Latest news with #LAist
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Toxic algae sicknesses declining, marine animal rescue org says
Congratulations, Southern California. Experts say the worst of the deadly algae bloom is over. The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro on Wednesday announced that 'there have been no new patients showing signs of domoic acid (DA) toxicosis this past week and no signs of Pseudo-nitzschia algae detected in Southern California waters as of Friday.' In the past few months, animals like birds, sea lions and marine mammals have been sickened or killed by domoic acid poisoning, which is brought on by algae blooms. The flood of sickened animals overwhelmed veterinarians and care centers near the Southern California coast, though many of those animals that were treated were able to recover from the potentially fatal toxin. 'This was the longest, most toxic, and deadliest bloom we've ever experienced,' the MMCC said. 'Because of your support and advocacy, we got through it, and hundreds of marine mammals received a second chance at life!' Though the worst of this crisis appears to be over, the MMCC is preparing for the next battle by expanding its facilities and increasing patient capacity. As LAist notes, climate change is making oceans more acidic as they absorb more carbon dioxide, conditions that allow many algae to thrive. 'And some of those algae, like Pseudo-nitzschia, produce the toxic domoic acid,' LAist explains. 'We're seeing these types of events happening year after year after year. And they're increasing in their intensity and their frequency,' David Bader, a marine biologist with the MMCC, told LAist. As a result, the MMCC is currently fundraising to assist in that preparation effort. 'We couldn't have made it through without your support,' the organization added. 'Thank you for every donation, comment, and share. Here's a big California sea lion-sized thank you from all of us at MMCC!' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Mayor
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
How Trees Destroyed by the L.A. Fires Are Being Recycled Into New Lumber
After this year's fires burned through the Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods, destroying over 16,000 structures, the city is reckoning with 4.5 million tons of debris, according to LAist—'the largest municipal wildfire cleanup operation in recent history.' As a result, the Army Corps of Engineers is sending trucks to 18 different regional facilities including landfills and recycling plants to manage the process of clearing out build remnants and remediating hazardous materials. Trees that appear damaged or unviable are cut down and sent to a local golf course to be mulched—a fact that doesn't sit right with local sawmill owner Jeff Perry. For the past decade, Perry's mill, Angel City Lumber (ACL), has sourced trees from Los Angeles County that have been cut down due to disease, pests, or development and transformed them into usable lumber. In the aftermath of the Palisades and Eaton Fires, Perry teamed up with local landscape architects Ruth Siegel (who is also the deputy director of the nonprofit Los Angeles Futures) and Blake Jopling (who works for Rana, a small landscape architecture practice) to create Altadena Reciprocity, an initiative that helps homeowners recycle an often-overlooked resource—neighborhood trees—into a product that residents can use for flooring, stair treads, door casings, and much more. By reusing these trees and selling the product at a low cost, post-disaster material reuse can immediately serve rebuilding efforts and address both the high costs of construction and the need for healing after disaster strikes. Recycling after natural disasters is a net-good; rather than sending these materials to the landfill, concrete and metals can be safely recomposed for future projects. The Environmental Protection Agency cites a myriad of benefits, including generating revenue, creating jobs, and offsetting carbon outputs from landfilling or new product manufacturing. The agency states that, after disasters, asphalt can be re-aggregated into asphalt-concrete pavements, and metals like steel, bronze, and copper have high values and can also be sold as scrap. Wood, however, is usually relegated to landscape mulch, which, says Perry, is replicative of how cities usually deal with their dead or dying tree canopy. Read More Core77 Weekly Roundup (10-10-23 to 10-13-23) Los Angeles County, for instance, has 13 million trees, says Perry. An average dieback scenario—wherein trees reach the end of their lifecycle—means around ten percent of those trees die each year. 'That's a lot of trees coming down, and we're mulching them all.' He calls this 'insanity.' 'We're basically operating out of a postindustrial, commoditizing-natural-resources mentality, where all the wood you get is from the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and Brazil, but all the wood that falls domestically—we chip it,' Perry explains. 'There's around two billion board feet of wood that is consumed in the housing market of Los Angeles,' adds Siegel. 'Based on the dieback rates, there's about the same or more wood in board feet available [locally], and we're not using any of that.' The fires exacerbated the availability of dead, damaged, and downed trees; Jopling notes that the Army Corps also had to take down trees that might have survived, but were planted too close to homes and needed to be removed so that heavy machinery could safely demolish and clean up properties. For trees still standing, the trio is fielding phone calls from residents who need help surveying their tree's health, tagging trees for removal, and working with the Army Corps to identify those that would be suitable for reuse. These damaged trees, Perry explains, aren't just future lumber. While other groups have assembled in Los Angeles to salvage materials like handmade fireplace tiles—which speak to the city's Arts and Crafts architectural history—reusing trees is akin to preserving Los Angeles's urban planning and botanical history. Read More Combus shelving system by Narbutas 'Urban planners, over the last century or longer, chose certain species for ornamental reasons, usually to forest a given area, to give it more canopy,' says Perry. As settlers arrived during the Gold Rush and began building up present day L.A., they chose eucalyptus, ficus, acacia, 'and a lot of Australasian species that are fast growing and robust in an arid environment,' he says, adding that Deodar cedar, California sycamore, and Aleppo pine, and Italian stone pine are also common. Jopling, who was born and raised in Altadena, notes that these trees flourished in the Palisades area, providing a distinct, dense canopy. 'It has to do with the development pattern in Los Angeles in the '20s and '30s, which also coincided with a time where there was a great botanical interest in tree species,' Jopling says. Most of these species aren't commercially used in structural lumber, but ACL will likely be able to produce enough millwork-grade board for 500 rebuilt homes, says Siegel. It will be milled, air dried, and ready to be sold in a few years to coincide with anticipated permitting timelines. Jopling notes that many Altadena residents are running into higher costs to rebuild—as much as 40 percent more than originally anticipated—or are underinsured. To meet those needs, all of the repurposed lumber will be sold at or below market cost, primarily to Altadena residents who are looking to rebuild. 'Lumber prices have doubled since pre-pandemic times…it's going to get even worse, given the tariffs and given this rush to rebuild all at the same time,' explains Siegel. 'I see this as an imperative mission to help with a rebuilding and to make it affordable for the community.' Altadena Reciprocity, she continues, could become a model for how cities and counties respond to natural disasters in the age of material scarcity. Federal agencies could see their endeavor as a sustainable model for repurposing trees after hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Importantly, trees also have meaning to many residents. As Jopling has traveled around Altadena to perform assessments, what should be a 'quick process' quickly turns into a long and difficult conversation with homeowners about the struggle to rebuild. 'It's all these layers of sad, sad stories, but in great contrast to talking to people about their trees,' he says. 'It's small relative to all the things that need to happen, but I'll go and tag trees that people have asked me to come take a look at because they want to maintain a relationship with the tree after it goes.' To preserve that bond, ACL offers to 'save' a dead or dying tree on a property by having it cut and milled specifically for the homeowner. 'Trees are really emotional,' says Siegel. 'You get attached to them on your property or in your neighborhood, and it's that little silver lining, I think, that gives people a little relief after the trauma.' Top photo by courtesy of Angel City Lumber. Related Reading:
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Guy Edward Bartkus May Have Left 'Pro-Mortalist' Manifesto, FBI Says
Guy Edward Bartkus was identified as the suspect accused in the bombing targeting a Palm Springs, CA, fertility clinic, and authorities are investigating a possible manifesto, according to the FBI. The bombing occurred on May 17, 2025, near American Reproductive Centers, which says on its website that it offers services that include surrogacy, egg freezing, and in vitro fertilization. The "pro-mortalist" website with the purported manifesto has been widely disseminated on social media and was reviewed by Men's Journal. The opening line refers to "my suicide & bombing of an IVF clinic!" According to The Urban Dictionary, pro-mortalism is "a philosophical position for any sentient being, it is always the best to die as soon as possible." "We are fairly confident that Mr. Bartkus is our primary suspect," said Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI in Los Angeles, in a May 18 news conference. He described Bartkus as having "nihilistic ideations." In the news conference, when asked about a widely shared pro-mortalist website being described as a manifesto, Davis confirmed: "We are looking through that. We are tracking a possible manifesto out there, and it's part of our investigation." Later in the news conference, he said that authorities believe Bartkus had "nihilistic" beliefs "based on some of the posts he made online, some of the comments made in his manifesto that we're combing through right now." "We believe he was attempting to live stream it," he added of the attack. Asked if the audio recording on the pro-mortalist website was confirmed to be the suspect, Davis said he was not going to comment on that aspect yet. Bartkus, 25, was from Twentynine Palms, CA, and authorities revealed he's the person they believe died in the explosion. "We believe he was the subject found near the vehicle... a 2010 silver Ford Fusion sedan," Davis said in the news conference. The website manifesto refers to the writer as a pro-mortalist. The New York Post reported that Bartkus was a "self-described 'pro-mortalist." LAist reported that, on the site, Bartkus "does not use his name in writing or in an audio file detailing his beliefs. The site also featured a FAQ explaining his intention for the attack." In it, according to LAist, Bartkus describes himself as being a "misandrist" as well as a "promortalist." The Los Angeles Times reported that the online website 'contained no name, but appeared connected to the bombing' and 'laid out the case for 'a war against pro-lifers,'' saying a 'fertilization clinic would be targeted.' All of those descriptions match the website reviewed by Men's Journal. The website widely shared contains the question, "PRO MORTALIST?! So you're just pro psycho killers?!" "No, understand your death is already a guarantee, and you can thank your parents for that one," it says. "All a promortalist is saying is let's make it happen sooner rather than later (and preferably peaceful rather than some disease or accident), to prevent your future suffering, and, more importantly, the suffering your existence will cause to all the other sentient beings," the answer says. The manifesto website says that related philosophies include "Negative Utilitarianism, Efilism, Abolitionist Veganism, basically, philosophies" that oppose religion. The website says, referring to Bartkus and a friend, "We were both antisex (don't mistake for asexual, I'm talking like r/antisex) misandrists, VegAntinatalist, negative utilitarians. Both also had borderline personality 'disorder.'" What is nihilism? "Nihilism is the belief that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated. It is often associated with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that condemns existence. A true nihilist would believe in nothing, have no loyalties, and no purpose other than, perhaps, an impulse to destroy," the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy explains. Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said in the news conference that there is "no continuing threat to our community as a result of this incident." "I have been briefed on the explosion at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, CA, that took place today. Federal agents are on the ground now responding alongside local law enforcement," U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X, adding, "Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable." Davis called the incident 'one of the largest bombing investigations we've had in Southern California.' 'Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,' he said. "The FBI is investigating it as such." Davis said that authorities are still working to 100% identify the deceased person at the scene as Bartkus, but that they believe it is.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bittersweet fledge watch begins for bald eagles Sunny and Gizmo
It's almost time for two young birds who have captivated the internet around the world to leave the nest. According to Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), Fledge Watch for eaglets Sunny and Gizmo officially kicks off today. Young eagles like Sunny and Gizmo typically fledge–or leave the nest and fly–when they can flatten their wings and have feathers capable of flight. This typically occurs when the birds hit 10 to 14 weeks of age. Males also tend to take their first flight a little sooner than females. Over the past several weeks, Sunny and Gizmo have made major progress towards this goal. They can feed themselves and even spent their first night alone on the nest on May 8. They've also been flapping vigorously to build up their strength to take to the skies. Sunny has even started hopping up onto the edges of the nest, in what looks to be preparation for flight. This week's Fledge Watch is expected to be similar to Pip Watch from early March. However, the fledge window is wide and could take until mid-June. A previous eaglet named Simba took a full 16 weeks to fledge. 'When they feel confident enough, you know, we don't know whether they'll go together or separately, but each one will just decide it's ready,' FOBBV Executive Director Sandy Steers told LAist. 'They may come back to the nest, you know, now and then, but they just fly for the first time and it's beautiful.' It might take the pair a little while to get their wing strength up to fly back up to the 145-feet high nest. However, they are expected to stick around the Big Bear Lake for at least three months and follow their parents while they learn to fish and hunt. According to FOBBV, fledglings from Southern California have been spotted as far south as Baja California, as far north as British Columbia, and as far east as Yellowstone National Park. About 70 percent of bald eagles survive the fledgling stage. Getting hit by cars when they are scavenging on roadkill. flying into power lines, or lead poisoning from eating something that has been shot are their biggest threats during this time. Two monitored chicks–Simba and Stormy–were both found dead only after fledging. Tens of thousands of viewers have been following their journey via a 24-hour livecam, and it has been an emotional rollercoaster. After three eggs failed to hatch in 2024, three eggs appeared in the nest earlier this year. Chick 1 hatched late on March 3, followed by Chick 2 early on March 4, and Chick 3 hatched on March 8. On the evening of March 13, a snowstorm hit the area, dumping up to two feet of snow and pummeling the nest with strong winds. On the morning of March 14, only two of the chicks were visible on the live cam. FOBBV later confirmed the passing of one of the chicks. [ Related: Jackie and Shadow's eaglets officially named: Meet Sunny and Gizmo. ] FOBBV believes that Chick 1 died based on foot size and the amount of thermal down feathers on the other two eaglets. The deceased chick has since been named Misty in honor of Kathi Misterly, an FOBBV volunteer who passed away after a battle with cancer. A group of students from a local elementary school voted on the names Sunny and Gizmo in early April. As of now, their bones are almost fully grown. They're estimated to be about 3 feet tall at this stage, closer to dad Shadow's height. As with most female eagles, Jackie is larger. While the sex of the eaglets is not yet determine–and they look a lot alike–there are some slight differences on their heads and tails. Sunny is the older eaglet and has a longer tail. The first bits of white on Sunny's tail feathers are also starting to show. As for Gizmo, the corner of this eaglet's mouth is more orange than Sunny's. Gizmo also sports a thicker lower lip. FOBBV says that this gives Gizmo a 'Mona Lisa smile.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Exploding squirrel population drives popular Southern California beach community nuts
A squirrel population that appears to be growing out of control has residents at one famous Southern California beach community concerned. Dozens of fuzzy critters were seen running around Santa Monica's Palisades Park, stretching along Ocean Avenue, as KTLA's Kimberly Cheng talked to residents Monday. 'These squirrels have become kind of desensitized to all of the people … I almost trip over them when I jog because they don't get out of your way,' Santa Monica resident Gary Spiegel said. Squirrels are not new to the area, but some say the population has exploded since the COVID pandemic in 2020. The city of Santa Monica has posted signs asking the public not to feed squirrels or birds in the area. The red and white signs say it 'creates an imbalance in native ecology' and increases their dependence on humans for food, media outlet LAist reported. Despite the signs, KTLA cameras caught several visitors to the park handing food over to the squirrels. 'It's crazy. People come and they play with them. They feed them all the time now … I'm just like, guys, stop. Please stop feeding the squirrels,' said Santa Monica resident Aimee Flaherty, who also said the squirrels aren't afraid of people. 'I was just sitting in the park and the squirrels came up to me and one actually crawled on my leg,' she said. Flaherty was urging people to stop feeding the squirrels because she doesn't want the population to be controlled by the city or for any poisons to be used. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
