Robert Garrova
I cover mental health at a time when L.A. — and the nation — is failing people who live with a serious mental illness. The L.A. County jail system is the de-facto mental health institution for our region, and people who want help with their mental health often can’t get it, even if they can afford it. I’ll work to help Angelenos understand how we got here and what reforms aim to change things. I’ll do this through the stories of people struggling with their own mental health and those trying to get care for a loved one.
My reporting has taken me to the edge of wildfires in California, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, steps away from a robot that’s now exploring Mars, and into the homes of countless Angelenos.
I’ve had many jobs in radio. I used to help produce and direct the flagship show for Marketplace, a daily business and economic news show. I also spent a couple years in the Northeast working as a reporter. I found my love of audio journalism while interning on LAist's (formerly KPCC’s) Off-Ramp in 2013.
I was born and raised in SoCal. I’m most proud when my journalism can help raise the voices of people struggling in this beautiful region stricken by inequality.
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The group Ornaments for Altadena is accepting holiday decoration donations. -
Forest Lawn Memorial Park’s latest exhibit fittingly is all about flowers. -
Officials are aiming to reopen the 7-mile stretch of road by spring. It was closed in 2023 due to landslides. -
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research. -
If state regulators approve the increase, ratepayers could see a 10% increase in the coming months. -
"Listening Hour" sessions are where people can find collective healing by sharing their stories. -
Built in 1933, the colossal building known as “The Great Stone Mother” is poised to be the anchor of a city within a city. -
A growing community of collectors are sharing their obscure horror flicks and other physical media. -
New work-requirement rules scheduled to go into effect in early 2026 could leave more than 200,000 Angelenos at risk of losing their CalFresh benefits.
