A sewage spill has forced officials to close down a one-mile stretch of beach near Ballona Creek today, and the beach will remain off-limits to surfers and swimmers until at least late Thursday afternoon. more ›

Remember in June when L.A. County health officials released a study that broke down smoking rates based on geographical locations? It showed that cities like West Hollywood and Lancaster have some of the highest smoking rates while Malibu, Agoura Hills and Calabasas had the lowest ones. more ›

With high temperatures expected today and tomorrow, L.A. County public health officials issued a heat advisory this morning. “While people don’t need to be told it’s hot outside, they do need to be reminded how to take care of themselves, children, the elderly, and their pets when the weather gets hotter,” said County Health Officer Jonathan E. Fielding. Temperatures in the San Fernando Valley are expected to be in the high 80s and low 90s with temperatures in the 90s in the Santa Clarita Valley and hitting 100 in the Antelope Valley. Also, air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive individuals in the Santa Clarita Valley today. more ›

When it comes to condom use in the local porn business, Los Angeles County officials are opting to keep their hands to themselves. more ›

Wouldn't it be nice if one day it rained in Los Angeles and it wouldn't mean the government telling residents to stay away from beaches because of pollution? As with every time it rains, County Health Officer Jonathan E. Fielding cautions residents who are planning on visiting beaches and going in the water. Specifically, the concern is around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers where bacteria, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to enter the ocean. more ›

Before, the only people receiving H1N1 vaccine from Los Angeles County were those who fit special criteria--such as young children, the elderly, etc--but today, public health officials announced the arrival of more shipments. more ›

Why won't Dr. Jonathan Fielding answer basic questions about H1N1? Reporters at USC's journalism project, Neon Tommy, have done a fantastic job investigating the epidemic disease. Fielding apparently declined to go on KCRW's Which Way, L.A.? Tuesday night to engage in a conversation with Neon's Callie Schweitzer (however, he did speak with host Warren Olney), who in turn published an open letter to Fielding. more ›