Robert Garrova

Criminal Justice

Ex-deputy mayor gets 12 years in prison for role in LA City Hall corruption scheme

A federal judge sentenced former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan to 12 years in prison in connection with a "pay-to-play criminal enterprise" stretching back to 2013.

Los Angeles City Hall in the distance. It's an art-deco style building with a pyramidal rooftop and white facade.

Health

Kaiser mental health workers say they are prepared to go on strike

More than 80% of Kaiser’s caregivers — including psychologists, social workers and marriage and family therapists — signed a strike authorization petition.

The scene from a a December 2019 picket line outside Kaiser's Los Angeles Medical Center. Five picketers walk in front of a Kaiser Permanente building, holding signs that read "Kaiser, don't deny my patients mental health care," and "Unfair Labor Practice Strike."

Criminal Justice

The Huntington Botanical Gardens has a plant theft problem. It’s a global issue

The Desert Garden is a hot spot for thieves looking to pilfer succulents and cacti.

A sign at The Huntington reads: "This plant was stolen"

Climate & Environment

The Bobcat Fire destroyed more than 115,000 acres in and around the Angeles National Forest four years ago, and forced the closure of the Big Santa Anita Canyon and other areas. Now portions of that land will reopen on Oct. 2.

Civics & Democracy

We have the details on some upcoming debates for LA's CD14 and LA County DA

The election is getting close. For folks still making up their minds, we highlight some chances to hear directly from the candidates.

From top left clockwise: A woman with long dark hair and wearing a blue jacket over a white top top smiles for the camera. On the left, a man with dark, graying hair is wearing a light-colored button down shirt. He is also smiling for the camera. A man looks to his left, he wears a collared white shirt. A man has glasses and gray hair.

Civics & Democracy

Formerly incarcerated people speak out about forced labor; support for Prop. 6

Prop. 6 would ban forced labor in California prisons, while still allowing people in prison to work to earn good-time credits.

Dominique Davis stands in front of a podium that has a sign on it that says 'Yes on 6.' She is flanked by prop 6 supporters and an American flag.

Food

Bob’s Big Boy in Downey hoping to restore statue with hairdo ripped off in crash

The statue is a Downey mainstay. So beloved, one person actually started crying after learning of the accident.

A damaged Bob's Big Boy statue stands in Downey. The top part of his head is gone and a sign on him reads: "Don't worry... I'll be back!"

Climate & Environment

Wildfires have plagued California for years. How often is arson to blame?

Arson-related arrests increased in California nearly doubled in 2023 when compared to five years earlier, according to Cal Fire.

A fire vehicle blocks a road where a raging fire is visible behind it.

News

Here’s why you got an alert for the Malibu earthquake, but not the last one

Thousands of Angelenos were jolted with a cell phone alert around 7:30 a.m. Thursday that said: "Earthquake detected! Drop, Cover, Hold On."

Alert message warns recipient to brace for an incoming quake.

Health

Suicide is third-leading cause of death for LA youth. Here's how to get help

In 2022, nearly 900 hundred county residents died by suicide. Here's a look at what's being done to reverse those numbers, and how you can help.

A person with light-tone skin holds a bookmark reading: 988 Suicide and Crisis LIFELINE there is hope

Climate & Environment

Get ready for fire season. Here's how to sign up for emergency alerts in Southern California

Each county in Southern California has its own way of doing things. Here’s a list of emergency alert systems to sign up for so you’ll always be in the know.