicle then spun and rolled onto its driver side.”

Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, but Pugh was pronounced dead at the location. State police confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Officials emphasized that the circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation. “At this time, it appears to be a single-vehicle accident. There is no evidence of involvement by other motorists,” the spokesperson added.

Local authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution on I-81, especially around off-ramps and areas with embankments. “Even routine drives can turn dangerous under certain conditions,” the spokesperson noted.

The incident serves as a reminder of the risks of high-speed travel and off-ramp navigation, particularly during evening hours.

The fatal I-81 crash in Antrim Township serves as a grim reminder of the dangers on Pennsylvania roads. Jason A. Pugh Jr., 37, of Philadelphia, lost his life in a single-vehicle accident involving a 2022 Kia Sorento. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances, urging drivers to exercise caution, especially on off-ramps and embankments.

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LA Convention Center Expansion Hits $2.7B as City Council Eyes 2028 Olympics Prep

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The Los Angeles City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee is preparing to vote Tuesday on a major proposal to expand the Los Angeles Convention Center and issue bonds to fund the project, which now carries a price tag of $2.7 billion. The expansion, aimed at modernizing the facility for the 2028 Summer Olympics and stimulating downtown revitalization, has seen costs rise by $483 million since earlier estimates in March.

Story Highlights

Los Angeles Convention Center expansion cost rises to $2.7 billion.
Project includes 190,000 sq. ft. of exhibit hall space, 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting rooms, and 100,000 sq. ft. of multi-service space.
Expected to create more than 13,000 construction jobs.
Construction paused during 2028 Olympics and Paralympics.
Bonds to fund the project will be repaid over 30 years, averaging $111M annually.
Expansion projected to generate $30M annually post-completion, eventually $60M.
Digital signage revenue faces reduction; state legislation may impact funding.
Renovation of Gilbert Lindsay Plaza removed to reduce costs.

City officials say the expansion is a critical step toward ensuring the city is ready to host Olympic and Paralympic events. “Missing the Olympic readiness deadline could result in serious financial ramifications for the city, including losing the Olympic and Paralympic events currently planned to be held at the Convention Center,” warned City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo.

The project will add 190,000 square feet of additional exhibit hall space, nearly 40,000 square feet of new meeting rooms, and close to 100,000 square feet for a multi-service room. Szabo emphasized that the expansion will also generate more than 13,000 construction jobs during the project, providing a major boost to the local economy.

Construction will follow a phased approach, with work paused during the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics to avoid disruptions. The Convention Center is slated to host fencing, taekwondo, judo, wrestling, and table tennis during the Olympics, and wheelchair fencing, taekwondo, judo, boccia, and table tennis during the Paralympics.

Despite the potential benefits, city officials have acknowledged substantial risks associated with the project. Szabo noted, “There are serious risks with the construction timeline. Potential delays during construction could jeopardize the readiness for the Olympics and cause financial strain.”

The $2.7 billion budget is broken down as follows: $82 million for pre-construction costs, $35 million for a development fee, $566 million for city-retained costs, and $2.035 billion for design and construction. Cost increases have been attributed to tariffs, rising material costs, and what some committee members describe as “self-inflicted” expenses. The Department of Water and Power also anticipates higher costs due to conduit and cabling work and the relocation of utility vaults.

To finance the Los Angeles Convention Center expansion, the city plans to issue bonds to be repaid over 30 years, with average annual payments expected to total $111 million through 2058. Szabo explained, “The initial years of repayment will be more expensive, but once the expansion is complete, it is expected to generate $30 million annually. By 2033, that revenue could reach $45 million, eventually stabilizing at around $60 million annually to help offset the debt service.”

Another challenge for the project is reduced revenue from digital signage. The expansion initially assumed $61 million annually from new digital signs facing the Santa Monica (10) and Harbor (110) freeway interchange, but revised estimates show a reduction of $34 million. Mayor Karen Bass’ office has led efforts to pass state legislation allowing the city to construct the full signage program. Szabo cautioned that amendments to the legislation make it difficult to fully realize the expected revenue.

City officials also removed plans to renovate Gilbert Lindsay Plaza to lower the overall project cost. Despite these reductions, the Los Angeles Convention Center expansion remains a cornerstone project for the city’s Olympic readiness and downtown revitalization strategy.

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Deadly Blaze Strikes Downtown Los Angeles High-Rise: Body Found Amid Smoke and Flames

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In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a deadly fire broke out inside a high-rise building in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, leaving behind one confirmed fatality and extensive damage. Firefighters with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) were called to the scene after heavy smoke was reported billowing from 112 W. Fifth Street, between Main and Los Angeles Streets.

According to LAFD spokesperson Margaret Stewart, emergency crews were dispatched at 2:02 a.m. to find flames consuming a corner unit. Smoke had already traveled across all seven floors of the building.

“We had a significant amount of smoke showing on every floor when we arrived,”
Stewart said. “Firefighters worked aggressively to knock down the fire and protect residents sheltering in place.”

Approximately 100 LAFD firefighters battled the blaze for 50 minutes before bringing it under control. Once inside the burned apartment, crews made a grim discovery.

“A body was located in the unit where the fire had been knocked down,”
Stewart confirmed.

Story Highlights

Main Incident: Downtown Los Angeles High-Rise Fire at 112 W. Fifth Street
Time of Response: 2:02 a.m., Tuesday morning
Firefighting Effort: 100 firefighters, 50 minutes to control flames
Casualty: One person found dead inside burned unit
Hazards: Excessive storage and heavy debris slowing hot-spot removal
Investigation: LAFD Arson Unit and Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety on scene

Inside the charred apartment, firefighters encountered excessive storage conditions and large amounts of debris. Those hazards are now being cleared to ensure no smoldering hot spots remain.

“We’re taking time to remove debris to prevent flare-ups,”
Stewart added.

While the operation unfolded, the majority of residents were ordered to shelter in place to keep them safe from both smoke and falling debris. Officials from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety have also been dispatched to evaluate the building’s structural integrity.

The LAFD Arson Unit is actively assisting in determining the cause of the Downtown Los Angeles High-Rise Fire. No additional details about the victim have been released pending notification of next of kin.

With flames contained, investigators are now focused on how the blaze started and whether the excessive storage inside the unit contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.

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SB 9 Housing Law Sparks Fire-Zone Showdown in Los Angeles County

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A pair of crises are converging in Los Angeles County. Congress has cut $3.4 million in federal funding for LAist, threatening the nonprofit newsroom’s ability to cover local affairs. At the same time, the county is grappling with how — and where — to rebuild after January’s destructive fires.

One of the biggest flashpoints is California’s SB 9 housing law, which allows homeowners to split lots and add duplexes or up to four units on land previously zoned for a single house. Supporters call SB 9 a lifeline for fire-hit families. Opponents call it dangerous densification in high-risk burn zones.

Story Highlights

Funding cut: LAist loses $3.4 million over two years after Congress reduces public-media support.
Key law: SB 9 housing law lets owners rebuild duplexes or multiple units on single-family parcels.
Divided response: Mayor Karen Bass banned SB 9 projects in the Pacific Palisades; Altadena leaders left the option open.
Applications: 26 SB 9 rebuild requests filed in Altadena; seven were filed in the Palisades before the ban.
Safety vs. equity: Critics cite evacuation risks; backers cite financial survival and multigenerational housing.

A Law Few Used — Until the Fires

Since taking effect in 2022, the SB 9 housing law had been a quiet experiment. Costly and tightly regulated, it was seldom invoked. That changed after January’s wildfires destroyed more than 13,000 homes.

Now, dozens of burned-out homeowners are filing SB 9 applications. Seven went in at the Pacific Palisades before Mayor Karen Bass halted the practice. In Altadena, 26 applications had arrived by early September.

Mayor’s Ban vs. County’s Openness

Bass acted soon after Governor Gavin Newsom gave local leaders the power to suspend SB 9 in very high fire-hazard areas. Her administration argued that adding more homes, and more people, would strain roads and emergency response during the next disaster.

County leaders in Altadena took the opposite tack. “I don’t want to disenfranchise anyone from the ability to rebuild,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the area. “We have the flexibility at the local level to address what SB 9 is doing without taking away local land rights.”

Balancing Safety and Survival

Barger generally opposes state laws overriding local zoning. Yet she praised Newsom for restricting high-density development on Altadena’s Fair Oaks and Lake Avenue corridors after the Eaton Fire.

At the same time, she said SB 9 gives burned-out homeowners a financial foothold. “I want people to be able to choose to rebuild because they want to,” Barger said. “I want to make sure I don’t put any hurdles in place.”

Under SB 9, owners can rent secondary units or pool resources with relatives on the same lot — a chance to stay in their community rather than sell and leave.

Rebuilding a Legacy

For Paul Sanchez of Altadena, the SB 9 housing law may be the only way forward. Before the fire, his family lived in a classic post-war modernist home with steel framing and floor-to-ceiling windows — designed by an architect who fled Vienna after the Holocaust.

“The home that I lived in was built with new materials and new ideas at the time in 1948,” Sanchez recalled. “I’m going to continue this legacy of new ideas.”

He is exploring pre-fabricated, fire-resistant models and plans to keep units small and affordable for renters and for himself and his wife. “I’m cautiously optimistic,” he said, standing on the dirt lot. “I think SB 9 is an option that could really help me. Because I’m not sure if I can do it without it.”

Multigenerational Solutions

Nonprofit Neighborhood Housing Services of L.A. County is advising homeowners on rebuilding. CEO Lori Gay said SB 9 is complex but can work, especially for long-term, cash-strapped residents.

Her staff gently urges owners to keep properties in the family. “Do you have someone else in your family that either you’d consider selling to, or parcel-splitting with?” they ask.

Often, seniors are willing to move into smaller spaces while letting relatives occupy the main home. “As we think about rebuilding now, is that something that’s workable for people?” Gay said.

Critics Mobilize Online

Opponents have taken their case to social media. Before Bass suspended the law in the Palisades, influencer Spencer Pratt posted viral TikToks attacking leaders for allowing duplexes. He said the area “cannot handle more density.”

Christopher LeGras of Our Neighborhood Voices, a group opposed to state-imposed density, warned of evacuation hazards. “The idea of putting in more people who would have to evacuate if — God forbid — there’s another major emergency, is just reckless,” he said.

Opponents also fear SB 9 will change the character of low-density blocks. “When you start talking duplexes and real, more substantial multifamily [homes], I think that’s a bridge too far,” LeGras said.

Mild Density Gains So Far

None of the Altadena applications seek full lot splits or the four-unit maximum. Most propose only one additional unit. Barger has asked the county’s Public Works Department to study the impact of higher-density projects but is leaving SB 9 available for now.

Malibu has also refrained from banning SB 9 and reports no applications. Developer Andrew Slocum, who helps Altadena homeowners, said most use SB 9 to add just one unit but get better property valuations than through accessory dwelling unit (ADU) laws.

He criticized Bass’s decision as a “knee-jerk reaction” that “robbed” Palisades homeowners of rebuilding options.

Governor’s Order Still in Play

Newsom’s executive order gave local leaders the choice to suspend SB 9 in high fire-hazard burn zones. It does not cover all of Altadena, but officials could still restrict the law in the community’s eastern foothills.

Independent Journalism Under Pressure

As LAist documents the fallout of the SB 9 housing law in fire-zones, its own future is uncertain. The loss of $3.4 million in federal funds jeopardizes its paywall-free reporting on housing, climate and the homelessness crisis.

The newsroom is appealing to readers for support. It argues that no matter one’s politics, press freedom and independent local journalism are vital to keeping communities informed.

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LAHSA Investigation Unfolds: LAist Exposes Alleged Fraud Amid $3.4M Funding Cut

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The Los Angeles County government has opened an independent LAHSA investigation after a series of explosive allegations about fraud, waste and abuse surfaced against top executives at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. The move comes as LAist, the nonprofit newsroom that first reported the claims, grapples with a $3.4 million loss in federal funding following a congressional cut to public-media support.

📰 Story Highlights

LAHSA Investigation: County orders outside probe May 23 after LAist exposé.
Unreported Allegations: Officials say LAHSA failed to alert the County Fraud Hotline as required.
$800,000 Settlement: Two former executives claim retaliation for reporting misconduct.
Email Deletion Claim: Former CEO allegedly sought deletion of Mayor Karen Bass emails; Bass denies knowledge.
Funding Loss: Congress pulls $3.4 million from public media, shrinking LAist’s budget.

County Steps In After Media Revelations

Greg Hellmold, head of the Office of County Investigations, confirmed in an email to LAist that his office had “initiated a months-long outside investigation” beginning May 23. According to Hellmold, “LAHSA is required to report all allegations [of fraud, waste and abuse] to the County’s Fraud Hotline.”

Yet, Hellmold said, “As of the publication date of LAist’s May 6 article, no allegations matching the article had been reported to the County Fraud Hotline.” He added that his office has since reminded LAHSA’s internal affairs staff “of the need to notify us” and that the matter had been “brought to the attention of the LAHSA Commission Chair.”

The county hired an outside investigator on behalf of its human resources department to review the claims, which were first detailed in demand letters by two former LAHSA executives last year.

Allegations Against Former CEO

The letters accused former CEO Va Lecia Adams Kellum of financial mismanagement, wasteful spending, hiring unqualified associates into powerful jobs, and attempting to destroy public records of her communications with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. They also alleged Adams Kellum received a lap dance from a consultant she had just hired while intoxicated.

Adams Kellum left her post in late July and has not responded to requests for comment. A LAHSA spokesperson previously denied the allegations.

Settlement Reached But No Internal Review

Despite denying wrongdoing, LAHSA in March agreed to pay $800,000 to settle the claims of the two former executives. According to LAist, no internal or external review of the misconduct allegations had been commissioned at that time. Several executives hired by Adams Kellum remain in their positions and did not respond to questions through a LAHSA spokesperson.

LAHSA’s Position on Reporting

Speaking about the broader reporting requirement, LAHSA spokesman Paul Rubenstein said in an email, “Our commitment is to ensure all matters are addressed through the correct and most effective channels, maintaining the integrity of both our internal operations and external relationships.”

Rubenstein argued the agreement with the county requires reporting fraud, waste and abuse to the county hotline, but not personnel investigations, which are handled by LAHSA’s internal human resources staff.

Email Deletion Allegation

One of the most serious accusations came from former IT chief Emily Vaughn Henry, who alleged Adams Kellum asked her “to violate record retention laws and delete two emails that Mayor Karen Bass had sent from her personal email account to Kellum’s LAHSA account.”

LAHSA’s policy at the time required retaining all emails for seven years. Adams Kellum previously told the Los Angeles Times she did not ask for deletion of any mayoral messages. A spokesperson for Mayor Bass told the Times the mayor had “no knowledge” of any deletion request. Bass has not responded to new questions from LAist.

Unclear Record Retention Rules

State law generally requires cities and counties to retain public records for two years. But LAHSA, as a joint powers authority created and funded by both city and county, operates under a different structure and its exact retention obligations are unclear. LAHSA has declined multiple requests from LAist to disclose its record-retention policies.

In late May, LAist filed a records request for all emails between Bass and Adams Kellum. After requesting time extensions, LAHSA ultimately objected, calling the request “unreasonably broad and unduly burdensome.” The agency has not stated how many such emails exist.

LAist Faces Its Own Challenge

Even as it drives watchdog reporting on homelessness, elections, climate and the economy, LAist is confronting a financial crisis. Congress’s decision to claw back public-media funding has left the newsroom with a $3.4 million shortfall over the next two years.

In an appeal to readers, the Editor-in-Chief wrote that LAist has been “doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before” but can no longer rely on federal funds to remain paywall-free. The newsroom is urging readers to become monthly members to sustain its independence and continue reporting on high-stakes issues like the LAHSA investigation.

“No matter where you stand on the political spectrum,” the appeal notes, “press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair.”

The LAHSA investigation underscores how watchdog journalism can expose alleged misconduct inside public agencies and trigger official action. As Los Angeles County reviews claims of fraud, waste and abuse at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the outcome could reshape oversight of the region’s homelessness response.

At the same time, LAist’s $3.4 million federal funding loss highlights the vulnerability of independent, nonprofit newsrooms that bring such issues to light. Whether the probe confirms or rejects the allegations, its progress will test the accountability of LAHSA leadership — and demonstrate why reader support is essential to sustain transparent reporting on critical public institutions.

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The Pitt Wins Big at Emmy Awards 2025 While Putting Los Angeles Film Production in the Spotlight

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HBO Max’s acclaimed hospital drama “The Pitt” may be set in Pittsburgh, but its creative heartbeat lies firmly in Los Angeles film production. On Sunday night the series captured the Emmy Award for Best Drama Series, dedicating the win to healthcare workers while also drawing attention to the challenges of keeping high-profile shows shooting in California.

The creators used their moment backstage to deliver a broader message: Los Angeles, long celebrated as the entertainment capital of the world, needs sustained support to keep productions local.

Story Highlights

“The Pitt” wins Best Drama Series at the 2025 Emmy Awards
Filmed in Los Angeles despite Pittsburgh setting
R. Scott Gemmill and Noah Wyle urge more investment in California’s film industry
State raises film tax credit cap to $750 million to attract productions
FilmLA data shows TV production rising but still below five-year average

Los Angeles as Production Home Base

Creator R. Scott Gemmill, also a veteran of “ER,” said after the ceremony that he feels a personal sense of accomplishment showing that a major HBO Max drama series can be filmed locally.

“When we get casting, I think they get like 3,000 submissions for each role,” Gemmill explained. “That’s how hungry the people are that work in Los Angeles. Just the fact that we can do our small part is really important, but I hope other producers take note.”

Gemmill’s comments underscored a point many in the industry have been voicing quietly: competition from other states and countries, pandemic slowdowns and the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes have chipped away at California’s production dominance.

Noah Wyle on Generational Talent

Star and executive producer Noah Wyle, who took home two Emmys on Sunday night — one as lead actor and another as a producer — echoed the call for keeping series like “The Pitt” anchored in Los Angeles.

“I talked about our special effects coordinator on our show, whose name is Rob Nary, whose father was a special effects coordinator, whose grandfather was a special effects coordinator,” Wyle said.

He used the anecdote to highlight the region’s deep bench of skilled crew members.

“You can put up a soundstage in another state, but they don’t come with Rob Narys,” Wyle added.

Wyle also recalled attending the July ceremony where Governor Gavin Newsom signed an expansion of California’s film and TV tax credit program, boosting the cap from $330 million to $750 million. He spoke at the event about his experience filming locally.

Tax Credit and Local Economy

That tax credit expansion, industry insiders say, is designed to lure productions back to the state. Shows like “The Pitt” demonstrate how California can still deliver large-scale television while employing hundreds of union workers and sustaining small businesses connected to the industry.

Paul Audley, president of FilmLA, praised the Emmy wins for both “The Pitt” and the comedy “The Studio,” which is also shot in Los Angeles.

“These productions not only highlight the overwhelming talent that this region is known for,” Audley said in a statement, “but productions like these employ hundreds of film industry workers and contribute to a strong and thriving economy. Filming locally supports our communities, small businesses, and workers across every corner of the film industry.”

Production Trends Show Mixed Picture

Despite the high-profile success, the overall numbers for Los Angeles film production remain mixed. From April through June this year, television production saw a 17% increase in on-location shoot days compared with the same period last year, reaching 2,224 — the highest since early 2024.

Yet the total remains 32.6% below the five-year quarterly average, and overall on-location shoot days across all categories fell 6.2%.

Industry analysts say the Emmy wins could help send a signal to producers weighing whether to stay in California. For Gemmill and Wyle, the message from “The Pitt” is clear: filming in Los Angeles taps into a century of generational expertise and keeps the city’s entertainment ecosystem alive.

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