Climate & Environment

Who caused the East LA oil spill? What we know about the companies that may be involved

An estimated 2,400 gallons of crude oil spilled onto East L.A. streets near homes, businesses and schools.

Crews wearing safety vests apply dirt on a street with oil on the pavement. A small plaza and bust stop are behind them.

What does rebuilding mean? These fire survivors showed us

LAist asked what rebuilding your life means after a disaster. Fire survivors shared.

A collage of two photos where the photo on the left shows a child inside an ADU smiling through an unfinished window, and the photo on the right shows empty lots with some construction spread out and the ocean in the distance on an overcast day.

Judge denies company’s attempt to keep cancer patients’ cases from going to trial

In 2024, a group of Southeast L.A. residents filed a lawsuit against Sterigenics, a company that uses a controversial chemical to sterilize medical equipment.

A glass door with lettering that reads "Sterigenics / A Sotera Health Company." Next to the glass door is a yellow sign that reads "CAUTION/ Ethylene Oxide. Door(s) shall be kept closed when not in use."

What’s next for neighbors living near Garden Grove factory at center of chemical scare?

OC fire officials reduced the 'safety zone' around the tank to 150 feet Thursday.

Listen 0:41

Rose of people are in seats with a screen at the front and flags

Is there a facility like the Garden Grove chemical tank near you? How to find out

If the near-disaster in Orange County has you worried, you can find out about facilities near you — and keep tabs on them by getting involved with government regulators.

A photo of a giant tank with smoke and chemical coming out of it. On the photo it says, "CBS News Los Angeles: Hazmat Situation"

Reminder for Eastside households: You can still apply for free in-home air purifiers

Amid concerns following the East LA oil spill, residents in East LA and Boyle Heights can apply for free air purifiers through the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

A person's hand presses the touch screen button to start an air purifier.

More ‘May Gray’ weather in store for Southern California

Enjoy the clouds while you can — warmer temperatures are expected to return to the region by the weekend.

Tall buildings and part of a mountain are obscured by gray fog and cloudy skies in the distance. A line of trees, including a palm sticking out into the sky, are sitting in front of the fog.

‘I need Chevron’: The oil company at the center of the California governor’s race

California wants to phase out fossil fuels, but still needs gas. That makes for messy politics and a frontrunner saying, "I need Chevron."

A car, seen in motion blur, exits a Chevron gas station at the corner of an intersection of a busy street with other cars. Signage from the gas station shows prices ranging from $7.61 to $7.69

Dozens of oiled birds rescued after an East LA oil spill. What to do if you see one

The Oiled Wildlife Care Network said it has taken in 25 birds affected by an oil spill that released more than 2,000 gallons of crude oil into East LA.

A baby bird on a towel flanked by two gloved hands.

Why hybrids — not EVs — are winning over US consumers

High gas prices are driving EV growth in other parts of the world — but American drivers are favoring hybrids.

A dark-skinned man is inserting an electric vehicle charging plug into his Nissan. He is wearing a white shirt and black pants, and his head is not shown. It is daytime, and cars are parked around him.

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Climate & Environment

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