Grace Toohey
@grace2e.bsky.social
Los Angeles Times breaking news reporter, focused on climate issues, wildfires and housing. grace.toohey@latimes.com DM for Signal
People online compared his sister to Rosa Parks but Joseph shook his head. Rosa Parks had agency. She chose to make a stand. His sister was just riding the Orange Line." The true story behind THAT photo from @byelliesilverman.bsky.social www.notus.org/metro/viral-...
The Woman in the Photo Wanted to Be Alone. Instead, She Went Viral.
America saw what it wanted to see on the face of its newest icon. And everyone saw it wrong.
notus.org
"Nature always prevails." This line stuck with me after seeing the aftermath of the largest fire in Channel Islands NP history. Now beings the long process of restoring this ecological oasis, but a lot remains unknown... My dispatch from Santa Rosa Island: www.latimes.com/california/s...
A huge fire threatened to burn a pristine California island. Inside the fight to preserve this oasis
It's been just days since firefighters reached full containment of the 18,379-acre blaze on Santa Rosa Island. Crews are now assessing the damage to this ecological and cultural oasis.
latimes.com
Happy primaries @ California! Don't forget to vote TODAY if you haven't alread, and here's the @latimes handy voter guide: www.latimes.com/california/s...
Voter guide to the 2026 California primary election
California's primary election takes place on June 2. Learn about L.A.'s city and county races and others for state offices.
latimes.com
Back on the report that found NO failures by LA County FIre in Altadena evacs (tho we've reported extensively about issues). Of particular concern: it incorrectly said all west Altadena zones were evacuated at 3:25 am. But 2 zones weren't until 5:42. After I inquired, it was updated YET
Grace Toohey@grace2e.bsky.social · 3mo agoICYMI: LA County Fire ordered another review of its evacuation decision-making from the Eaton fire, when evac alerts came hours after flames began to threaten W Altadena. The findings? No failure. Residents, experts had... things to say. W/ @jennyja.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
ICYMI: LA County Fire ordered another review of its evacuation decision-making from the Eaton fire, when evac alerts came hours after flames began to threaten W Altadena. The findings? No failure. Residents, experts had... things to say. W/ @jennyja.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
Report finds no failures in Altadena fire evacuations. Critics decry lack of accountability
A report by a consultant looked into L.A. County firefighting commanders' decision-making during the Eaton fire and concluded evacuation alerts were handled properly, even as residents say they were l...
latimes.com
💯 This is a low-key issue that we flagged in our May 2025 report (below) estimating a nearly identical # of homes in question. There is no low-cost option here, and the question of integrating septic into sewer looms throughout the state. We'll have estimates on potential through the WWNA by 2027.
Grace Toohey@grace2e.bsky.social · 3mo agoLA County & many Altadenans agree: now's the time to build sewer lines for the town's ~660 homes without the service. But it costs $70M, which LA county says it can't afford. The issue brings new $$ worries and rebuilding delays + uncertainties to fire survivors. www.latimes.com/california/s...
LA County & many Altadenans agree: now's the time to build sewer lines for the town's ~660 homes without the service. But it costs $70M, which LA county says it can't afford. The issue brings new $$ worries and rebuilding delays + uncertainties to fire survivors. www.latimes.com/california/s...
Altadena's latest roadblock to rebuilding: Sewage
Hundreds of Altadena residents worry that they may be on the hook for a share of the estimated $70 million needed to build sewer lines in neighborhoods that rely on septic tanks.
latimes.com
In case you missed, @agrobbonta.oag.ca.gov announced yesterday that CA will investigate disparities from the Eaton fire response, particularly related to delayed evac alerts in historically Black west Altadena. Discrimination can be found without intent.
California launches civil rights probe into botched evacuations in historically Black Altadena
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta announced an investigation into potential civil rights violations during the emergency response to the Eaton fire. West Altadena, a historically Black community, receiv...
latimes.com
California's attorney general has opened a civil rights investigation into delayed evacuations during the deadly Eaton fire. The investigation comes after @latimes.com reporting revealed that people in west Altadena received late evacuation alerts @grace2e.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
California launches civil rights probe into botched evacuations in historically Black Altadena
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta announced an investigation into potential civil rights violations during the emergency response to the Eaton fire. West Altadena, a historically Black community, receiv...
latimes.com
“Sometimes when you live on the edge, the edge falls off. ... You got to be tough to live in Big Sur.” I talked to residents and experts about how to plan for Highway 1's future -- and if you can www.latimes.com/california/s...
California's iconic Highway 1 is fighting a losing battle against climate change. Can it survive?
California marked a milestone this month with the return of an uninterrupted Highway 1 through the perilous, yet spectacular cliffs of Big Sur.
latimes.com
California is suing the Trump administration over its efforts to jump-start offshore oil drilling along the Central Coast: www.latimes.com/california/s... via @grace2e.bsky.social
California's fight with offshore oil firm escalates with lawsuit against Trump administration
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta has filed suit against the Trump administration, alleging it has illegally claimed oversight of, and granted approvals for, oil rig pipelines.
latimes.com
In @agrobbonta.oag.ca.gov's 55th lawsuit against Trump admin, he challenges what he called an 'unlawful power grab' by federal pipeline regulators. PHMSA usurped CA's oversight of oil lines, part of a controversial plan to restart offshore drilling near Santa Barbara www.latimes.com/california/s...
California's fight with offshore oil firm escalates with lawsuit against Trump administration
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta has filed suit against the Trump administration, alleging it has illegally claimed oversight of, and granted approvals for, oil rig pipelines.
latimes.com
He is the 2nd man blinded by close-range projectiles fired at protesters by federal agents. But he won't be deterred: “When I heal up, I’m gonna be back out there, protesting ... this is not the country that I want to live in.” Via @latimes.com Ruben Vives www.latimes.com/california/s...
Second man shares horrific story of being blinded by officers at anti-ICE rally in Santa Ana
A second man says he was blinded by ICE agents shooting a projectile at a protest in Santa Ana. Britain Rodriguez, 31, a resident of Orange County, said he was standing at the bottom of some steps whe...
latimes.com
Lora Swayne, 71, was a lifelong resident of the unincorporated town, spending most of her life in west Altadena where her parents settled in the 1960s — part of a wave of new homeowners who helped form a thriving Black community. @latimes.com @grace2e.bsky.social
A year after Eaton fire, Altadena man fights to honor late sister's memory. 'Can’t replace what I lost'
Lora Swayne was a lifelong Altadenan who loved her community and family. Her brother worries that she and the 30 others who died in the January 2025 firestorm are being forgotten amid a focus on recov...
latimes.com
Hard to believe it's Jan. 7. Again. The devastating fires that ignited this day a year ago continue to challenge and shape Los Angeles -- in loss and grief and anger, but also resilience. If you missed the @latimes.com special section, today's the day to read: www.latimes.com/after-the-fi...
After the Fires: L.A.'s double disaster left thousands of scars, and the healing will take years
The Eaton and Palisades fires tragically exposed L.A.’s vulnerability. The Times looks back at a devastating year, scrutinizes official response and makes the case for being better prepared next time.
latimes.com
Homes that had cleared vegetation within five feet of the walls were less likely to burn in the Eaton and Palisades fire, new investigation funded by the insurance industry finds: www.latimes.com/environment/... via @nohaggerty.bsky.social
Early adopters of 'zone zero' fared better in L.A. County fires, insurance-backed investigation finds
A new study found that in the Eaton and Palisades fires, homes that had already adopted proposed regulations on creating vegetation-free buffers were less likely to burn.
latimes.com
“A food hall and sanctuary for us all. Mercado La Paloma embodies the Los Angeles we love.” Such a perfect pick for @latimes.com Restaurant of the Year. So many others to try. Happy eating!!! www.latimes.com/food/list/10...
These are the 101 best restaurants in Los Angeles
Restaurant critic Bill Addison and columnist Jenn Harris rank the 101 best restaurants in Los Angeles.
latimes.com
Heartbreaking reporting from @racheluranga.bsky.social. A must read: www.latimes.com/california/s...
Pregnant immigrants held for months in detention despite rules against it
With the immigration crackdown, more pregnant women are being detained. The ACLU alleges a woman was shackled while miscarrying and others were denied prenatal care.
latimes.com
Loved this profile of the mother+son duo helping bring wildflowers back to L.A. fire-ravaged neighborhoods (and there's a link to support their mission, timely for Giving Tuesday!!) via @jmarantosplants.bsky.social www.latimes.com/lifestyle/ne...
This mother and son are sowing purpose and hope, one wildflower at a time
Their vision is to transform L.A.'s vacant, fire-scarred neighborhoods into fields of California poppies and other native wildflowers.
latimes.com
Annnnddd more issues with emergency alerts in LA... It took 6 hours for officials to send out a shelter-in-place order for residents near a toxic fire burning at the port of Los Angeles, via Clara Harter www.latimes.com/california/s...
Toxic L.A. port fire burned for hours before emergency alerts were sent
Time lags and errors in the issuing of shelter-in-place alerts during a massive hazardous materials fire at the Port of L.A. have, once again, raised concerns about the effectiveness of regional emerg...
latimes.com
Ranchos Palos Verdes landslide is so bad that a lot of folks have been forced to go off-grid with solar and storage. Interesting stuff from @grace2e.bsky.social: 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...
latimes.com
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...
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...
latimes.com
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/...
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.
latimes.com
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...
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.
latimes.com
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.
latimes.com
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...
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.
latimes.com
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...
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...
latimes.com
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...
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.
latimes.com
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.
latimes.com
'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...
'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.
latimes.com